Matcha, Strawberry & Royal Milk Tea Macarons
Macarons are finicky. They require precision, patience, and a bit of luck. But when you get them right, they're absolutely worth the effort. These three flavors—matcha, strawberry, and royal milk tea—each bring something different to the table, and together they make a beautiful, varied collection.
The matcha ones are earthy and slightly bitter, perfect for those who like their desserts less sweet. The strawberry ones are bright and fruity, with a filling that tastes like fresh berries. And the royal milk tea ones have that distinctive tea flavor, creamy and comforting.
Basic Macaron Shell Recipe
Ingredients:
- 100g almond flour
- 100g powdered sugar
- 75g egg whites, aged (leave out overnight)
- 75g granulated sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. Whip the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar and continue whipping until you have stiff peaks. Gently fold in the dry ingredients in three additions, being careful not to overmix. The batter should flow like lava when you lift the spatula.
Pipe the batter onto parchment-lined baking sheets in 1.5-inch circles. Tap the sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let them rest for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin, then bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
Matcha Macarons
Add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the dry ingredients. For the filling, mix 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon matcha powder until smooth and creamy.
Strawberry Macarons
Add a few drops of pink food coloring to the batter. For the filling, puree fresh strawberries and mix with buttercream, or use a strawberry jam mixed with buttercream for a richer flavor.
Royal Milk Tea Macarons
Add a few drops of beige or light brown food coloring. For the filling, steep strong black tea in heavy cream, then use that to make a tea-flavored buttercream. The result is creamy and distinctly tea-flavored.
Making macarons takes practice. The first batch might not be perfect, but that's okay. Even imperfect macarons taste delicious, and with each attempt, you'll get closer to that ideal—smooth tops, perfect feet, and a texture that's crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
These three flavors work beautifully together, each one distinct but complementary. They're perfect for a special occasion, or just for when you want to spend an afternoon in the kitchen creating something beautiful and delicious.