Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the elusive, delicate French treat, you’re in the right place! This Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe isn’t just any macaron recipe – it’s one that I’ve tweaked and cherished, perfect for anyone who wants that perfect crisp shell with a tender, flavorful bite inside. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll keep coming back for more, and your kitchen will smell like a patisserie heaven!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Combining almond and pistachio flours creates a nutty, rich base that’s absolutely memorable.
  • Reliable Meringue Technique: The long, patient whipping to stiff peaks ensures those iconic smooth, crisp shells.
  • Authentic Laduree-Style Filling: The pistachio buttercream is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly complements the shells.
  • Clear Visual Cues & Tips: From batter consistency to baking tricks, every step includes practical guidance to help you succeed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe starts with high-quality ingredients that naturally harmonize. A few small tips will make a big difference when shopping and prepping.

Delicious Pistachio Macarons, pistachio macaron recipe, French macarons with pistachio, homemade pistachio macarons, best pistachio macaron tips - Flat lay of a small mound of fine almond flour, a small mound of fine pistachio flour with a pale green hue, a small pile of white powdered sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a tiny white ceramic bowl holding a quarter teaspoon of cream of tartar powder, a small white ceramic bowl with vivid green gel food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow egg yolks, a small square of pale unsalted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl of smooth pistachio paste—all arranged with perfect symmetry and natural fresh appearance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Fine almond flour: Creates the macaron’s signature smooth shell, so opt for superfine almond flour for the best texture.
  • Fine pistachio flour: Adds that distinct pistachio flavor and a lovely green tint without overpowering sweetness.
  • Powdered sugar: I recommend using store-bought powdered sugar because it contains cornstarch, which stabilizes the shells.
  • Egg whites: Room temperature whites whip better for meringue; patience during whipping pays off.
  • Fine granulated sugar: Also called caster sugar, it dissolves quickly and gives that silky meringue texture.
  • Cream of tartar: Optional but helpful for stabilizing the egg whites and ensuring sturdier meringue.
  • Coarse kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance in the shells.
  • Green gel food coloring: A small amount creates the gorgeous pistachio hue without adding liquid to the batter.
  • Granulated sugar & water (for filling): For the syrup that transforms ordinary egg yolks into dreamy buttercream.
  • Egg yolks: The base of the luscious pistachio filling.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened for easy incorporation and silky mouthfeel.
  • Pure pistachio paste: The star of the filling, boosting pistachio flavor to authentic Laduree-level intensity.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I adore this Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe is how adaptable it is! Whether you want to adjust sweetness or play with colors, you can truly make it your own.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap half the pistachio flour for hazelnut flour for a different nutty twist, and my friends love the flavor swap! Try swapping colors or adding a dash of vanilla extract into the filling for a subtle, cozy note.
  • Dietary Mod: If you’re avoiding food coloring, simply omit it—your macarons will still taste fantastic, just less vibrant.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Mix Perfectly

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats — I’ve found these prevent sticking beautifully. Next, sift together the almond flour, pistachio flour, and powdered sugar twice. Here’s a little secret: if a tablespoon or so of chunky bits remains, don’t sweat it—discard those for ultra-smooth shells.

Step 2: Whip That Meringue to Stiff Peaks

Using a clean bowl with your whisk attachment, beat the egg whites with granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and salt on medium speed until you get soft peaks. This can take 30-40 minutes—yes, it’s a bit of a wait—but it’s so worth it for those full, glossy macaron shells. Add a drop of green gel food coloring, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. When you lift your whisk, the meringue should hold a sharp point and feel sturdy.

Step 3: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Your Meringue

Sift the dry mix one more time directly over your meringue, then fold in with a gentle, deliberate motion. The key is patience and technique — I fold about 50 times, moving my spatula clockwise from bottom to the sides, cutting the batter in half each time. Test the batter by dropping a dollop back in the bowl; if peaks dissolve on their own in about 10 seconds, you’re good to go. Don’t overmix—runny yet able to hold shape is perfect.

