Description
Luxurious Raspberry Pistachio Macarons are a delicate and elegant French-inspired treat featuring crisp almond meringue shells filled with sweet raspberry jam and topped with finely chopped pistachios. Their vibrant pink hue and delightful texture make them perfect for special occasions or an indulgent everyday snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaron Shells
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring, to desired color
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the macarons.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar, making sure to remove any lumps for a smooth batter.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the room temperature egg whites until they become foamy. Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating the meringue is ready.
- Add Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and a few drops of pink gel food coloring into the meringue to achieve the desired color and flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue carefully, preserving as much air as possible. The batter should have a thick, lava-like consistency, which is key for perfect macarons.
- Pipe the Macarons: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, evenly sized circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Tap the trays gently on the countertop to remove any trapped air bubbles.
- Rest the Macarons: Allow the piped macarons to sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface which helps them develop characteristic feet.
- Bake: Place the macarons in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they are set and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper. Let them cool completely.
- Assemble: Match the macarons by size. Spread a small amount of raspberry jam on the flat side of one shell, then sandwich with a matching one. Top the filled macarons with finely chopped pistachios for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Be gentle when folding the mixture to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Piping uniform circles helps macarons bake evenly and look professional.
- Resting macarons before baking is crucial for developing their signature feet and smooth tops.
- Use finely chopped pistachios to avoid overpowering the delicate macaron texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
