French Macarons from Tous les Jours feature delicate almond meringue shells with a smooth, creamy filling in vibrant flavors, showcasing a colorful, glossy exterior and a light, airy texture.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Rubber spatula
- Food processor
- Piping bags
- Round piping tip
- Baking sheets
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
- Kitchen scale
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Food coloring (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (room temperature, for filling)
- 1–1 1/2 cups (120–180g) powdered sugar (for filling)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for filling)
- Flavor extracts or jams (as desired, for filling)
Almond flour must be finely ground and sifted to achieve the signature smooth texture of French macarons, preventing any coarse bits in the shells. Egg whites should be at room temperature to whip properly, allowing the meringue to reach stiff peaks for a light and airy shell. Powdered sugar and granulated sugar contribute to sweetness and structure but must be measured accurately using a kitchen scale for consistent results. Your filling depends on softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a choice of flavor extracts or jams, which can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences. This copycat recipe of French Macarons from Tous les Jours replicates the bakery's delicate almond meringue shells paired with smooth, colorful fillings that highlight both texture and vibrant flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together; discard large bits.
- Pulse sifted mixture in food processor for finer texture; set aside.
- In mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy with electric mixer.
- Add cream of tartar; continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar; beat until stiff, glossy peaks.
- Add vanilla extract and food coloring (if using); mix until incorporated.
- Gently fold almond mixture into meringue using rubber spatula, until batter flows like lava (“macaronage” stage).
- Transfer batter into piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe small, even circles onto prepared baking sheets.
- Tap baking sheets firmly on counter to release air bubbles.
- Let piped shells sit at room temperature 30–60 minutes, until tops are dry to the touch.
- Bake 14–18 minutes; shells should lift off mat cleanly.
- Cool completely on baking sheets, then transfer to cooling rack.
- For filling: Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until fluffy.
- Mix in heavy cream/milk and desired flavor extracts or jams.
- Pipe filling onto bottom of half the macarons; sandwich with remaining shells.
- Refrigerate assembled macarons in airtight container 24–48 hours for best texture.
Substitution
French Macarons from Tous les Jours feature delicate almond meringue shells that can be tricky to perfect at home, especially when it comes to achieving the ideal glossy surface and airy texture. If you don't have a kitchen scale, measuring almond flour and sugars by volume may lead to inconsistent results, so precision is important for success. You can substitute granulated sugar with superfine sugar to help the meringue dissolve more easily and create a smoother batter. When piping, if a round piping tip is unavailable, a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off can be used as a makeshift piping bag. Your fillings can be customized with various extracts or jams to replicate the vibrant, creamy flavors typical of these French confections.
Tips
Make sure to sift almond flour and powdered sugar thoroughly to avoid lumpy shells and achieve a smooth texture. When folding the almond mixture into the meringue, use a gentle spatula motion until the batter flows like lava, which ensures proper macaronage and prevents deflated shells. Allow the piped shells to rest until the tops are dry before baking; this drying stage helps create the characteristic glossy crust and prevents cracking. Your patience with cooling and refrigerating the filled macarons will enhance their signature chewy interior and rich flavor.
Nutritions
French Macarons contain almond flour, providing a source of healthy fats and protein, which helps your body maintain energy and muscle function. Egg whites contribute low-calorie protein, while the butter and powdered sugar in the filling add calories primarily from fats and sugars, making macaron a sweet treat to enjoy in moderation. The combination of almonds and egg whites results in a gluten-free dessert option, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Your intake of macarons delivers a delicate balance of macronutrients, but it should be balanced with overall dietary needs due to its sugar content.
Storage
Store your French Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture and rich flavor for up to 48 hours. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature to enjoy the creamy filling and airy almond shells at their best. Avoid freezing, as this can alter the texture and cause the shells to become soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try substituting almond flour with a mix of hazelnut flour and almond flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly different texture. For a dairy-free filling, replace butter with coconut cream and use a plant-based milk instead of heavy cream to maintain creaminess. Experiment with flavor extracts such as rose water or matcha powder in the meringue or filling for unique macaron variations. Instead of piping, you might spread the batter using an offset spatula for a more rustic look while still maintaining the light texture.
Allergies
French Macarons contain almond flour, which poses a risk to individuals with tree nut allergies. The use of egg whites is also a concern for those allergic to eggs. If you have allergies, carefully check ingredient labels and consult with the bakery to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The French Macaron menu from Tous les Jours restaurant stands out due to its delicate texture and authentic flavors crafted from high-quality almond flour, fresh cream, and natural fruit fillings. You will appreciate the perfect balance of sweetness and the vibrant color variety that makes each macaron visually appealing and delicious. Trying to make a copycat enables you to experience the art of French patisserie in your own kitchen, offering a rewarding challenge and the satisfaction of creating personalized flavors. Recreating these iconic treats fosters creativity and provides a sophisticated dessert option for any occasion.