Macaroon vs Macaron: Do You Really Know Which One's Which?
Macaroon vs Macaron: Do You Really Know Which One's Which?
Macaroon, macaron…while most might get them mixed up, one thing that is clear is that these super sweet treats are popular. Whether you love shredded coconut cookies (macaroons) or can’t get enough of cute, chewy French meringue sandwich cookies (macarons), each is sweet perfection in the palm of your hand.
Macaroon vs Macarons
Macaroon vs macaron: Let’s take a bite out of these cute, comforting bite-size sweets.
While you might not quickly recall the difference between these two French cookies, these cute coconut mounds and colorful cookies are everywhere, from fine dining restaurants to coffee shops to grocery stores.
Often used interchangeably, here’s a quick reminder of these distinctly different French cookies. Macaroons are dense coconut cookies and macarons are meringue sandwich cookies. They make the perfect hostess gift, dessert, and snack time pick-me-up.
Are Macarons And Macaroons The Same?
No, they are not the same. The difference between them is one ingredient: macarons have ground almonds and macaroons have shredded coconut. Despite their differences, both petit cookies contain whipped egg whites, sugar, and vanilla. Both cookies are gluten-free and kosher. (If you're looking for something more festive, check out these funfetti treats.)
What Is A Macaroon?
Macaroons are chewy coconut cookies made with strands of fresh coconut. The cookies are formed into bite-size balls or mounds. These two-bite cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
These cookies are often drizzled or dipped in dark chocolate. Chefs are increasingly experimenting with fanciful flavors like salted caramel, pistachio, and almond.
Most credit the Italians with inventing the macaroon. There was a coconut cookie that was made in Italian monasteries beginning in the eighth century. The name for the coconut macaroon comes from the Italian word maccherone, meaning “paste.”
Macaroons do not contain flour or leavening. Because of this, they are often eaten during Passover. Passover is the Jewish holiday that observes the Biblical story of the Israelites freedom from slavery.
What Is A Macaron?
Enjoyed since the Renaissance, macarons are light and airy sandwich cookies. The cookie has cream, ganache, or jam sandwiched between two meringue and almond flour rounds. These two-bite cookies come in a kaleidoscope of colors. Popular macaron flavors include chocolate, lemon, raspberry, and vanilla.
It is likely macarons were invented in Italy. Queen Catherine de’ Medici originally brought the single Italian macaron to France from Italy in the 16th century. It was a Ladurée baker who put two macaron shells together with a creamy filling in the 19th century.
Macaron cookie batter typically contains almonds. The batter is placed in a pastry bag and piped into circles before being baked. Macarons are smooth on top and have a ruffled “foot.” Jam, buttercream, or ganache is used to hold two of the delicate meringue shells together.
How To Pronounce Macaron vs Macaroon?
Americans often call macarons macaroons, but this is incorrect. The confusion is not surprising as the pronunciation of the two cookies is similar. The difference in pronunciation is in the third syllable. The colorful French macarons are pronounced mac-ah-ROHN and the coconut haystack macaroons are pronounced mac-ah-ROON.
What Are The Most Common Macaroon Flavors?
Macaroons and macarons come in dozens of flavors. Macaroon flavors include:
Almond
Chocolate
Coconut
Pistachio
Salted Caramel
What Are The Most Common Macaron Flavors?
Macarons come in even more flavors and flavor combinations than macaroons thanks to their outer shells and fillings, which include ganache and jam. Macaron flavors include:
Chocolate
Lemon
Pistachio
Salted Caramel
Vanilla
How To Make A Macaroon vs Macaron?
Macaroons are simpler to make than macarons. Just whisk egg whites, sugar, salt, and vanilla together, and add coconut shred. Spoon onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or so until golden brown.
Macarons are a bit more challenging to make. You have to whip egg whites and sugar into stiff peaks before adding almond flour and food coloring. Then, the batter is piped onto a baking sheet.
The batter should be left out to dry. Bake for 20 minutes or so until the cookies are shiny and have their iconic ruffle.
Most Famous Macaroons And Macarons
Sweet dreams are made of…macaroons and macarons — shipping nationwide.
Best Artisanal Macarons: La Fournette
The best macaroons and macarons are packed with flavor like Chicago’s La Fournette. Master Baker Pierre Zimmerman handmakes his artisanal macarons in traditional flavors like chocolate and hazelnut and inventive flavors like espresso, lychee, and mojito.
The OG Modern Macarons: Ladurée Paris
Luxury patisserie Ladurée Paris are the creators of the modern French cookie. Founded by French Miller Louis-Ernest Ladurée in Paris in 1862, Ladurée has created more than 200 flavors, including blackcurrant violet, passion fruit, and rose.
Macaroons With A Flair: MacBaby
Honolulu’s MacBaby makes macaroons with Hawaiian flair. Founder Belia Turley has been making her famous macaroons for more than three decades. MacBaby’s flavors include traditional, banana, brownie, chocolate dipped, white chocolate dipped, coffee, Fruity Pebbles, mango, pandan, red velvet, and ube.
This article originally appeared on Goldbelly.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