Step 4: Pipe and Rest Your Macarons

Transfer batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip (I love using the Wilton 2A tip). Pipe rounds about 1.5 inches in diameter, spaced an inch apart, onto your prepared sheets. Tap the trays firmly to get rid of air bubbles—pop any stubborn ones with a toothpick. Let your macarons rest on the counter for 15 minutes to form a skin; this helps them bake evenly and develop that beautiful “foot.”

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 15-18 minutes. Pro tip: place an empty tray above to shield the tops from browning. Your macarons are done when lightly touched, the shell feels firm and doesn’t wobble. Slight overbaking beats underbaking here—better safe than soggy gums!

Step 6: Make the Laduree Pistachio Cream Filling

While macarons cool, start your filling by boiling sugar and water until it reaches 250°F (120°C). Whip egg yolks until pale and doubled in size, then carefully stream in the hot syrup on low speed, increasing speed as you go. Beat until the mixture cools to 104°F (40°C), then add softened butter and pistachio paste. This silky buttercream is the star of the show—mix until smooth and pipe into a bag.

Step 7: Assemble and Mature Your Macarons

Match shells by size, arrange with flat side up. Pipe a dollop of pistachio cream then sandwich with the top shell, pressing slightly to spread filling to edges. Refrigerate in airtight container for at least 24 hours to let flavors marry and the texture soften beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe

  • Patience is Key: Don’t rush whipping your egg whites or resting the shells; these steps make all the difference.
  • Test Your Oven Temperature: I use an oven thermometer to make sure the heat is spot-on, avoiding cracked or undercooked shells.
  • Controlled Folding: Counting folds helped me when I first started; aim for about 50 folds and test, rather than guessing by feel alone.
  • Use a Template: Piping onto a template guarantees uniform macarons and helps with even baking and matching pairs later.

How to Serve Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe

Delicious Pistachio Macarons, pistachio macaron recipe, French macarons with pistachio, homemade pistachio macarons, best pistachio macaron tips - A white divided tray filled with twelve pale green macarons arranged in three rows of four. Each macaron has two smooth, round shells with a slight speckled texture and a thick layer of creamy green filling sandwiched in the middle. The macarons have a slightly raised edge and a soft matte finish. In the background, a white marbled surface with scattered whole and cracked pistachios and a cream-colored box showing colorful macaron images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often dust a tiny pinch of crushed pistachios or edible gold leaf on the finished macarons for a little sparkle that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor. A subtle dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant, café-style touch.

Side Dishes

These pistachio macarons are perfect alongside a fresh cup of matcha tea or light espresso. I’ve also paired them with a simple berry coulis to balance the richness, which guests rave about at gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or special occasions, I like placing the macarons in a tiered dessert stand with sprigs of fresh mint and flowers for a colorful, inviting display. You could also arrange them in gift boxes tied with green ribbons for a luxurious homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store filled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days — I always find the flavors actually improve after a day or two! Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to keep them from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen assembled pistachio macarons after they’ve matured in the fridge for 24 hours. Pop them into a sealed container or freezer bag, and they keep beautifully for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Macarons don’t need reheating — instead, I like bringing them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating. This warms the buttercream just enough to melt in your mouth without sacrificing texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute pistachio flour with almond flour only?

    Yes, you can use entirely almond flour, but keep in mind that it will lack the pistachio flavor and characteristic green tint. For that authentic pistachio taste, it’s worth hunting down pistachio flour or making some yourself by finely grinding shelled pistachios.

  2. How can I tell if my meringue is whipped enough?

    When stiff peaks form, the meringue should hold a sharp point when you lift the whisk, and the batter should be glossy and thick. If it slides off the whisk easily or looks grainy, keep whipping a bit longer.

  3. Why do my macarons crack or not develop feet?

    Common reasons include insufficient drying before baking, incorrect oven temperature, or batter that’s over- or under-mixed. Letting the shells rest until a skin forms and using an oven thermometer often solves these issues.

