Gluten-Free Chocolate Macarons

Gluten-free chocolate macarons with a delightfully crisp shell. Perfect for any occasion!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fine ground blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 egg whites, room temperature
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature (or dairy-free butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (almond milk is a good dairy-free substitute)
• optional: food coloring

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and almond flour...: Sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and almond flour into a medium mixing bowl. Discard larger pieces left in the sifter.
2. 2In a large, cold mixing bowl, beat egg...: In a large, cold mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until they begin to foam.
3. 3Slowly add the granulated sugar to the egg...: Slowly add the granulated sugar to the egg mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). A stand mixer is ideal for this task.
4. 4Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture.
5. 5Gently fold in with a rubber spatula.
6. 6Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. 7Fill a pastry bag or sturdy Ziploc bag...: Fill a pastry bag or sturdy Ziploc bag with batter, cut the tip off, and pipe the batter into 1-inch circles. Space them at least 1 inch apart. Tap baking sheets on the counter a few times.
8. 8Let the macarons rest at room temperature for...: Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 1 hour (or until the tops are no longer glossy).
9. 9Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Once the...: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Once the oven is preheated, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160° C). Bake for 12 minutes.
10. 10Remove and cool for at least 10 minutes...: Remove and cool for at least 10 minutes before carefully transferring the macarons to a cooling rack.
11. 11To make frosting, in a medium mixing bowl,...: To make frosting, in a medium mixing bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth.
12. 12Gradually add powdered sugar by alternating one cup...: Gradually add powdered sugar by alternating one cup of powdered sugar with one tablespoon of milk until all ingredients are combined.
13. 13If necessary, beat in additional milk to obtain...: If necessary, beat in additional milk to obtain desired consistency.
14. 14Add food coloring (optional) and mix until the...: Add food coloring (optional) and mix until the color is consistent.
15. 15Once cool, pipe or spread frosting onto one...: Once cool, pipe or spread frosting onto one macaron and sandwich two together.
16. 16Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator...: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.