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Best Pistachio Macarons Recipe

Sara Collins
The Best Pistachio Macarons Recipe is delicate, sweet and full of nutty flavor. These French cookies are light, chewy and perfect for special occasions. The smooth pistachio filling pairs beautifully with crisp macaron shells.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the shells:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • Green food coloring optional

For the pistachio filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup ground pistachios
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 tsp milk if needed for consistency

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven

  • Set oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats for even baking and easy removal.

Sift almond flour and sugar

  • Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together. This removes lumps and creates smooth, delicate macaron shells.

Beat egg whites

  • Use an electric mixer to beat egg whites with cream of tartar. Whip until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar.

Add food coloring

  • If desired, add green food coloring to egg whites. Mix gently until evenly colored without deflating the meringue.

Fold in dry ingredients

  • Carefully fold almond flour mixture into meringue using a spatula. Mix until smooth but do not overmix, to keep air in the batter.

Pipe the shells

  • Transfer batter to a piping bag. Pipe small circles onto baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Tap the tray to remove air bubbles.

Rest the shells

  • Let piped shells rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. They form a thin skin on top for smooth, shiny macaron tops.

Bake the shells

  • Bake in preheated oven for 18–20 minutes. Oven times may vary. Shells should be firm and slightly springy to the touch.

Cool completely

  • Remove shells from oven. Let them cool completely before removing from parchment. This prevents sticking or cracking.

Prepare pistachio filling

  • Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, ground pistachios, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add milk if needed for spreading consistency.

Fill the macarons

  • Pipe or spoon pistachio filling onto half of the shells. Top with remaining shells, gently pressing to form sandwiches.

Rest before serving

  • Refrigerate macarons for at least one hour before serving. This improves texture and flavor by allowing shells and filling to meld.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg whites for better meringue
  • Sift almond flour to avoid lumpy shells
  • Do not overmix batter; keep air for fluffy shells
  • Let shells rest before baking for smooth tops
  • Store in the fridge for best texture
  • Bring macarons to room temperature before serving
Keyword Best Pistachio Macarons Recipe