Lemon Macarons Recipe with Tangy Citrus Filling and Crisp Shells

Name: Lemon Macarons
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 6 min
Yield: Varies
Ingredients: 110 grams aged egg whites (about 4 large egg whites); A pinch of cream of tartar (optional); 110 grams granulated sugar; 140 grams superfine almond flour; 125 grams powdered sugar; 56 grams unsalted butter at room temperature; 4 grams lemon extract; 3 grams fresh lemon zest; 1 gram fine salt; 125 grams powdered sugar; 10 grams heavy whipping cream at room temperature; 30 grams lemon curd

By:

Magnolia Belle

Published:

September 6, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Macarons

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, consider trying this lemon macarons recipe with its tangy citrus filling and crisp shells. Lemon macarons bring a burst of fresh flavor that makes them a hit for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening treat. Many home bakers enjoy how these cookies combine simple ingredients into something elegant and delicious, appealing to everyone from busy parents to baking enthusiasts.

One reason this lemon macarons recipe stands out is its ease of preparation. You can whip up a batch with just a few steps, making it perfect for beginners who want to dive into baking without feeling overwhelmed. For those focused on health, these macarons pack in natural lemon elements that offer vitamin C and antioxidants, and you can tweak the recipe for low-calorie or gluten-free options to fit various diets.

The versatility of lemon macarons makes them a go-to choice for customization. You might adjust the recipe to suit vegan preferences or add extra flavors for a personal twist. That distinctive zesty taste from the lemon pairs beautifully with the light, crisp shells, creating a treat that’s both refreshing and memorable for all ages, from students to seniors planning special celebrations.

In fact, health experts highlight how lemons can boost your daily nutrition. For more on this, check out the Health Benefits of Lemon, which explains how these fruits support wellness in everyday eating.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Macarons
Essential Ingredients for Lemon Macarons
Lemon Macarons Ingredients
Lemon Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
Optional Filling Ingredient
How to Prepare the Perfect Lemon Macarons: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
Step 3: Combine and Fold
Step 4: Pipe and Rest
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Step 7: Assemble and Chill
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Lemon Macarons
Mastering Lemon Macarons: Advanced Tips and Variations
How to Store Lemon Macarons: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Macarons
What ingredients do I need to make lemon macarons from scratch?
How do I know when my macaron batter is ready to pipe?
What is the best way to pipe and bake lemon macarons?
How should I store filled lemon macarons to keep them fresh?
Why do macarons sometimes crack or have hollow shells, and how can I fix this?
Lemon Macarons
Ingredients
Instructions
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Essential Ingredients for Lemon Macarons

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect lemon macarons with crisp shells and a tangy citrus filling. Using precise measurements ensures your macarons turn out just right, so grab a kitchen scale for accuracy. Below, you’ll find a complete list of everything needed, pulled straight from the recipe details for a straightforward baking experience.

Lemon Macarons Ingredients

110 grams aged egg whites (about 4 large egg whites)
A pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
110 grams granulated sugar
140 grams superfine almond flour
125 grams powdered sugar

Lemon Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

56 grams unsalted butter at room temperature
4 grams lemon extract
3 grams fresh lemon zest
1 gram fine salt
125 grams powdered sugar
10 grams heavy whipping cream at room temperature

Optional Filling Ingredient

30 grams lemon curd

This structured list covers all the essentials, making it simple to follow along and avoid any surprises in the kitchen. If you’re new to macarons, remember that items like superfine almond flour help create those iconic crisp shells everyone loves.

How to Prepare the Perfect Lemon Macarons: Step-by-Step Guide

Making lemon macarons with crisp shells starts with a few basic steps that lead to amazing results. Begin by lining your baking sheets and whipping up the egg whites for that light meringue base. This guide walks you through each part, ensuring your lemon macarons recipe comes out just right with plenty of tangy citrus filling.

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready

Start by sifting 140 grams superfine almond flour and 125 grams powdered sugar to remove any clumps and create a smooth base for your shells.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Whisk 110 grams aged egg whites on medium speed until small bubbles form, then add a pinch of cream of tartar and continue until soft peaks appear. Gradually mix in 110 grams granulated sugar until you get stiff, glossy peaks for the perfect meringue.

Step 3: Combine and Fold

Fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue using a rubber spatula in a circular motion until the batter forms a thick ribbon. If you like, add yellow gel food coloring at this stage to give your lemon macarons that bright look.

