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Perfect Pastel French Macarons

Elegant pastel-colored French macarons with delicate shells and creamy buttercream filling.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 20 macarons
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Macaron Shells
  • 1 cup almond flour finely sifted
  • 1.75 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 egg whites room temperature
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • gel food coloring pastel shades
Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together until very fine.
  2. Whip egg whites and gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
  3. Fold dry ingredients into meringue until smooth and flowing.
  4. Pipe circles onto baking sheets and tap to remove air bubbles.
  5. Rest macarons until a dry skin forms.
  6. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 14–16 minutes.
  7. Prepare buttercream by mixing butter, sugar, vanilla, and cream.
  8. Fill and sandwich macarons, then refrigerate before serving.

Notes

Allow macarons to mature in the fridge for best texture and flavor.