Many in the baking community argue that macarons must be made with almond flour to be authentic. However, using all-purpose flour opens the door for people with nut allergies to enjoy these sweet delights. While the texture and flavor may differ from traditional macarons, all-purpose flour macarons can still be delicious and satisfying.

Benefits of Nut-Free Macarons

Allergy-Friendly: Perfect for individuals with nut allergies.
Cost-Effective: All-purpose flour is generally less expensive than almond flour.
Versatile: You can experiment with various flavors and fillings without worrying about nut allergies.

To make nut-free macarons, you will need the following ingredients:

100 grams of all-purpose flour
100 grams of powdered sugar
100 grams of granulated sugar
100 grams of egg whites
Food coloring (optional)

Optional Filling Ideas

Buttercream Frosting
Fruit Jam
Ganache

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready. This includes preheating your oven to 310°F (154°C).

Step 2: Create the Meringue

In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler.
Whisk the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves and the egg whites are frothy.
Remove from heat and transfer to a stand mixer. Whip the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar in a separate bowl to remove any lumps.
Gently fold the sifted mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 4: Pipe the Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each macaron.
Tap the baking sheet lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake

Let the piped macarons sit for about 20-30 minutes, allowing them to form a skin.
Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. They should not be jiggly when done.

Step 6: Cool and Fill

Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once cooled, fill the macarons with your choice of filling and sandwich them together.

Macaronage Technique: Be mindful of the macaronage stage. Overmixing can lead to hollow shells or a runny batter.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time, as all-purpose flour macarons may require slightly different baking times compared to almond flour macarons.
Resting Time: Allow the macarons to rest before baking to ensure they develop a proper shell.

Making macarons without almond flour is not only possible but can also be a rewarding experience. With the right technique and ingredients, you can create delightful nut-free macarons that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply want to try something new, this recipe is a fantastic way to indulge in these sweet treats. Happy baking!

• 100 grams of all-purpose flour
• 100 grams of powdered sugar
• 100 grams of granulated sugar
• 100 grams of egg whites
• Optional: Food coloring and various fillings like buttercream, fruit jam, or ganache.