Top 10 Tips for Making Macarons at Home

Macarons are delicate, finicky, and absolutely worth the effort. These classic French almond meringue cookies are made with just ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar, yet achieving the perfect texture and presentation can feel like an impossible challenge.

I had my first taste of macarons in Paris, at the original Ladurée store—where they claim to sell 12,000 macarons a day—and I was instantly hooked. Naturally, I had to try making them myself.

It took seventeen failed attempts and countless hours of research before I finally produced a batch I was happy with. They always tasted great, but macarons are 50% flavor and 50% presentation (as many French desserts seem to be).

So, what did I learn from all those failed batches?

1. Macarons are not impossible—despite what some recipes insist, not every step has to be followed perfectly to get great results.
2. Success depends on macaronage (the folding technique) and oven temperature accuracy—these two factors make or break a batch.
3. Practice is essential—every oven is different, humidity plays a role, and no two kitchens are the same.

There are many macaron recipes online, all claiming to be the best. Some recommend different methods, baking temperatures, or resting times. The only way to master macarons is through trial and error. Fortunately, they are fun, challenging, and incredibly satisfying to make (not to mention, absolutely adorable).

I can be impatient in the kitchen and always look for shortcuts or tricks to simplify baking, especially when it comes to macarons. Over the past year, I’ve made more than ten variations, refining my process each time. Hopefully, my top tips will help make your macaron journey a little easier!

Note: A kitchen scale is extremely useful for macarons since precise ingredient ratios produce the best results. However, I’ve successfully made macarons using cup measurements, so a scale is not a deal-breaker. That said, I highly recommend a silicone baking mat—it’s reusable, easy to clean, and helps ensure evenly shaped macarons.

This guide provides 10 essential tips for getting your macarons right every time, plus troubleshooting advice and answers to common reader questions.

1. Age Your Egg Whites for Better Stability

• Separate your egg whites at least 24 hours before baking and let them sit in the fridge uncovered.
• This removes excess moisture and helps create a stronger, more stable meringue.
• Bring them to room temperature before using for the best results.

2. Weigh Your Ingredients – No Guesswork

• Macarons require precise ratios, so always use a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups.
• A small difference in almond flour or sugar can throw off the entire texture.

3. Sift Your Dry Ingredients Twice

• Almond flour and powdered sugar should be sifted at least twice to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
• This step prevents grainy or lumpy shells and ensures a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

4. Master the Macaronage (Mixing Technique)

• Under-mixing = grainy, lumpy macarons that don’t bake evenly.
• Over-mixing = flat, cracked shells with no feet.
• The batter should be flowy but not runny, forming a ribbon-like consistency when lifted with a spatula.

5. Pipe with Precision

• Use a round piping tip and hold the piping bag vertically to ensure even circles.
• Pipe onto a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for best results.
• Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles.

6. Let the Shells Rest Before Baking

• After piping, let the macarons sit for 30-60 minutes until they form a slight skin on top.
• This is crucial for forming feet—skipping this step often leads to cracked or uneven macarons.

7. Bake at the Right Temperature

• Too hot? Macarons will crack and brown unevenly.
• Too cool? They’ll be undercooked and won’t develop feet.
• Ideal temperature: 300-325°F (150-160°C).
• Use an oven thermometer—many home ovens aren’t accurate.

8. Avoid Humid Conditions

• Humidity is the enemy of macarons! If your kitchen is too humid, the shells won’t dry properly.
• If needed, place them near a fan or in an air-conditioned room to help them set before baking.

9. Cool Completely Before Removing

• Macarons should be completely cool before attempting to remove them from the mat or parchment.
• If they stick, they may need a few more minutes of baking.

10. Match Shells Before Filling

• Before adding fillings, pair up shells of similar size for the best presentation.
• Let filled macarons rest in the fridge for 24 hours—this enhances flavor and texture.

Common Macaron Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Q: Why are my macarons cracked?
A: Either the oven temperature is too high, or they weren’t rested long enough before baking.

Q: Why don’t my macarons have feet?
A: Under-mixed batter, humid conditions, or skipping the resting step could be the cause.

Q: Why are my macarons hollow?
A: Over-mixed batter or an oven temperature that’s too high can create hollow centers. Try reducing mixing time or lowering the oven temp slightly.

Q: Why are my macarons sticky and soft?
A: They are undercooked or need more drying time before baking. Try baking for a few extra minutes.

Final Tips for Success

• Be patient—macarons improve with practice.
• Keep detailed notes of what works for your kitchen and oven.
• If a batch fails, don’t throw it out! Crushed macarons make a great topping for ice cream or yogurt.

More Must-Try Baking Recipes for Your Kitchen Adventures

Classic Vanilla Macaron with Buttercream Filling

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4 from 4 reviews

• Author: Amrita Rawat
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 Macarons 1x

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Description

A classic vanilla macaron with a smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream filling is delicate, light, and absolutely irresistible. Follow this detailed guide to create perfectly crisp yet chewy macarons at home.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Macaron Batter

• 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour (finely ground almonds)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 5 tablespoons (65g) granulated sugar

Vanilla Buttercream Filling

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor)
• 1–2 tablespoons (15-30ml) heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vanilla Macarons

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets

• Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Prepare a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip (about 1/2-inch or 2 cm wide).

Step 2: Process the Dry Ingredients

• In a food processor, grind together the powdered sugar and almond flour until super fine.
• Sift the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any large bits.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

• In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating for 2 minutes, until stiff, glossy peaks form.
• Mix in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

• Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the beaten egg whites using a rubber spatula.
• Fold until the batter is smooth, shiny, and flows off the spatula in thick ribbons (about 40-50 folds).
• The batter should be thick but still spread slightly when piped.

Step 5: Pipe the Macarons

• Transfer the batter into the piping bag.
• Pipe 1-inch (3 cm) circles, spaced 1 inch apart onto the lined baking sheets.
• Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter a few times to release air bubbles.
• Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30 minutes until a thin skin forms on top.

Step 6: Bake the Macarons

• Bake in the preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-18 minutes until the macarons develop feet and are set.
• Let them cool completely before removing from the baking sheets.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Vanilla Buttercream Filling

Step 1: Cream the Butter

• In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat.
• Mix in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream/milk.
• Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• If needed, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream/milk to adjust consistency.

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Step 7: Assemble the Macarons

• Match similarly sized macaron shells into pairs.
• Pipe or spread a small amount of vanilla buttercream onto one macaron half.
• Gently press another macaron shell on top to form a sandwich.
• Refrigerate for 24 hours to allow flavors to meld (optional, but recommended).

Notes

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before serving.

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Recipe Notes for Success

• Macaronage Technique: Folding too little = cracked macarons. Folding too much = macarons spread too much.
• Resting the Macarons: Allowing them to sit for 30 minutes before baking is essential for forming a smooth shell.
• Baking Temperature: Too hot = cracked tops. Too low = no feet. Stick to 300°F (150°C) for best results.
• Filling Variations: Try lemon, raspberry, or chocolate ganache fillings for variety.

• Prep Time: 30 min
• Resting Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Category: Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French