  4. Is it necessary to mature filled macarons in the fridge?

    Absolutely! Maturing allows the filling to soften the shells, bringing the flavors together beautifully. I always recommend at least 24 hours in the fridge before serving for the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe has been a labor of love—and the joy I get seeing friends and family savor their first bite is priceless. Macarons might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll feel so proud making these delicate treats at home. So grab your ingredients, take your time, and I promise, these will become a favorite in your recipe box. Happy baking, my friend!

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Delicious Pistachio Macarons Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 filled macarons
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pistachio Macarons recipe features delicate, nutty macaron shells made with almond and pistachio flours, paired with a luscious Ladurée-style pistachio buttercream filling. Perfect for an elegant dessert or a special treat, these macarons require precise technique to achieve their smooth, shiny tops and chewy texture.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For Pistachio Macaron Shells:

  • 60 g fine almond flour
  • 40 g fine pistachio flour
  • 65 g powdered sugar
  • 70 g egg whites at room temperature
  • 75 g fine granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon green gel food coloring

For Laduree Pistachio Creme Filling:

  • 65 g granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 55 g unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 20 g pure pistachio paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, Teflon sheets, or silicone mats.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift almond flour, pistachio flour, and powdered sugar together twice. Discard any chunky bits left in the sifter after sifting.
  3. Make Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, combine egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 30-40 minutes.
  4. Add Color and Finish Meringue: Add a drop of green gel food coloring. Continue beating on medium-low speed until hard peaks form; the meringue will ball up on the whisk and hold sharp, pointy peaks.
  5. Fold Dry Ingredients into Meringue: Sift the dry ingredients again into the meringue. Using a silicone spatula, fold gently but thoroughly until the batter is fully incorporated and runny enough to draw a figure eight.
  6. Test Batter Consistency: Drop a small amount of batter into the bowl; small peaks should dissolve within about 10 seconds. If not, fold a few more times and test again without over-folding.
  7. Pipe Macaron Shells: Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch rounds about an inch apart onto prepared baking sheets, using a macaron template if desired.
  8. Remove Air Bubbles and Rest: Tap baking sheets firmly on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop large bubbles. Let macarons rest on the counter for 15 minutes before baking.
  9. Bake Macarons: Bake one sheet at a time on the middle rack for 18 minutes. Place an empty baking sheet on the top rack to prevent browning.
  10. Check Doneness: Lightly touch a macaron; if it slides and wobbles, bake for about one more minute. Macarons should be firm with stable bases. Cool completely before removing from mats.
  11. Make Pistachio Creme Filling: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, then cook until syrup reaches 250°F (120°C), about 5 minutes.
  12. Beat Egg Yolks: While syrup cooks, beat egg yolks with whisk attachment until doubled in size and pale, about 2 minutes.
  13. Incorporate Hot Syrup: Slowly pour hot syrup down the side of the yolk bowl while mixer runs on low speed. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until mixture cools to 104°F (40°C) and becomes smooth and white.
  14. Add Butter and Pistachio Paste: Stir in butter, pistachio paste, and optional food coloring. Beat until smooth and creamy. Transfer filling to a pastry bag fitted with a round tip.
  15. Assemble Macarons: Pair shells by size, placing bottom shells upside down on a wire rack. Pipe filling onto bottom shells and place top shells gently on top. Press lightly to spread filling evenly.
  16. Mature and Serve: Store filled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for at least 24 hours to mature. Bring to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use super fine almond flour to ensure smooth macaron tops; weigh ingredients before sifting.
  • Homemade pistachio flour can be made by pulsing pistachios in a food processor and sifting out fine pieces.
  • Do not substitute powdered sugar with homemade as commercial powdered sugar contains cornstarch which improves cookie texture.
  • Use fine granulated or caster sugar in the meringue to ensure it dissolves quickly.
  • Cream of tartar is optional but helps stabilize meringue for sturdier shells.
  • The folding technique is crucial; about 50 folds are typically needed before testing batter consistency.
  • To prevent macaron browning, place an empty baking sheet on the top rack while baking.
  • Store filled macarons in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze after maturing for up to 3 months.
  • Bring macarons to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 filled macaron
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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