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.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 macarons (12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 1–2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 2 macarons (1 sandwich)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Lemon macarons, poppy seed macarons, French macarons, gluten-free dessert, lemon buttercream, elegant desserts