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Lemon Macaron Shells

Lemon Macaron Shells

Delicate lemon macarons with crisp glossy shells and a creamy citrus buttercream filling. These bakery-style treats have the perfect balance of sweetness and bright lemon flavor with a soft chewy center.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes plus resting and chilling time
  • Yield: 18 macarons 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup finely ground almond flour
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 to 3 drops yellow gel food coloring
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for filling
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together until smooth.
  3. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then slowly add granulated sugar and whip to stiff peaks. Add yellow food coloring if desired.
  4. Fold dry ingredients gently into the meringue until the batter flows slowly like lava.
  5. Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto prepared trays.
  6. Tap trays firmly to release air bubbles and let shells rest for 30 to 40 minutes.
  7. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until shells have formed feet and lift easily from the parchment.
  8. Cool completely before filling.
  9. Beat butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  10. Pipe filling onto shells and sandwich gently.
  11. Refrigerate filled macarons for at least 24 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg whites for better meringue stability.
  • Always sift dry ingredients for smooth shells.
  • Allow shells to rest before baking to help form proper feet.
  • Filled macarons taste even better after chilling overnight.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 macaron
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 28mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 12mg

Keywords: lemon macarons, macaron shells, french macarons, lemon dessert, citrus cookies, homemade macarons