Print

Lemon Poppy Seed Macarons

Lemon Poppy Seed Macarons

These Lemon Poppy Seed Macarons are a delightful French-style treat combining light, airy shells with zesty lemon brightness and a subtle poppy seed crunch. Perfectly balancing tangy lemon buttercream filling and delicate textures, they are elegant, refreshing, and suitable for both seasoned bakers and beginners looking to impress or indulge.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients (Shells)

  • 120g Almond Flour
  • 200g Powdered Sugar
  • 30g Poppy Seeds
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 50g Granulated Sugar

Wet Ingredients (Shells)

  • 90g Egg Whites (room temperature)

Filling (Lemon Buttercream)

  • 100g Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 120g Powdered Sugar
  • 12 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Tools: Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to create a smooth, lump-free dry mix. Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and fit a piping bag with a round tip.
  2. Whip the Egg Whites: Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form, creating a stable meringue to build delicate shells.
  3. Fold in Dry Ingredients and Poppy Seeds: Gently fold sifted almond flour mixture into the meringue, adding lemon zest and poppy seeds. Aim for a shiny, flowing batter that ribbons off the spatula without being too runny or stiff.
  4. Pipe the Macarons: Transfer batter to piping bag and pipe even, small circles onto parchment-lined sheets. Lightly tap the baking sheets on the counter to release air bubbles.
  5. Rest and Bake: Let piped shells rest at room temperature until a firm skin forms on top (30-60 minutes). Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking.
  6. Prepare Lemon Buttercream Filling: Whisk softened butter with powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Adjust lemon juice to your preferred balance of tang and sweetness.
  7. Assemble the Macarons: Pair shells of similar size, pipe or spread a generous amount of lemon buttercream on one shell, then sandwich it with its partner. Press gently to finish.

Notes

  • Sift Twice: Double sifting dry ingredients prevents clumps for smoother shells.
  • Perfect Piping Technique: Hold piping bag straight and pipe with consistent pressure for uniformly sized macarons.
  • Resting Time is Key: Allow shells to develop a skin before baking to avoid cracking and guarantee a shiny finish.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature egg whites helps achieve maximum volume when whipping.
  • Use an Oven Thermometer: Ensure precise baking temperature to avoid texture issues.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon macarons, poppy seed macarons, French macarons, gluten-free dessert, lemon buttercream, elegant desserts