Few desserts feel as luxurious as a batch of homemade chocolate macarons. With their crisp, delicate shells and silky dark ganache filling, these little treats feel like edible jewels — a true triumph of French patisserie in your own kitchen.
This Chocolate Macarons Recipe brings crisp, delicate shells and silky dark ganache into perfect harmony, straight from the world of fine French patisserie. If you love classic French baking with a creative twist, you might also enjoy our Gâteau Saint Honoré, another showstopping dessert that celebrates timeless pastry skills.
Mastering macarons is about precision — but once you do, you’ll have an elegant dessert that feels like it belongs in the windows of a Paris bakery. And if you’re planning a full dessert table or afternoon tea spread, our French Vanilla Ice Cream offers a cool, creamy complement to these rich little beauties.
✅ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour + resting
- Servings: 24 macarons
- Difficulty: Intermediate
🧾 Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 1 cup (110g) almond flour (finely ground, blanched almonds)
- 1⅔ cups (200g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tbsp (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large (100g) egg whites, room temperature
- 2½ tbsp (30g) granulated sugar
For the Ganache Filling:
- 4¼ oz (120g) dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (100ml) heavy cream
- 1½ tbsp (20g) unsalted butter, softened
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Shells:
- Sift together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating to stiff, glossy peaks.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the meringue until the batter flows slowly like lava.
- Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe 1½-inch (4cm) rounds onto parchment-lined baking trays.
- Tap trays firmly to release air bubbles. Rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until a skin forms.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 12–14 minutes. Cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache:
- Heat cream until just simmering.
- Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in butter. Allow to cool until thick enough to pipe.
Assemble:
- Match shells by size. Pipe ganache onto one shell and sandwich with its pair.
- Refrigerate 24 hours for best texture.
📌 Notes
- Age egg whites 24–48 hours uncovered in the fridge for better structure.
- Let shells dry fully before baking to avoid cracks.
- Use gel-based coloring if tinting; liquid dyes ruin consistency.
🔄 Variations & Add-ons
- Add ½ tsp espresso powder to ganache for mocha macarons.
- Infuse ganache with orange zest for a bright citrus twist.
- Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate to create a sweeter, creamy filling.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Estimated per macaron)
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 2g
🌍 The Story Behind Chocolate Macarons
Macarons date back to Renaissance-era Italy but became iconic in France, especially in Parisian patisseries like Ladurée and Pierre Hermé.
Chocolate macarons, compared to fruitier versions, offer a deeper richness that’s perfect for romantic dinners, elegant brunches, or luxurious afternoon teas.
They’re traditionally gifted during celebrations and serve as symbols of refinement and indulgence.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Chocolate macarons are best served at room temperature after resting overnight.
Pair them with espresso, champagne, or rich red wines.
Arrange on a white platter for a stunning dessert table centerpiece at weddings, birthdays, or holiday gatherings.
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze chocolate macarons?
Yes — freeze assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
How long will they last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, chocolate macarons will stay fresh for 4–5 days.
What if my shells crack?
Usually, it’s because the shells didn’t dry long enough. Increase resting time next batch.
✨ Final Thoughts
These chocolate macarons bring together a crisp bite, a tender chew, and a luxurious ganache center.
Once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself returning to these elegant cookies for every special occasion — and maybe just because.
