Ingredients
Scale
- For the macaron shells:
- 1 cup (120g) almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Green gel food coloring (optional)
- For the pistachio buttercream filling:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pistachio paste
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the macaron shells:
- Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl to remove any lumps. Set aside.
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, a little at a time, and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- If desired, add a few drops of green gel food coloring and gently fold it into the meringue.
- Add the almond flour mixture to the meringue in three batches. Gently fold with a spatula, scraping around the bowl and cutting through the center, until the batter flows like thick lava. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto a parchment-lined or silicone mat-lined baking sheet. Tap the tray firmly on the counter several times to release air bubbles. Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, one tray at a time, until they form feet and the tops are set. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.
- Prepare the pistachio buttercream filling:
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Add the pistachio paste, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream if needed.
- Assemble the macarons:
- Match the macaron shells by size. Pipe a small amount of pistachio buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then sandwich it with another shell.
- Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to mature. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to sift the almond flour and powdered sugar to ensure smooth macaron shells.
- Allow the macarons to rest after piping to prevent cracking during baking.
- Maturing the macarons in the fridge enhances their flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pistachio macarons, elegant dessert, French macarons