Lemon Lavender Macarons

Lemon Lavender Macarons - A Delightful French Dessert
Lemon Lavender Macarons are a delightful French dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the floral aroma of lavender. These delicate and colorful cookies are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a fancy dinner party. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making these delicious macarons step by step.
Ingredients (makes 20-24 macarons):

For the macaron shells:

- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp dried lavender buds
- Yellow food coloring (optional)

For the lemon lavender buttercream:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried lavender buds
- Yellow food coloring (optional)

Cooking tips:

- Use a food processor to grind the almond flour and powdered sugar together for a smoother texture.
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before whipping them to stiff peaks.
- Add the lemon zest and lavender buds to the macaron shells for a burst of flavor and aroma.
- Use a piping bag to pipe the macaron shells onto a baking sheet for a uniform size and shape.
- Let the macaron shells rest for at least 30 minutes before baking to form a smooth and shiny surface.

Cooking process:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the almond flour and powdered sugar together until fine.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold in the almond flour mixture, lemon zest, lavender buds, and food coloring (if using) until the batter is smooth and shiny.
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Tap the baking sheet on a flat surface to release any air bubbles, then let the macaron shells rest for 30 minutes.
7. Bake the macaron shells for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set and have formed a smooth and shiny surface.
8. Let the macaron shells cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.
9. To make the lemon lavender buttercream, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lavender buds, and food coloring (if using) until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
10. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag and pipe a dollop onto half of the macaron shells.
11. Sandwich the remaining macaron shells on top of the buttercream, gently pressing down to form a sandwich.
Appearance and taste:
Lemon Lavender Macarons are a beautiful and delicate dessert that are sure to impress your guests. The macaron shells are light and airy, with a crisp exterior and a chewy interior. The lemon lavender buttercream is smooth and creamy, with a tangy lemon flavor and a subtle floral aroma from the lavender. The yellow color of the macaron shells and buttercream adds a pop of brightness to the dessert, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Type of dish: French dessert
Main ingredients: Almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, butter, lemon juice, lavender buds.