Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Gel food coloring (pink, blue, purple)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp cotton candy extract (or vanilla extract with a drop of pink or blue food coloring)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Decorations: Edible glitter or sprinkles
Instructions
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together to remove lumps. Beat egg whites until foamy, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in dry ingredients gently using the ‘macaronage’ technique until the batter flows like lava. Divide the batter into bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Pipe small rounds onto a lined baking sheet and let them rest until a skin forms. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Cream softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until smooth. Mix in cotton candy extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed. Tint lightly with food coloring for a pastel effect.
- Pair up similarly sized macaron shells. Pipe a dollop of cotton candy buttercream onto one shell and sandwich with its match. Press gently to ensure an even filling.
- Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature before eating.
Notes
- For vibrant colors without altering the batter’s consistency, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- If cotton candy extract isn’t available, substitute with vanilla extract and a hint of pink or blue food coloring.
- Freeze assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Vegan alternative: Use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites and plant-based butter for the filling.
- Decorate with edible glitter, sprinkles, or drizzled white chocolate for added whimsy.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg