Mardi Gras Macaron Treats bring the festive spirit of New Orleans to your dessert table. These delicate French macarons feature crispy, chewy almond shells in the classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, sandwiching a smooth and creamy buttercream filling. Perfect for parties, gifts, or an elegant homemade treat, these macarons capture the magic of the season in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and Festive – The vibrant colors and delicate texture make these macarons a show-stopping treat.
- Perfect for Celebrations – Ideal for Mardi Gras parties, masquerade balls, or themed events.
- Deliciously Balanced – The crisp shell and creamy filling create a perfect contrast in texture and flavor.
- Customizable – You can experiment with different fillings, flavors, and decorations.
- A Fun Challenge – Macarons are a rewarding baking project for those looking to refine their pastry skills.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Macaron Shells:
- Almond flour
- Powdered sugar
- Egg whites (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold gel food coloring
For the Filling:
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- Purple, green, and gold food coloring
Directions
Prepare the Macaron Shells:
- Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to remove lumps and create a smooth mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg whites using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should flow like lava.
- Divide the batter into three portions and color one purple, one green, and leave one plain for gold decorations later.
- Pipe 1-inch circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until they form a slight skin. This step helps develop the signature macaron “feet.”
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the shells are firm and slightly shiny. Let them cool completely before assembling.
Prepare the Filling:
- Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Divide the buttercream into three portions and color them purple, green, and gold.
Assemble the Macarons:
- Match similar-sized macaron shells for pairing.
- Pipe a small amount of filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell and sandwich it with another.
- Decorate with edible glitter or hand-paint gold accents if desired.
- Allow macarons to rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours for the best texture before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 20 macarons
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Resting Time: 30-45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (excluding refrigeration time)
Variations
- Different Fillings – Swap out vanilla buttercream for chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or lemon curd.
- Flavored Shells – Add a hint of almond, lemon, or cinnamon extract to the macaron batter for extra depth.
- Decorative Touches – Use gold leaf, sprinkles, or edible glitter for an extra festive look.
- Themed Fillings – Try a cinnamon-infused buttercream for a nod to traditional king cake flavors.
- Ombre Macarons – Blend two colors in a single macaron shell for a unique appearance.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Macarons freeze well for up to 2 months. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Best Enjoyed: Allow refrigerated macarons to come to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Why do macarons need to rest before baking?
Resting allows the macarons to form a skin, which helps create their signature feet and prevents cracking.
How do I know when my macarons are done baking?
The shells should be firm and easily lift off the parchment paper without sticking.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is best as it doesn’t add extra moisture to the batter, which can affect consistency.
Why did my macarons crack in the oven?
Cracking can result from undermixing, overmixing, or not allowing them to rest long enough before baking.
How do I get smooth macaron shells?
Make sure to sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together and avoid overmixing the batter.
Can I make macarons without almond flour?
Almond flour is essential for traditional macarons, but you can try sunflower seed flour as a nut-free alternative.
How long should I let the filled macarons rest before eating?
Macarons taste best after resting in the refrigerator for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to improve.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Yes! Macarons can be made a few days ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen for longer storage.
What’s the best way to pipe perfectly round macarons?
Use a template under the parchment paper and hold the piping bag vertically when piping.
How can I fix hollow macaron shells?
Hollow shells are often caused by underbaking or overmixing. Ensure you bake them long enough and mix the batter just until it flows like lava.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras Macaron Treats are a stunning and delicious way to celebrate the festive season. With their vibrant colors, delicate shells, and creamy filling, these macarons bring a touch of elegance and fun to any Mardi Gras event. Whether enjoyed at a party or gifted to friends, these handmade treats are sure to impress!
