Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red White and Blue Macarons are elegant, bite-sized confections perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July. With delicate almond meringue shells in festive colors and a sweet, creamy filling, these French-style cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their crisp exterior and chewy center make them a sophisticated treat for parties, dessert tables, or edible gifts.

ingredients

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

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

directions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and prepare a piping bag with a round tip.

Sift almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl to remove any lumps.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.

Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in batches until the batter flows slowly off the spatula and ribbons form.

Divide the batter into three portions. Tint one red, one blue, and leave one white.

Transfer each colored batter into piping bags.

Pipe small, even circles onto prepared sheets, spacing slightly apart.

Tap trays on the counter to remove air bubbles. Let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 15–17 minutes or until set with signature “feet.”

Cool completely before removing from the baking sheets.

Pair similar-sized shells and pipe frosting onto one side. Sandwich with the other shell.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 macarons (12 sandwiched cookies).
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Resting time: 30–60 minutes
Baking time: 15–17 minutes
Assembly time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1.5–2 hours

Variations

Flavor the shells with a few drops of extract (vanilla, almond, or lemon).
Use jam, ganache, or flavored cream cheese as the filling.
Swirl food coloring together in one bag for a marble effect.
Add edible glitter or patriotic sprinkles before baking.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfilled shells or assembled macarons for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Do I need to age the egg whites?

Aging helps stabilize the meringue but isn’t strictly necessary.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel is preferred—it gives vibrant color without affecting the batter’s texture.

Why don’t my macarons have feet?

The batter may have been undermixed, or the shells didn’t rest long enough before baking.

What’s the best filling?

Buttercream, ganache, or cream cheese frosting all work well.

How do I get even-sized shells?

Use a macaron template or trace circles on parchment paper.

Can I flavor the filling?

Yes—try lemon zest, raspberry jam, or extracts for extra flavor.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, but they won’t have the patriotic look.

Why did my macarons crack?

They likely didn’t rest long enough or the oven temperature was too high.

Can kids help make them?

Older kids can help, especially with piping and coloring.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Macarons are a dazzling addition to any patriotic event, combining elegant texture with bold, festive color. With a crisp shell, chewy bite, and rich filling, they offer a bite-sized way to celebrate in style. Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July gathering or looking for a showstopping dessert, these macarons deliver both flavor and flair.