Irresistible French Raspberry Macarons

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that delicately balances tart raspberry and sweet almond flavors, look no further. French raspberry macarons are a delightful pastry, perfect for dessert or a fancy snack. Let’s explore how to perfect these divine little delights.

Steps to Make Raspberry Macarons

1. Prepare dry ingredients
   Combine powdered sugar and almond flour in a food processor. Pulse and then blend until finely mixed. Sift through a sieve, discarding any leftover almond pieces.
2. Whip egg whites
   In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature egg whites until frothy. Gradually add sugar while beating, increasing to high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Combine batter
   Add dry ingredients into egg whites. Use a two-motion stroke to fold the batter 35–40 times until it flows like lava. When lifted, the batter should form a thick ribbon.
4. Pipe macarons
   Transfer batter into a pastry bag with a round tip. Pipe onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment, keeping them 3/4 inches wide and about an inch apart.
5. Make raspberry powder
   Crush freeze-dried raspberries in a bag with a rolling pin. Sift over piped macarons using a sieve, covering them generously.
6. Let them set
   Allow macarons to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
7. Bake macarons
   Bake the macarons for 15 minutes. Once done, slide them onto the counter to cool. They should have that signature “foot.” Flip half over once cooled.
8. Make the buttercream
   In a small saucepan, combine fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Mash and simmer, then strain the syrup. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, incorporate syrup, and mix until creamy and fluffy.
9. Assemble and enjoy
   Transfer buttercream into a pastry bag, pipe a generous dollop onto half of the cookies, and top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight.

These French raspberry macarons are a delightful blend of textures and flavors, promising a sweet ending to any meal. The tangy raspberry complements the sweet almond so perfectly, you might find them disappearing quickly. Enjoy the baking process and delight in the result!