Last Updated on July 22, 2022
What do macarons taste like? And what are the best flavors you can make? Today, we will be answering these questions and so much more!
Macarons are extremely popular confections that add a touch of elegance to any table! You can use them to decorate cakes, as part of a dessert platter, or as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. But, it is surprising how many fake macarons you will find today.
For this reason, we have dedicated this article to explaining exactly what real macarons should taste like and the texture they should have.
What Are Macarons?
These delicious sweet treats were created in France by an Italian chef of queen Catherine de Medici. As modern and popular as they are today, they actually date back all the way to the Renaissance period!
Macarons, also commonly referred to as a French macaroon, are a sweet type of confection that is made with egg whites, icing sugar, almond flour, flavoring, and food coloring.
The batter made from these ingredients is then placed into a piping bag and piped into roughly 2-inch discs. Once baked, you will have a bunch of macaron shells that will be used to assemble the entire treat.
To assemble a macaron, two shells are used to encase a delicious flavorful filling. This filling is usually a buttercream-based filling, but can also be made from jelly or jam. The filling is what gives the macaron its flavor and a bit of moisture. The flavor of macarons doesn’t actually come from the macaron shells themselves but from the fillings.
Macarons vs Macaroons
Is it macaron or macaroon? While many people believe these to be the same treat, they are actually very different. Despite both being made from a combination of egg whites, almonds, and flour, there are two big differences. The first is the main base ingredient, and the second is the preparation method.
Traditional macarons are made from a meringue-based batter. This means that the base has been made with a meringue (a combination of whipped egg whites and fine sugar). Macarons are also made from fine almond flour. The batter is then finally placed into a piping bag and piped into disc-like shapes onto a baking tray.
Macaroons (note the difference in spelling) is a type of drop cookie. What this means is that the batter is dropped onto a baking sheet with a spoon, not piped like the macaron batter is. Macaroons are also made using dedicated (shredded) coconut, egg whites, and sugar. Sometimes the mixture does still contain almond flour, but it isn’t necessary.
So, naturally, macarons and macaroons will have different flavors and textures, despite physically looking very similar.
What Do Macarons Taste Like?
As we have mentioned before, the majority of the flavor of a macaron cookie comes from the filling, and not the shell. Think of the shell as a vessel that carries the flavorful filling while adding some texture.
So, let’s talk about the flavor of the shell first. The shells have a definitive almond-like nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. But, none of these flavors are overpowering. Naturally, despite the filling you use, the subtle nuttiness and sweetness will come through in every bite.
Then, the filling will determine the majority of the flavor. If you are making an unflavored macaron base (one that doesn’t contain any essences or extracts other than vanilla), you can create any flavored filling you can think of.
And, it can also vary in texture. Naturally, a rich creamy filling will add a very appealing texture to your macaron, but so can a crunchy one. If you make a chopped pistachio buttercream filling, every bite will be packed with texture and flavor.
What Do Macarons Taste Like – The Most Popular Macaron Flavors
If you can think of a flavor, then you can make it into a macaron. However, here are some of the most popular macaron flavors that are extremely popular and that have stood the test of time.
When we asked people “What do macarons taste like?” and which is their favorite flavor, vanilla came in at number one!
While vanilla may seem boring to some, when using pure vanilla pods to create a filling, it is to die for! Vanilla is a classic flavor that is still extremely popular because it pairs well with virtually anything! By simply creating vanilla bean macaron shells, you can add any type of filling of any flavor.
The next flavor that people absolutely love is raspberry. This berry is also very easy to pair with other items and has a fruity refreshing sweetness to every bite. You can add some raspberry essence to the macaron batter for the shells, and create a raspberry jam or buttercream filling.
You can also make some delicious well-loved macarons using blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries.
Cappuccino, or regular espresso, gives macarons a more bitter flavor, which is refreshing with all the sweetness. And, you can easily adjust the intensity of the flavor by making it stronger or weaker.
Then, nuttier flavors that are popular include regular almond-flavored macarons, but also pistachio and hazelnut.
And, very easy savory flavors you can try include salmon and cream cheese, bacon, and chorizo. Believe us when we say that these are guaranteed to be a hit!
What Is The Perfect Texture Of A Macaron?
Now, the reason these cookies are so extremely difficult to make is that they have to have a very specific texture and appearance.
When it comes to the external texture, macarons should have a completely smooth top with no bumps, cracks, or rough edges. If you have cracks or your shell has completely misshaped, you properly have a mixing error. But, if there are smooth bumps, it means that the almond flour you used was too coarse.
The outer shell should be slightly crunchy (not hard at all) and have a sort-of air pocket on the inside. Overall, a macaron shouldn’t be moist, but it shouldn’t be completely dry – like we said, chewy.
Conclusion – What Do Macarons Taste Like?
If you have found this article on what do macarons taste like helpful, let us know in the comments below. And, feel free to share some of your favorite flavors!
Read more about Do Macaroons Have Dairy?
FAQs
What do french macarons taste like?
French macarons have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that comes form the sugar and almond flour you use. However, most of the flavor comes from the filling and not the shells. So, whichever filling flavor you make, is what will dominate your palette.
What do macarons feel like?
The shells of macarons are soft, but has a slightly crunchy exterior. They are also light in weight. But, the filling of macarons is smooth and usually creamy. The overall treat usually is still very light and melts in your mouth.
Are macarons crunchy or chewy?
The exterior of a macaron shell should be slightly crunchy and dry. However, the internal texture should be chewy and soft, not mushy, watery, or moist, So, macarons are a combination of chewy and crunchy.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.