The difference between French Macarons and Italian Macarons

French macarons and Italian macarons are two variations of the same sweet treat, but they are made using slightly different methods. Here is a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

French Macarons

French macarons are made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, and are known for their delicate, smooth texture and wide range of flavors. The process of making French macarons involves whipping egg whites and sugar and mixing until the mixture forms stiff peaks.  The whipped meringue is then mixed with the almond flour and powdered sugar until the perfect batter texture is reached. The mixture is then piped onto a baking sheet and baked until the shells are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Italian Macarons

Italian macarons are also made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, but they are made using a slightly different method. The process of making Italian macarons involves heating up a sugar syrup.  What the eggs are whipping, the sugar mixture is added.  The Italian meringue is then added to the almond flour and mixed until the batter is smooth. The mixture is then piped onto a baking sheet and baked until the shells are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Key Differences

One of the main differences between French and Italian macarons is the method of preparation. French macarons are made by mixing the almond flour and powdered sugar with whipped egg whites, while Italian macarons are made by heating the sugar and egg whites together before adding in the almond flour. This difference in preparation can result in slightly different textures and flavors for the two types of macarons.

Overall, both French and Italian macarons are delicious, but the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference. Some people prefer the delicate, smooth texture of French macarons, while others prefer the slightly denser, chewy texture of Italian macarons. Both types of macarons are widely available at bakeries and specialty stores, so it's worth trying both to see which one you prefer.

At Nikkolette's Macarons, we utilize the French method!!