Matcha Macarons

Elegant Matcha Macarons

Ingredients:

For the Macaron Shells:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder. Pulse until finely ground and well mixed. Sift the mixture into a large bowl to remove any lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites in three additions, using a spatula. Mix until the batter flows smoothly and forms a thick ribbon when lifted.
  5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small rounds (about 1 inch in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tap the baking sheets on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  6. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface and they are no longer sticky to the touch.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the macarons are firm and can be lifted from the parchment paper without sticking. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheets.
  8. For the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and matcha powder, beating until well combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
  9. Pair up the macaron shells by size. Pipe or spread a small amount of filling onto the flat side of one shell, then sandwich with the matching shell. Repeat with the remaining macarons.
  10. Refrigerate the filled macarons for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and achieve the best texture. Bring to room temperature before serving.
  11. Prep Time: 30 minutes | Baking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes (plus resting time)
  12. Kcal: 100 kcal per macaron | Servings: 24 macarons

FAQs:

  1. What are Matcha Macarons?
    • Matcha Macarons are delicate French almond meringue cookies flavored with matcha (green tea) powder. They are typically filled with a creamy filling, such as matcha-flavored buttercream, ganache, or white chocolate, creating a balanced combination of sweetness and the earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha.
  2. How do I make Matcha Macarons?
    • To make Matcha Macarons, start by sifting almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder together. Whip egg whites with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. Pipe the batter into small circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them sit until a skin forms on the surface. Bake at a low temperature until the macarons have risen and set. Once cooled, fill with matcha buttercream, ganache, or your preferred filling.
  3. What is the key to achieving the perfect macaron texture?
    • The key to achieving the perfect macaron texture lies in proper macaronage (folding the batter until it flows like lava), letting the piped macarons rest until a skin forms, and precise baking time and temperature. Additionally, using aged egg whites and ensuring there is no oil or moisture in the mixing bowl can help achieve the ideal texture.
  4. Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha powder?
    • It is recommended to use matcha powder rather than regular green tea powder for making Matcha Macarons. Matcha powder is finely ground and has a vibrant green color and a distinct flavor that is ideal for baking. Regular green tea powder may not provide the same intensity of flavor or color.
  5. How should I store Matcha Macarons?
    • Store Matcha Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture and flavor, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also freeze macarons for up to 1-2 months by placing them in a single layer in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature to serve.

Matcha Macarons are a delightful treat that combines the elegance of French macarons with the unique flavor of matcha, making them a popular choice for tea lovers and anyone seeking a sophisticated and flavorful dessert.

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