Step 4: Pipe and Rest

Pipe 1 1/2-inch rounds of batter onto lined sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart, then tap the pans to release air bubbles. Let the shells rest for 30 minutes until they form a skin and look matte, which helps prevent cracks.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 18-21 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool the shells completely on the pans for about 30 minutes before removing them.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat 56 grams unsalted butter until it’s light and smooth, then mix in 4 grams lemon extract, 3 grams fresh lemon zest, and 1 gram fine salt on low speed. Slowly add 125 grams powdered sugar and 10 grams heavy whipping cream until fully blended, adjusting as needed for the right consistency.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Pipe a ring of buttercream on one shell, add 30 grams lemon curd in the center, and top with another shell to form a sandwich. Chill the assembled macarons overnight in an airtight container, then let them reach room temperature before serving. This step helps the flavors mature, giving you the best texture and taste.

Keep in mind that timing is important: Prep takes about 20 minutes, baking runs 18 minutes, and resting adds 30 minutes, for a total of roughly 1 hour and 6 minutes. For more baking ideas, you might try a no-churn ice cream recipe to pair with your macarons.

Step	Key Action	Time Needed
Whip egg whites	Add sugar gradually	5-10 minutes
Fold batter	Achieve ribbon consistency	5 minutes
Bake shells	Watch for feet to form	18-21 minutes

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Lemon Macarons

Adapting your lemon macarons recipe to fit different needs is easy and fun. For instance, if you’re avoiding eggs, swap them out for a plant-based option to keep those crisp shells intact. This way, everyone from busy professionals to diet-conscious folks can enjoy the tangy citrus filling.

Replace egg whites with aquafaba for a vegan twist.
Use oat flour instead of almond flour for nut-free versions.
Try lime zest in place of lemon for a fresh variation.

These changes help maintain the core of your lemon macarons while making them accessible for various diets.

Mastering Lemon Macarons: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of lemon macarons, you can explore ways to perfect your crisp shells and tangy citrus filling. Measuring ingredients like 110 grams of egg whites precisely with a kitchen scale makes a big difference in the outcome. Testing your oven’s heat with a small batch can prevent issues like cracking.

Age your egg whites for better results, and use gel food coloring to keep the batter just right. For flavor twists, mix in herbs or try a white chocolate filling to enhance that zesty lemon taste. Serving ideas include topping with fresh fruit or arranging them on a platter for special events.

Remember, practice helps you get those perfect macarons every time don’t worry if the first batch isn’t spot-on, just check your technique and try again.

How to Store Lemon Macarons: Best Practices

Keeping your lemon macarons fresh means storing them the right way to preserve those crisp shells and tangy citrus filling. After chilling them overnight, place assembled macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for a month.

Freeze shells separately for easy thawing and assembly later.
Prepare the filling ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Always let refrigerated macarons warm up before eating to keep the texture light.

This approach works well for meal prep, letting you enjoy lemon macarons anytime.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Macarons

What ingredients do I need to make lemon macarons from scratch?

To make lemon macarons, you will need almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar (optional), lemon juice, lemon zest, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar for the lemon buttercream or curd filling. Using superfine almond flour and accurately weighing each ingredient helps achieve smooth shells. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the natural flavor in the filling.

How do I know when my macaron batter is ready to pipe?

The macaron batter is ready when it reaches a thick, flowing consistency known as the “lava” stage. It should flow from the spatula in a thick ribbon and your batter can form figure 8 shapes without breaking. If the batter is too runny, the shells will spread too much; if it’s too thick, the shells will be lumpy.

What is the best way to pipe and bake lemon macarons?

Pipe the batter into 1 to 1 ½-inch rounds on parchment or silicone mats, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release air bubbles, then let the shells rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms. Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 18-21 minutes until they have risen and developed “feet,” with no cracks.

How should I store filled lemon macarons to keep them fresh?

Filled lemon macarons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them up to 5 days or freeze them for up to one month. Allow frozen macarons to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to retain their texture and flavor.

Why do macarons sometimes crack or have hollow shells, and how can I fix this?

Cracked or hollow macaron shells usually result from under-mixed batter, insufficient drying time before baking, or incorrect oven temperature. To fix this, ensure the batter reaches the correct consistency, allow shells to rest until a dry skin forms, and use an oven thermometer to maintain 320°F (160°C). Adjusting these factors can help create smooth shells with proper feet.

Lemon Macarons Recipe with Tangy Citrus Filling and Crisp Shells

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Macarons