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Strawberry Lemon Macarons

Strawberry lemon macarons are delicate, cookie-like confections with smooth, shiny shells and a chewy interior. Made from almond flour and meringue, their pastel pink color is accented by tiny strawberry seeds, and a hint of lemon zest enhances their fruity aroma. The final texture features a crisp outer shell that gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup almond flour finely ground
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry puree sieved to remove seeds
  • a pinch cream of tartar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Silicone piping bag
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sifter
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  2. In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with a splash of cream of tartar using an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy.
  3. Add the caster sugar gradually while continuing to whip the egg whites, increasing the speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture feels firm when the whisk is lifted.
  4. Gently fold in the lemon zest and strawberry puree into the meringue using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  5. Gradually sift the dry ingredients over the meringue, folding gently with a spatula until the batter flows like lava and ribbons slowly when lifted.
  6. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, then pipe small, 1-inch circles onto prepared parchment-lined baking sheets.
  7. Tap the baking sheets gently on the counter to release any air bubbles and smooth the tops.
  8. Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing a skin to form which helps prevent cracking in the oven.
  9. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15 minutes, until the shells are firm and easily lift from the parchment.
  10. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the macarons cool completely on the sheets before removing them carefully.
  11. Sandwich the cooled shells with a small spoonful of strawberry-flavored cream or simply enjoy them as is, appreciating their crisp exterior and chewy interior.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Resting the piped shells is key to achieving their signature texture. You can customize the filling with lemon curd or whipped cream for added flavor.