Light as Air Almond macaroons
These almond macaroons are incredibly simple and effortless to make, making them the perfect go-to treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, a party, or a special celebration. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time.
Light, chewy, and packed with the rich flavor of almonds, these delicious almond macaroons are not only quick to prepare but also irresistibly delicious, sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
These almond macaroons are my lifesaver during the busy holiday season. When time is tight and dessert stress kicks in, this recipe is my go-to. Made with ground almonds, they’re quick and simple to prepare, letting me enjoy the peace of mind of having a delicious treat ready, even at the last minute.
But their simplicity and flavor make them a year-round staple. I bake these almond macaroons often! They’re perfect for the holidays, an afternoon snack, or an easy dessert for lazy Sundays with family.
How to make almond macaroons
Ingredients you’ll need
- Egg Whites (from 3 medium eggs): These are the base for your recipe, providing structure and lightness. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for easier whipping and better volume. Separate the whites carefully to avoid any yolk, which can affect the texture.
- Raw Almonds: These bring a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Use high-quality raw almonds for the best taste. You’ll need to grind them before using in the recipe.
- Raw Walnuts: Walnuts add a slightly earthy, buttery flavor that pairs well with the almonds. Like the almonds, opt for raw walnuts to keep the flavors fresh and natural. Toasting them lightly (optional) can enhance their taste. These will also be grinded.
- Icing Sugar: Icing sugar is perfect for adding sweetness without a gritty texture. It also helps bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe light and smooth.
- Vanilla Sugar (or vanilla extract for non Europeans): Vanilla sugar provides a hint of warm, aromatic sweetness. It’s a quick way to infuse a delicate vanilla flavor without needing to use vanilla extract.
- Rum or Almond Extract: Add a splash of rum for depth and warmth or almond extract for a concentrated nutty flavor. Either option enhances the overall taste profile, making the recipe even more indulgent. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the above ingredients on hand, don’t worry! There are some easy substitutions that can be made to still achieve delicious almond macaroons.
- Vanilla extract: If you don’t have vanilla sugar, try using 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Almond flour: Instead of grinding your own almonds, you can use store-bought almond flour. Just be sure to sift it before using to remove any clumps and add it in small batches. Also keep in mind that using the almond flour will transform your macaroon cookies to macarons.
Equipment Needed
To make almond macaroons, you will need the following equipment:
- Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Piping bag with a round tip or a spoon
- Optional: food processor or coffee grinder for grinding almonds
Instructions to bake the almond macaroon cookies
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Start by grinding almonds and walnuts. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat egg whites until firm. Gently fold in sugar, the ground almonds and walnuts, mixing with a spatula until the batter is smooth.
Then add vanilla sugar and a splash of rum or almond extract for flavor. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, dust with icing sugar. Bake for around 20 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown. Enjoy!
Tips to make the best almond macaroons
- Use room temperature egg whites: Allow your egg whites to come to room temperature before whipping. This helps them achieve maximum volume for a better texture in your macaroons.
- Avoid overmixing the egg whites: Avoid overmixing the egg whites: When folding the almonds or the almond mixture into the meringue, be careful not to overmix. The batter should maintain the meringue texture and not become too runny.
- Grind the almonds finely: For a smooth and even texture in your macaroons, it’s important to grind the almonds into a fine (ish) powder. You can use a food processor or a coffee grinder for this step.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mat: This will prevent the macaroons from sticking to the baking sheet and help them maintain their shape while baking.
- Monitor the oven temperature: Macaroons are delicate and can easily crack if the oven temperature fluctuates. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate and consistent.
- Cool completely before removing: Allow the baked macaroons to fully cool on the baking sheets before attempting to remove them. This prevents sticking and keeps the shells intact.
Recipe variations
There are endless variations to the classic macaroon recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Flavored Shells: Add extracts or flavorings such as almond, lemon, or coffee to the macaron shells for a burst of flavor.
- Food coloring: Use food coloring to add a touch of color to your macaroons. Be sure to use gel or powder food coloring instead of liquid, which can alter the consistency of the batter.
- Chocolate Macaroons: Coat the bottom of each macaroon shell with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Different Shapes and Sizes: While the classic macaron is round, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with different shapes and sizes. Use a piping bag to create heart-shaped macarons or try making bite-sized versions for a fun twist.
- Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches: Take your macarons to the next level by using them as cookies in an ice cream sandwich. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two macarons and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a macaron and a macaroon?
The main difference between these two popular treats is their ingredients. Macarons are typically sandwich cookies filled with ganache or buttercream, while macaroons are simple cookies made with shredded coconut or ground almonds, powdered sugar and egg whites.
Macarons also have a smooth, crisp exterior, while macaroons often have a more textured surface. Because almond flour is use to make them, macarons have a denser texture compared to the delicate, airy texture of macaroons.
Are almond macaroons gluten-free?
Yes, traditional almond macaroons are naturally gluten-free as they do not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, it’s always important to check the ingredient list if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
How to store almond macaroons
To store almond macaroons properly, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too dry or stale. Almond macaroons can typically stay fresh for up to a week when stored this way.
Macaroons don’t do well when stored in the fridge as the humidity can cause them to become soggy. For this reason they also don’t do well when frozen.
Almond macaroons are a delicious and delicate treat that can easily be made at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create beautiful and flavorful macaroons to enjoy on their own or as part of a dessert spread. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these tasty treats and impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Happy baking!
Almond macaroons
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups almonds raw
- handful walnuts raw and optional
- 1 2/3 cups icing sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or 15 g vanilla sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or rum extract
- icing sugar for powdering optional
Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
- mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Piping bag with a round tip or a spoon
- Food processor or coffee grinder for grinding almonds Optional:
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 300 F
- Ground almonds and walnuts until fine
- With a hand mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly add icing sugar, almond and walnuts, one tablespoon at a time and mix with a spatula until smooth.
- Add vanilla and rum or almond extract.
- Drop batter with a tablespoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches in between cookies. Alternatively you can use a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2" plain tip.
- Dust with some icing sugar (optional)
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cookies are golden brown.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…