Macarons are the ultimate treat—crisp, chewy almond shells with bold, creamy fillings that elevate any occasion. These recipes deliver unique flavors, from smoky bacon caramel to zesty lemon lavender and rich mocha hazelnut. Quick to prep and guaranteed to impress, they’re perfect for a sweet indulgence in under an hour.
1. Salted Caramel Bacon Macarons
Crisp shells meet sweet-salty caramel with smoky bacon bits for a bold twist.
Why It Works: Chewy texture, savory-sweet filling, ready in 45 mins.
Recipe (20 macarons)
Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Total: 45 mins (plus 30 mins resting)
Ingredients:
- Shells: 1 cup almond flour, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 egg whites, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla
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Filling: 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tbsp water, 1/4 cup cream, 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 2 slices bacon (cooked, chopped)
Instructions: - Sift almond flour, powdered sugar. Beat egg whites with sugar, vanilla to stiff peaks. Fold in dry mix until smooth.
- Pipe 1-inch circles on parchment-lined sheets. Rest 30 mins.
- Bake at 300°F for 15 mins. Cool.
- Heat sugar, water to amber; add cream, butter, salt. Cool, stir in bacon. Pipe, sandwich shells.
2. Lemon Lavender Macarons
Bright lemon curd with floral lavender in delicate shells.
Why It Works: Zesty, elegant flavor, done in 45 mins.
Recipe (20 macarons)
Same prep/cook as above.
Ingredients:
- Shells: Same as above, swap vanilla for lemon extract
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Filling: 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 egg yolks, 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp dried lavender
Instructions: - Follow shell steps with lemon extract.
- Whisk lemon juice, sugar, yolks over low heat until thick. Add butter, lavender. Cool, pipe, sandwich.
3. Mocha Hazelnut Macarons
Coffee-hazelnut shells with mocha ganache for a rich treat.
Why It Works: Bold coffee-chocolate flavor, ready in 45 mins.
Recipe (20 macarons)
Same prep/cook.
Ingredients:
- Shells: 1 cup almond flour, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 egg whites, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp instant coffee, 2 tbsp hazelnut flour
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Filling: 1/2 cup cream, 4 oz dark chocolate, 1 tsp instant coffee
Instructions: - Sift flours, sugar. Beat egg whites with sugar, coffee to stiff peaks. Fold, pipe, rest, bake as above.
- Heat cream, melt in chocolate, and coffee. Cool, pipe, sandwich.
Cleaner Prep for All Macarons
Use a stand mixer from Nella Cutlery for perfect meringues and smooth batter. Its precise speeds and easy-clean design simplify prep, ensuring flawless macarons every time. Great baking starts with the right mixer.