If you’ve ever stalked me on Instagram, you probably know I have a thing for macarons and French bakeries. (Well, baked goods and bakeries of all kinds in general.) There’s one in Charlotte called Amelie’s that’s open 24 hours. Not kidding. Amelie’s first opened when I was in high school, and back then it was a quaint, quiet dessert counter. I tasted my first macaron at Amelie’s! Now, there’s always a line out the door and it’s next to impossible to find a free table, but it’s still special. And they still have the best macarons in town.
Macarons are soft, gluten-free, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies made from almond flour. They can be made in all colors of the rainbow and flavored any way you want. They’re basically the unicorns of dessert. And you can make them at home!
Making macarons at home is a lot simpler than you’d think. Sally’s Baking Addiction has a great step-by-step tutorial and recipe that you can follow. Below I’ve rounded up a few macaron essentials to get you started, from cookbooks and a cute apron (everyone needs one) to cooking tools and food coloring.
Before I go on, my inner Francophile insists that I tell you that it’s pronounced ‘mack-uh-RON’ not ‘mack-uh-roooon.’ It’s her biggest pet peeve, so don’t ever do it. // susannah
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P.S. Don’t miss all the other guides in the Essential Series!
1. Ladurée Macarons cookbook by Vincent Lemains // 2. Icing Colors (Set of 8) by Wilton // 3. Tiered Dessert Stand by Dot & Bo // 4. Spatulas (Set of 3) by Crate & Barrell // 5. Digital Kitchen Scale by Martha Stewart Collection // 6. All in Good Taste Polka Dot Apron by kate spade new york // 7. Pastry Bag Decorating Kit by Ateco // 8. Icing Spatula by Martha Stewart Collection // 9. Silicone Macaron Baking Mat by Silpat // 10. Les Petits Macarons: Colorful French Confections to Make at Home by Kathryn Gordon // 11. Macaron Boxes (Set of 12) by Bestblue // 12. Non-Skid Mixing Bowls (Set of 3) by OXO // 13. 16-Ounce Almond Meal Flour by Bob’s Red Mill
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Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
I adore macarons! I totally need to branch out and start making them at home. Oh the flavor combinations I could come up with! Thanks for the inspiration!
grace says
i haven’t been brave enough to attempt making these beauties yet, mostly because i don’t like to fail. 🙂
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says
This is so helpful! I’ve always wanted to try making macarons but didn’t know what I needed to get started. That link to the instructions from Sally’s Baking is perfect, too!