Name: Cranberry Macarons with Orange Buttercream Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large Egg Whites (room temperature); 100 grams Granulated Sugar (for meringue); 1 teaspoon Egg White Powder (optional); 250 grams Almond Flour (finely ground); 200 grams Powdered Sugar (sifted); 1 teaspoon Food Coloring (crimson or red); 250 grams Fresh Cranberries (the star ingredient); 100 grams Granulated Sugar (or Maple Syrup); 1 orange Fresh Orange Juice & Zest (for brightening the sauce); 200 grams Unsalted Butter (softened); 300 grams Confectioners’ Sugar (for sweetness); 1 teaspoon Vanilla or Orange Extract (optional); 2 tablespoons Milk (or additional Orange Juice)

Cranberry Macarons with Orange are the perfect festive treat that brings together the tangy taste of cranberries and the bright zest of oranges. This delightful French dessert is not only visually stunning but also a delicious combination of sweet and tart flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these macarons are sure to elevate your dessert game.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Macarons with Orange

There are many reasons to adore these Cranberry Orange Macarons. First, they offer a unique flavor combination that tantalizes your taste buds. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange buttercream, making them a sweet and tart macaron experience. Additionally, these macarons are visually appealing, making them a great centerpiece for any dessert table. They are also vegetarian-friendly, catering to various dietary preferences. Plus, they are relatively easy to make at home with the right tips for making macarons at home. Lastly, these festive macarons can be enjoyed year-round, providing a citrus-infused treat whenever you desire.

Ingredients for Cranberry Macarons with Orange

Gather these items:

4 large Egg Whites (room temperature)
100 grams Granulated Sugar (for meringue)
1 teaspoon Egg White Powder (optional)
250 grams Almond Flour (finely ground)
200 grams Powdered Sugar (sifted)
1 teaspoon Food Coloring (crimson or red)
250 grams Fresh Cranberries (the star ingredient)
100 grams Granulated Sugar (or Maple Syrup)
1 orange Fresh Orange Juice & Zest (for brightening the sauce)
200 grams Unsalted Butter (softened)
300 grams Confectioners’ Sugar (for sweetness)
1 teaspoon Vanilla or Orange Extract (optional)
2 tablespoons Milk (or additional Orange Juice)

How to Make Cranberry Macarons with Orange Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and measure all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and almond flour, then sift them together.
Step 3: Using a double boiler, whisk egg whites and granulated sugar over simmering water until the sugar dissolves. Transfer to a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue in thirds, adding food coloring as you go.
Step 5: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto your prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Allow the piped macarons to sit at room temperature for 20-40 minutes, until they are no longer sticky to the touch.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating trays halfway through.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets.
Step 9: In a small saucepan, simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Step 10: Beat softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and orange zest, mixing thoroughly.
Step 11: Pipe orange buttercream onto one macaron shell. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce, then sandwich with another macaron shell.
Step 12: Refrigerate assembled macarons for several hours or overnight before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Macarons with Orange

Keep these in mind:

These macarons are best served chilled.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce to your taste.
Ensure you whip the egg whites to stiff peaks for perfect macaron shells.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Macarons with Orange

These Orange-flavored Macarons are perfect for various occasions. Serve them on a dessert platter alongside other tangy cranberry treats at parties or as a sweet ending to a festive meal. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a delightful afternoon snack. Consider displaying them on a cake stand for an elegant touch.

Cranberry Macarons with Orange Buttercream Delight - Cranberry Macarons with Orange - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Macarons with Orange

To maintain their freshness, store the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unfilled macaron shells for up to a month. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, fill them with the cranberry sauce and orange buttercream just before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Macarons with Orange

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Macarons with Orange?

The secret lies in achieving the right meringue consistency and allowing the piped macarons to rest before baking. This helps form a smooth shell that is both chewy and crispy.

Can I make Cranberry Macarons with Orange ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the macaron shells ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to fill them with the buttercream and cranberry sauce.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Macarons with Orange?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your egg whites are free of any yolk, as this can affect the meringue. Also, measure your ingredients accurately and use a kitchen scale for the best results.

Variations of Cranberry Macarons with Orange You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Use lemon zest instead of orange for a different citrus flavor.
Add chopped nuts to the macaron batter for a Cranberry Almond Cookie twist.
Create a chocolate ganache filling for a rich flavor contrast.
Incorporate different fruit purees into the buttercream for unique macaron filling ideas with fruit.

For more information on making macarons and exploring other dessert recipes, check out our other articles!