**Almond Macaroons with Meringue Buttercream: A Heavenly Treat**
Almond macaroons, delicate and airy confections, are elevated to a new level of indulgence when paired with a luscious meringue buttercream. Together, these two components create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This article presents two delectable recipes: one for classic almond macaroons and another for the meringue buttercream that will transform them into an unforgettable treat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you through the process with ease, ensuring that you achieve perfect results. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
FRENCH ALMOND MACARONS
These classic French cookies have a crisp exterior and a slightly chewy center. Make all three versions for a festive dessert buffet.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes about 30
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl. Whisk in almonds; set aside. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats (such as Silpats), and mark circles using a 1 1/2-inch cutter dipped in flour.
- Put egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until foamy, then beat in salt. Beat in granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until medium-soft peaks form. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold half the almond mixture into the egg white mixture until just incorporated. Fold in vanilla and remaining almond mixture until just incorporated. Firmly tap bottom of bowl on counter to eliminate air pockets.
- Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip (such as Ateco #806). Pipe mixture into marked circles on prepared baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until macarons are slightly firm and can be gently lifted off parchment (bottoms will be dry), 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer macarons on parchment to a wire rack; let cool completely.
- Spread 2 teaspoons buttercream on flat sides of half the macarons, then sandwich with remaining halves, keeping flat sides together. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes, before serving.
SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FOR FRENCH ALMOND MACARONS
Use this recipe to make our French Almond Macarons.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes Fillings & Frostings Buttercream Frosting Recipes
Yield Makes 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisking constantly, cook until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm (about 160 degrees).
- Attach bowl to a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat egg white mixture on high speed until it forms stiff (but not dry) peaks. Continue beating until fluffy and cooled, about 6 minutes.
- Switch to the paddle attachment. With mixer on medium-low, add butter several tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. (If frosting appears to separate after all butter has been added, beat on medium-high speed until smooth again, 3 to 5 minutes more.) Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat 2 minutes to eliminate air bubbles. Stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.
ALMOND MACARONS WITH VANILLA SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM
Makes 24 macarons
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- To a medium mixing bowl, add egg whites, and let sit at room temperature, uncovered, for exactly 3 hours.† Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a pencil, draw 1 1/2-inch circles, 2 inches apart, on parchment paper. Turn parchment paper over; set aside. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine almonds and 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, pulsing until finely ground. (Do not overprocess, or nut butter will be created. The nut particles should stay separate and dry, not clump together.) Add remaining confectioners' sugar, and process until just combined. Set aside. Using a mixer at medium-high speed, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating at high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes. (Egg whites will be thick, creamy, and shiny.) Add vanilla extract and desired amount of food coloring; mix well. Add almond mixture to egg whites, folding gently until well combined. Let batter sit for 15 minutes. Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a medium round tip. Pipe batter into drawn circles on prepared baking sheets. Tap baking sheets vigorously on counter 5 to 7 times to release air bubbles. Let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour before baking; this will help develop macarons' signature crisp exterior when baked. (Macarons should feel dry to the touch and should not stick to finger.) Preheat oven to 275°. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Let cool completely on baking sheets, then remove to airtight containers. Refrigerate until ready to fill and serve. Place Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream in pastry bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe mixture onto flat side of macaron, and top with another macaron, flat sides together, pushing down gently and twisting slightly so that filling will spread to edges. Repeat with remaining macarons and filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine egg whites and sugar. Using a mixer at medium speed, whisk together. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until mixture registers 140° on an instant-read candy thermometer. Remove mixture from heat. Using a mixer fitted with a whip attachment, beat at high speed for 10 minutes, or until mixing bowl is cool to the touch and meringue is tripled in volume. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, and beat to combine. Using mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat mixture at medium-high speed for 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Use immediately.
MANDELMAKRONEN (ALMOND MERINGUES)
These German almond cookies are dairy free and gluten free and are baked during Advent in preparation for Christmas. They are quick and easy to make with only 4 ingredients and taste delicious. Try one to make sure it is baked all the way through, as it can be hard to tell. In Germany they are baked on backoblaten, little round wafers (there are gluten-free ones), but you can bake them directly on parchment paper as well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Provided by barbara
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Time 35m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, while continuing to beat at high speed. Combine ground almonds and cinnamon in a bowl and fold into the egg white mixture with a spatula. Add more ground almonds if mixture is too runny.
- Use 2 teaspoons to place little mounds of almond mixture 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and baked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully remove from baking sheets and cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 40.2 calories, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 4.6 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
FRENCH ALMOND MACAROONS
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats. Combine sugar and almonds in food processor fitted with metal blade. Process 3 minutes to grind into a fine powder. If mixture is sticking, scrape down sides of bowl. Add starch and process 1 minute more.
- In another bowl or a mixer, whip egg whites, salt and extract together at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Working in 3 additions, fold almond mixture into egg whites, turning over and over until incorporated. Batter will be sticky and thick. Set aside to rest 20 minutes.
