Coffee Macarons

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I still remember the first time I bit into a coffee macaron — the delicate shell cracked under my teeth, giving way to a silky, rich coffee buttercream that lingered on my palate. That memory is what inspired me to perfect my own version of this elegant French treat. These coffee macarons are a harmonious blend of nutty almond meringue and bold espresso flavor, and I’m so excited to share them with you.

As someone who adores both coffee and baking, creating these little masterpieces feels like the best of both worlds. The process is meditative, from whisking the meringue to piping each perfect circle onto the baking tray. I’ll walk you through each step so you can experience the same joy I feel every time I make them.

If you’ve been hesitant about making macarons at home, don’t worry — with patience and my detailed tips, you’ll have a batch of café-worthy coffee macarons in no time. Trust me, they’re worth every second of effort, and they make a stunning addition to any dessert table or as a thoughtful homemade gift. For another irresistible sweet you might enjoy later, check out my cherry chocolate cheesecake or these adorable irresistible pecan pie bites.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Macarons Recipe

These coffee macarons are more than just a dessert — they’re a sophisticated indulgence that feels special no matter the occasion. You’ll love the way the slightly bitter coffee balances the sweetness of the shells, making them surprisingly light and flavorful. They’re also gluten-free by nature and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties and celebrations. Plus, making them at home gives you the freedom to adjust the strength of the coffee flavor to your liking.

Ingredients

Almond Flour – This is the foundation of any macaron shell, giving it that signature nutty flavor and smooth texture.

Powdered Sugar – Blends with the almond flour to create the base dry mixture, keeping the shells light and slightly sweet.

Egg Whites – Whipped into a glossy meringue, they’re what gives macarons their signature lift and chewy interior.

Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes the egg whites and helps form stiff peaks for a stable meringue.

Espresso Powder – The star of the show, adding deep coffee flavor to both the shells and the filling.

Unsalted Butter – For the buttercream filling, bringing creamy richness that pairs beautifully with coffee.

Powdered Sugar (for filling) – Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to just the right consistency.

Milk – Helps bring the buttercream together and keeps it silky smooth.

Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the coffee flavor in the buttercream.

How to Make Coffee Macarons

Step 1: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and espresso powder. This ensures a lump-free, smooth mixture and helps achieve that signature macaron texture.

Step 2: Make the Meringue

Whip the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 3: Macaronage

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula. The batter should flow in ribbons off the spatula and settle back into itself after a few seconds.

Step 4: Pipe and Rest

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small, even circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tap the sheet on the counter to release air bubbles, then let the shells rest until they develop a skin, about 30–60 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the shells at 300°F (150°C) for about 15–18 minutes, until set but not browned. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

Beat the butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, espresso powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Assemble

Pair up similar-sized shells, pipe a dollop of buttercream on one, then gently sandwich with the other. Let the filled macarons rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can experiment with different coffee strengths by adjusting the amount of espresso powder in the shells and buttercream. For a sweeter twist, try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the shells to make mocha macarons. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a good plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat. You could even swap the espresso powder for instant decaf coffee if you want the flavor without the caffeine.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These coffee macarons are perfect on their own with an afternoon latte or a cup of strong black coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or alongside a slice of Nutella French toast casserole for a decadent brunch. Arrange them on a tiered platter for an elegant tea party centerpiece.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once assembled, store the coffee macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, bring them to room temperature before serving. They also freeze beautifully: place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying. No reheating is needed for macarons.

FAQs

How do I keep my coffee macarons from cracking?

Make sure to rest the piped shells long enough to form a skin before baking. This helps them rise evenly without cracking.

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder in coffee macarons?

Yes, but instant coffee tends to be less intense and may leave small granules. Dissolving it first can help.

How long do coffee macarons need to mature before eating?

Ideally, let the filled coffee macarons rest in the fridge for 24 hours to allow the flavors and texture to develop fully.

Can I make coffee macarons without a stand mixer?

Absolutely — a good hand mixer works just as well for whipping the meringue, though it may take a little longer.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved these coffee macarons, you’ll definitely want to try my sopapilla cheesecake bars for another sweet, creamy, and crowd-pleasing dessert. They’re easy to make and just as impressive!

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this coffee macarons recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it the next time you’re craving something sophisticated and sweet. If you try it and love it, feel free to share the link with friends and family — or even tag me on social media with your beautiful creations! Nothing makes me happier than seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

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