How to Buy Macaroons: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Macaroons

Overview

Macarons are a popular French pastry that is known for its delicate, flavorful texture and its colorful exterior. They make a great addition to any special occasion, from birthday parties to wedding receptions. This buying guide will provide you with information about the different types of macarons available, including their ingredients, characteristics, and price points. Additionally, it will give you helpful tips and advice about purchasing macarons, so you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect macaron for your next event.

Key features

  1. Ingredients: Consider the ingredients used in the macaroons to get an idea of the flavor and texture you will receive. Look at the amount of sugar, butter, and other ingredients used for a better understanding.
  2. Size and Shape: Macaroons are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. From small bite-sized pieces to large, round pieces, shoppers should take into account the size and shape of the macaroons that they prefer.
  3. Packaging: Macaroons are often sold in individual packages, in boxes, or in bulk. Shoppers should consider their needs and the amount that they would like to purchase when looking at packaging options.
  4. Servings: Macaroons are often sold in small individual servings or as part of a larger package or box. Consider how many servings you would like in each purchase.
  5. Flavors: Macaroons come in a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more exotic flavors like ginger and orange. Consider which flavors you would like to try first.

See the most popular Macaroons on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Flavor Variety - Macaroons come in a wide variety of flavors, including traditional favorites like chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla, as well as more adventurous options such as green tea and lavender.
  • Portable - Macaroons are easy to transport, making them perfect for a picnic or a party.
  • Quick and Easy - Macaroons are quick and easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time.
  • Decorative - Macaroons can be decorated and used as an attractive addition to a dessert table.
  • Low Calorie - Macaroons are relatively low in calories, making them a great treat for those watching their waistline.
  • Gluten-Free - Macaroons are gluten-free, making them a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.

Cons

  • High Calories: Macaroons can be very calorie-dense, making them an unhealthy dietary choice for those watching their calorie intake.
  • Price: Macaroons can be expensive, making them inaccessible to some people on a limited budget.
  • Availability: Macaroons may not be available in all areas, so a potential buyer may have difficulty finding them.
  • Allergens: Macaroons may contain common allergens such as eggs, nuts, dairy, wheat, soy, and/or gluten, which could be a concern for some potential buyers.
  • Storage: Macaroons are often best consumed soon after purchase, so they may require careful storage and consumption to maintain freshness.

Best alternatives

  1. French Macarons - French macarons are meringue based cookies that are filled with ganache, jam, buttercream, or other fillings.
  2. Coconut Macaroons - Coconut macaroons are a classic cookie made with shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
  3. Coconut Macaroon Bars - Coconut macaroon bars are a variation of the traditional coconut macaroon, but are held together with a base of sweetened condensed milk.
  4. Macadamia Nut Macaroons - Macadamia nut macaroons are a variation of the traditional coconut macaroon, with the addition of macadamia nuts.
  5. Almond Macaroons - Almond macaroons use ground almonds instead of coconut as the main cookie ingredient, and are held together with a base of sweetened condensed milk.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Baking Sheet – A flat metal sheet used to bake Macaroons.
  • Mixing Bowl – A bowl for mixing the Macaroon batter.
  • Whisk – A tool used to mix the Macaroon batter.
  • Piping Bag – A bag with a nozzle used to shape Macaroon batter.
  • Spatula – A tool used to scrape the Macaroon batter from the bowl and smooth it onto the baking sheet.
  • Parchment Paper – Non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of Macaroons?
    • Macaroons come in a variety of flavors and textures, including chocolate, coconut, almond, raspberry, and many more.
  2. Are Macaroons gluten free?
    • It depends on the recipe used. Many macaroon recipes are made with almond flour, which is naturally gluten free, but some may contain wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Check the label or ask the baker for more information.
  3. How long do Macaroons last?
    • Macaroons can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  4. What is the best way to store Macaroons?
    • Macaroons should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is recommended to keep them fresher for longer.

Trivia

A humorous fact about macarons is that they were accidentally invented in France in the 17th century. According to the story, a pastry chef in Italy was attempting to make a type of angel’s food cake. He used almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, but forgot to add baking powder and the result was a chewy meringue-like cookie. The chef was so embarrassed he ran to France with the secret recipe and the macaron was born!

Source: The Spruce Eats.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.