Description
Bright, zesty, and absolutely elegant, these lemon macarons are the perfect treat for lovers of citrus and French pastries. With crisp almond shells and a tangy lemon buttercream or curd filling, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into bite-sized sophistication. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, a fancy tea party treat, or a gift-worthy food idea, these gluten-free lemon macarons deliver beauty and taste in every bite. Ideal for breakfast ideas, healthy snacks, or elegant dinner ideas, these are sure to stand out in your easy recipe collection.
Ingredients
100g egg whites (room temperature)
100g granulated sugar
100g almond flour (sifted)
100g powdered sugar
0.5 tsp cream of tartar
yellow gel food coloring
115g unsalted butter (softened)
200g powdered sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
(optional) 2 drops lemon extract
2 large egg yolks
50g sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
30g unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl and discard lumps.
2. Beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, then gradually add sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form.
3. Add food coloring and fold in dry ingredients using spatula. Batter should flow like lava.
4. Pipe small circles onto silicone mat-lined trays. Tap trays to release air bubbles.
5. Let macarons rest 30–60 minutes until skin forms on top.
6. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 14–16 minutes. Cool completely before removing.
7. For buttercream: beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Beat until fluffy.
8. For lemon curd: whisk yolks, sugar, juice, zest. Cook until thick. Add butter and strain. Cool.
9. Pair shells and fill with buttercream or curd. Sandwich and press lightly.
10. Refrigerate 24–48 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Always sift almond flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumpy batter.
Rest shells before baking to avoid cracking and ensure proper feet.
Refrigerate filled macarons overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: lemon macarons, easy dessert recipe, gluten-free macaron, French cookies, citrus snack, healthy snack, fancy tea treat