- Spoon batter by tablespoons onto prepared pans; cookies will spread to about 3-inch rounds, so leave plenty of room. Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies are puffed, golden and shiny, 18 to 20 minutes. As soon as cookies come out of oven, remove paper (with cookies on it) from baking sheet. Let cookies cool completely before removing from paper; use a thin metal spatula or knife blade if cookies stick.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 101, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 21 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ALMOND MERINGUE TORTE WITH PRALINE BUTTERCREAM
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. and butter and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, knocking out excess flour.
- Make meringue layers:
- In a bowl with an electric mixer beat whites until they hold soft peaks. Add sugar in a slow stream, beating until meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks. Fold in almonds and sift flour over meringue. Fold in flour gently but thoroughly and divide meringue between cake pans, smoothing it evenly. Bake layers in middle of oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until pale golden and firm to the touch. Invert layers onto racks and cool.
- Make praline:
- Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a dry heavy saucepan cook sugar over moderate heat, stirring with a fork, until melted and cook, without stirring, swirling pan, until a golden caramel. Remove pan from heat and stir in almonds and hazelnuts. Immediately pour mixture onto baking sheet tilting baking sheet to make a thin layer and cool completely. Break praline into pieces and transfer to a plastic bag. Crush praline coarse with a rolling pin. Praline may be made 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Make buttercream:
- In a small heavy saucepan simmer milk, sugar, and vanilla bean if using, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. In a bowl whisk yolks and add milk mixture in a stream, whisking. Transfer mixture to pan and cook over low heat, stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 170°F. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into another bowl and cool completely. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat butter until light and fluffy and beat in custard, a little at a time, until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup praline (reserving remaining praline for another use) and vanilla extract if using.
- Assemble torte:
- Stack meringue layers, spreading some buttercream generously between them. Spread remaining buttercream on top and side of torte. Press chopped toasted almonds onto top and side of torte and sprinkle top with confectioners' sugar. Torte may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Let torte stand at cool room temperature 2 hours before serving.
ALMOND MACAROONS
These almond macaroons have a wonderful texture, chewy inside and crisp outside. The milk chocolate drizzle dresses them up-everyone loves them! And they're so easy: With only six ingredients, you can whip them up at the last minute. -Deena Dillion, Ossian, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 3 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, mix the first 5 ingredients until blended. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets., Bake 16-20 minutes or until light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Drizzle cookies with melted chocolate; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts :
ALMOND MACAROONS
This classic almond cookie is moist, soft, and chewy.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 1 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Put almond paste, sugar, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until crumbly, about 3 minutes. Add egg white and vanilla. Mix until smooth and thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Drop batter by tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Place 2 almond slices on each mound of dough. Bake until cookies are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Just before serving, lightly dust cookies with sugar.
MACARONS
Macaron is the French word for macaroon, but are never the coconut-based cookie. Macarons are one of the most amazing pastries, with hundreds of flavors and fillings. Macarons are made from almond flour and meringue, with even the pros claiming to failure on a regular basis. After going through dozens of recipes and trials, this is the most reliable macaron recipe I could come up with. You could get lighter using the Italian meringue method, but it's less dependable.
Provided by Deegan
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European French
Time 9h
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place egg whites into a metal mixing bowl and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bring egg whites to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 280 degrees F (138 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk confectioners' sugar and almond flour in a bowl. Beat the egg whites with salt in metal bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy, about 1 minute; increase speed to high and gradually beat in superfine sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until the egg whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks, 3 to 5 more minutes.
- Gently fold almond flour mixture into whipped egg whites until thoroughly incorporated; spoon meringue into a pastry big fitted with a 3/8-inch tip.
- Pipe 1-inch disks of meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between cookies. The batter will spread. Lift the baking sheets a few inches above the work surface and hit them lightly on the work surface several times to remove any air bubbles from the cookies. Let the cookies stand at room temperature until the shiny surfaces become dull and a thin skin forms, about 15 minutes.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake with the oven door open slightly until the macarons' surfaces are completely dry, about 15 minutes. Let cookies cool completely on a baking sheet before peeling parchment paper from the cookies.
- Spread half the cookies with any desired filling, top with remaining cookies to make sandwiches, and refrigerate at least 2 hours to overnight to let the cookies soften.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 71.4 calories, Carbohydrate 17.3 g, Protein 1 g, Sodium 34.3 mg, Sugar 17 g
Tips:
- Use superfine almond flour for a smoother texture.
- Toast the almonds for a deeper flavor.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and airy macaroon.
- Fold the almond mixture into the egg whites gently to prevent deflating.
- Pipe the macaroons onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for easy removal.
- Bake the macaroons until they are golden brown and set.
- Let the macaroons cool completely before filling them.
- For the meringue buttercream, use unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Flavor the buttercream with vanilla extract, almond extract, or other desired flavorings.
Conclusion:
Almond macaroons with meringue buttercream are a classic French pastry that is perfect for any occasion. With their delicate texture, sweet flavor, and elegant appearance, these macaroons are sure to impress your guests. You can create delicious and beautiful macaroons at home with a little patience and care by following these tips and recipes.
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