4th of July Macarons

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

4th of July Macarons are elegant, festive treats that bring a touch of sophistication to your patriotic celebrations. With delicate almond shells in red, white, and blue, and a creamy filling that ties it all together, these colorful confections are perfect for parties, picnics, or holiday dessert tables. Their crisp exterior, chewy center, and endless flavor options make them a showstopping addition to any summer spread.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

almond flour
confectioners’ sugar
egg whites
granulated sugar
cream of tartar (optional, for stabilizing egg whites)
gel food coloring (red and blue)
vanilla or buttercream frosting (for filling)

directions

Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together to remove lumps and set aside.

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar (if using), then gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the dry mixture into the whipped egg whites using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Divide the batter into three equal portions. Tint one with red gel food coloring, one with blue, and leave one plain.

Transfer each color into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Pipe small, even rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to remove air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms on top.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through.

Allow macarons to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.

Pipe your choice of frosting onto one macaron shell and sandwich with a second shell of matching or contrasting color.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 macarons (12 sandwiched pairs).
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 30–60 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Assembly time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1.5–2 hours

Variations

Fill with cream cheese frosting, fruit preserves, or chocolate ganache.
Use star-shaped piping guides for extra holiday flair.
Add edible glitter or patriotic sprinkles to the shells before baking.

storage/reheating

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Macarons can be frozen (assembled or unassembled) for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring?

It’s best to use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the batter.

Why did my macarons crack?

They may not have rested long enough or your oven temperature may be too high.

Can I flavor the shells?

Yes, but be careful with adding moisture—use extracts sparingly.

Do I need to age the egg whites?

It’s recommended for more stable peaks, but not always necessary.

Why don’t my macarons have feet?

This could be due to overmixing, under-resting, or inaccurate oven temperature.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, they taste even better after a day of refrigeration.

What filling works best?

Buttercream, ganache, or jam are all great options.

Can I pipe different designs?

Yes, use patriotic shapes or swirl colors for extra flair.

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, traditional macarons made with almond flour are naturally gluten-free.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, a hand mixer works fine, just beat to stiff peaks.

Conclusion

4th of July Macarons are the perfect way to add charm and color to your holiday festivities. These dainty, delicious treats deliver both flavor and flair, making them a standout addition to your dessert table. Celebrate the red, white, and blue with a bite-sized masterpiece that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

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