French Macarons Recipe with Marshmallow Frosting

Creating French macarons with marshmallow frosting at home can be quite the culinary adventure. These delicate cookies, which are a crowd favorite at any gathering, can bring the patisserie right into your kitchen. With the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of almond, these macarons are bound to impress even the toughest critics. Let’s dive into the details and ensure you get the perfect macarons every single time.
As a child, my grandmother and I would spend Saturday afternoons trying out different cookie recipes. It became a tradition to tweak recipes and judge our results. When we finally mastered our first batch of macarons, the sense of accomplishment was simply unparalleled. To this day, every bite reminds me of our joyful experiments and the sweet scent of marshmallows wafting through the home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful combination of crunchy exteriors with soft, chewy interiors, complemented perfectly by the marshmallow frosting. It’s versatile enough for both everyday snacking or fancy celebrations. Plus, you can customize with diverse colors to match any theme. The ingredients are simple, yet the result is nothing short of gourmet.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving macaron perfection. Almond flour is crucial for the texture, so ensure it’s finely ground and sifted. High-quality powdered sugar and eggs make a significant difference too. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, unsweetened marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Begin by sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar together twice to eliminate any clumps. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter to form those glossy shells.
Step 2
Separate the egg whites and let them come to room temperature. Beat them gently until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar while whisking until stiff peaks are achieved.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Step 3
Fold the dry ingredients into the beaten egg whites with care. Add food coloring if desired, considering it fades slightly during baking.
Step 4
Pipe small, identical circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Tap the trays on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, and let them sit for about 30 minutes until a skin forms.
Step 5
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, until the tops are firm. Prepare the marshmallow frosting by whipping marshmallow fluff and butter together, then sandwich between cooled macarons.
Storage Options
To maintain freshness, store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them without the filling for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to come to room temperature before adding the frosting.
Variations & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, sunflower seed flour can replace the almond flour. To accommodate different diets, try a vegan egg replacer to mimic egg whites. Play with flavors by adding extracts like raspberry, mint, or even chocolate to the frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my macarons hollow?
Hollow macarons often result from under-whisked egg whites or over-folded batter. Ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and that the dry ingredients are carefully folded in.
How do I prevent cracked macaron shells?
Cracked shells typically occur due to improper drying time or overly high oven temperature. Make sure the shells have developed a proper skin before baking and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven runs at the correct temperature.
Can I make macarons in a humid climate?
Yes, but it requires some adjustments. It’s best to work in a climate-controlled environment, or run a dehumidifier. Extending the drying time before baking can also help counteract excess moisture in the air.

French Macarons Recipe with Marshmallow Frosting
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.75 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour finely ground
- 3 large egg whites room temperature
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Sift together powdered sugar and almond flour in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the dry ingredients gently using a spatula. Add vanilla extract.
- Pipe small circles of the macaron batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let them sit at room temperature until a skin forms on the surface, about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.