Do you know the difference between a macaron and a macaroon? If not, you're not alone. A lot of people get these two desserts confused. While they may seem similar, there are actually some key differences between them. In this guide to macarons vs macaroons, we'll help you understand what makes each sweet treat unique.
What is a Macaron?
The first macarons were made from these three simple ingredients: almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. Each macaron is tinted into colors that correlate with its flavor, such as violet for lavender, brown for chocolate, and pink for raspberry. It is then baked into an airy sandwich with a filling in the middle that consists of jam, buttercream, or different kinds of ganache. Their appearance is one of their most unique qualities, they have smooth tops with ruffled bottoms that are light in texture. Macarons are cakey & chewy with a little crunch all in one!
Pronunciation
Mac-ah-ron. The sound ends like in the word dawn.
Variations
Macarons come in a variety of fun colors and flavors, ensuring there is an option for everyone. Popular flavors include:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Lemon
- Raspberry
- Coffee
- Pumpkin
French Vs. Italian Macarons
French and Italian macarons are equally tasty, it just depends on your personal preferences. French meringue involves whipping uncooked egg whites and sugar to create that fluffy and airy base we all love. However, the Italian method has a trickier process. It involves heating sugar with water until it becomes a syrup consistency that is poured into the uncooked egg whites and beaten. Italian macarons have more of a rise than French macarons. French macarons appear more like a flat disk because of the temperature you bake them.
Fun fact: The Italian method tends to be used more in bakeries due to the better stability of the meringue and visual appearance.
How To Make Macarons
Macarons are a very delicate cookie to make and can take a lot of patience and experience to perfect. Something as simple as the humidity can affect the quality of this mouthwatering dessert. To learn how to make this fun treat follow the steps below:
- Whip egg whites and superfine sugar into stiff peaks.
- Fold the egg whites in almond flour and confectioners sugar.
- Add desired flavorings and food coloring of your choice to the folded ingredients.
- Pipe the mixture into silicone mats. To create the dry, crispy skin on top of the macaron and the signature ruffled bottom, leave the sheet pans on the counter to dry for 15 minutes to one hour (depends on the humidity level) before baking.
- Bake macarons for 20 minutes at 275°F or 350°F. Make sure they rise.
- Let them cool before adding the filling of choice and gently assembling together into sandwich form.
Macarons are easy to eat and won’t leave any crumbs lying around. It is best to eat them within a couple of days after baking to fully enjoy their flavors.
How to Store Macarons?
There is nothing worse than ordering or making a batch of cookies and not knowing how to keep them just as fresh and moist for later. Macarons can last up to seven days in ambient temperature and seven weeks in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight plastic container so they don’t dry out in the fridge or at ambient temperature. If you're taking them out of the refrigerator to serve, let them out 20 minutes before serving. Macarons can also be put in the freezer, but they must be freshly baked and freshly out of the oven.
Macarons are not recommended to be refrozen since the texture and flavor could change. The texture of macarons is unique, so it is vital to store them properly so that you can maintain their quality for a second serving.
What is a Macaroon?
Macaroons classify as Kosher since they contain no flour. They are also associated with the French culture, a macaroon is made with egg white and sugar, with added shredded onut in the mixture, just like meringue. Other recipes can include ground, blanched almonds (coarser than the ones used in macarons). These rich cookies are larger, chewier, and denser with an imperfect texture, making them different from a macaron’s smooth appearance. They are gluten-free and tend to be easier to make than macarons.
Pronunciation
Mac-uh-roon. The sound ending like in the word noon.
Variations
Just like macarons, macaroons come in many varieties of added flavors. Popular flavors include:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Grounded nuts
- Lemon
- Chocolate dip
How To Make Macaroons
Making macaroons might seem intimidating, but with a little practice, you'll be able to create these delicious treats with ease. Easily make macaroons with these five simple steps:
- Mix egg whites to form stiff peaks.
- Add sweetened shredded coconut, sugar, and other flavorings like sweetened condensed milk or vanilla.
- Shape into small balls or pyramids before placing them on parchment paper.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 325°F or until golden brown.
- Let them cool before garnishing and serving.
In addition, there are also versions of macaroons where baking is unnecessary. It is that easy to make! However, macaroons can often leave crumbles behind and are quite messy to eat.
How to Store Macaroons?
The best way to store macaroons is to be kept in secure macaron packaging. This allows them to maintain their texture for seven days. If uncovered, their life will only last up to three days. Macaroons can be individually wrapped after being baked and cooled in the freezer with an airtight container. With the freezer method, macaroons can last up to three months.
When storing them in the container, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. Luckily, macaroons store easily to enjoy a flavorful second serving once again with family or friends.
You're Officially An Expert!
Although often grouped as the same dessert, it's clear how different macarons and macaroons really are. Even with their similarities, these three-ingredient desserts differ in their taste and process to make. With their influence and popularity in the world of baked goods, you can now avoid the confusion of ordering between the two treats.
