Name: Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup (100 g) almond flour; 1¾ cups (200 g) powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites, room temperature; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste); Pinch of salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 90 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a perfectly delicate, airy cookie with a luscious, creamy center, then this Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe will become your new obsession. These exquisite French sandwich cookies feature a crisp shell with just the right chew, all infused with the fragrant essence of real vanilla bean. Whether you are preparing for a special occasion, a festive gathering, or simply want to gift someone a touch of elegance, these macarons deliver bakery-quality charm right out of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white bowls on a white marbled surface. One bowl contains a light yellow liquid, which looks smooth and glossy. The second bowl is filled with a white powder, fine in texture. The third bowl has a beige grainy substance with a slightly rough texture. Next to these is a small white bowl holding coarse white granules. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe relies on a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving the delicate texture and perfectly balanced flavor that macarons are famous for—from the finely ground almond flour to the rich vanilla bean used in both the shells and the buttercream filling.

Almond flour (1 cup / 100 g): The foundation of your shells that gives macarons their signature tender, nutty crumb.
Powdered sugar (1¾ cups / 200 g): Adds sweetness and helps create that smooth shell texture.
Egg whites (3 large, room temperature): Whipped into a glossy meringue, providing structure and lift.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50 g): Stabilizes the meringue, ensuring a shiny, firm peak.
Vanilla bean seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste): Infuses a fragrant, authentic vanilla flavor that elevates this macaron.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors subtly.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): The base for a creamy, rich buttercream filling.
Powdered sugar for filling (1½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream perfectly.
Heavy cream or milk (1 tbsp): Adds smoothness and helps create a luscious texture for the filling.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Boosts the deep vanilla flavor in the buttercream.

How to Make Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Baking Sheets

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and lets the macarons bake to their perfect slippery, glossy finish. Measure your almond flour and powdered sugar, sifting them together to get rid of any large clumps that could ruin the smooth shells.

Step 2: Whip Up the Meringue

Beat the room temperature egg whites and a pinch of salt until they become foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip until you see stiff, glossy peaks forming. This meringue is crucial because it provides the airy texture and “feet” that make macarons unmistakably satisfying.

Step 3: Incorporate the Vanilla Bean

Gently fold the precious vanilla bean seeds or paste into the meringue. This is where your vanilla flavor will really shine, adding that subtle but unmistakable aromatic note to your shells.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold in the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. The batter should flow like thick lava—not too runny but smooth enough for piping. Proper folding is critical; overmix or undermix, and the shells won’t rise or texture correctly.

Step 5: Pipe the Macarons

Transfer your batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe consistent 1-inch circles onto the prepared pans. Firmly tap the parchment-lined pans on your countertop to release any air bubbles that could cause cracks or uneven shells.

Step 6: Rest the Shells

Allow your piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, until the tops feel dry to the touch. This drying step is the secret to creating those familiar little feet and crisp exteriors.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, until they develop their feet and are set but not browned. Remove and cool completely before attempting to remove them from the parchment—patience here pays off.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Filling

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract or paste until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and decadent. This buttercream pairs harmoniously with the lightly sweetened shells.

Step 9: Assemble Your Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe

Pipe the buttercream onto half of the cooled shells, then gently sandwich together with the remaining shells. For best results and that irresistibly chewy texture, refrigerate your filled macarons for 24 hours before serving.

How to Serve Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe

The image shows a close-up of several vanilla macarons stacked together. Each macaron has two smooth, light cream-colored shells with a slight shine and a delicate, slightly rough texture around the edges. Between the shells, there is one thick layer of creamy filling that is also light cream-colored and looks smooth and soft. One macaron on top is broken in half, showing the crumbly texture of the shell and the creamy filling inside. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible gold dust or finely grated white chocolate on top for a luxurious touch that will wow guests visually and elevate the vanilla bean flavor subtly without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

These macarons pair beautifully with light accompaniments like a delicate tea, a fruity sorbet, or a fresh berry salad to balance their sweetness and richness. A crisp glass of champagne also complements the sophisticated flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your macarons in a beautiful pastel-colored box or on a tiered dessert stand for elegant parties. For a fun twist, include a card explaining this Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe so your guests can treasure not only the sweetness but the joy of making them too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the shells crisp and the buttercream fresh, making it easy to enjoy them over several days without losing any charm.

Freezing

To preserve even longer, freeze unfilled macaron shells in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed container. They freeze beautifully and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before filling and serving.

Reheating

If you want to refresh chilled macarons, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the shells too much and ruin the delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?

Absolutely! While vanilla bean seeds provide a more intense flavor and speckled look, high-quality vanilla extract or paste can be a fine substitute that still gives lovely flavor to your macarons.

Why do my macarons crack during baking?

Cracks usually occur if the shells didn’t rest long enough to form a dry skin, if the oven temperature is too high, or if the batter was overmixed. Follow the resting step carefully and monitor your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.

How can I tell when the meringue is beaten enough?

When stiff, glossy peaks form that do not droop when you lift the beaters, the meringue is ready. It should look shiny and hold its shape firmly but should still be smooth.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! This Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified if needed.

Can I experiment with other flavors?

Definitely! Once you master this classic vanilla version, you can try adding cocoa powder for chocolate macarons or infuse your buttercream with fruit purees, coffee, or other extracts to customize your treats.

Final Thoughts

Making these Vanilla Bean Macarons Recipe at home is such a joyful experience that rewards you with elegant, delicious treats you can proudly share with friends and family. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll be amazed at how bakery-worthy and impressive these delicate delights turn out. So go ahead, give it a try—you’re just a few steps away from creating your own little bites of French magic.