Raspberry Pistachio Macarons Recipe

Dreamy Raspberry Pistachio Macarons Recipe for Sweet Success

Crafting delicate raspberry pistachio macarons requires precision and passion for French pastry.

Delightful shells demand careful technique and patience.

Soft pastel hues hint at the elegant treat waiting to emerge.

Nutty pistachios whisper sophistication against bright raspberry notes.

Precise measurements create perfectly crisp yet tender cookies.

Each bite promises a dance of sweet and nutty flavors.

You’ll want to savor every delicate moment of this culinary adventure.

Drinks and Treats to Serve with These Macarons

  • Crisp, light champagne perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of these elegant macarons, cutting through their richness with effervescent bubbles.
  • Brew a fragrant Earl Grey with subtle lavender notes that enhance the nutty pistachio and bright raspberry flavors, creating a sophisticated tasting experience.
  • Rich, intense dark chocolate and a shot of smooth espresso provide a bold contrast to the light, airy macaron, balancing its delicate texture with deep, robust notes.
  • Sweet, low-alcohol Moscato wine offers a gentle, fruity pairing that highlights the raspberry's natural sweetness without overpowering the macaron's delicate structure.

Macaron Filling Variations for a New Flavor Spin

  • Gluten-Free Macarons: Replace almond flour with gluten-free almond meal or ground sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.
  • Vegan Raspberry Pistachio Treats: Swap egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use plant-based food coloring for a cruelty-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining macaron texture.
  • Chocolate Raspberry Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use dark chocolate ganache for filling to create a rich, decadent alternative.

Raspberry Pistachio Macarons FAQs

  • What are macarons?

Macarons are delicate French sandwich cookies made with almond flour, meringue, and a filling, known for their smooth, crisp shell and soft interior.

  • How do I know if my macaron batter is mixed correctly?

Look for a ribbon-like consistency when you lift the spatula- the batter should flow slowly and form a figure-eight shape that disappears within 20-30 seconds.

  • Why is resting the macaron shells important?

Resting allows a skin to form on the surface, which helps create the signature “feet” and smooth top when baking, preventing cracking and ensuring a professional-looking result.

  • Can I make macarons without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even whisk egg whites manually, but it requires more effort and precision to achieve the right meringue consistency.

Why Raspberry Pistachio Macarons Are a Perfect Match

  • Quick Raspberry Pistachio Macarons
  • Surprisingly simple method transforms basic ingredients into stunning French dessert with minimal professional baking skills required.
  • Elegant treat that looks complicated but actually needs straightforward steps, perfect for home bakers wanting to elevate their dessert game.
  • Flexible recipe allows creative variations by changing food coloring, extracting different flavor profiles, and experimenting with filling options.
  • Delicate, colorful macarons work brilliantly for sophisticated gatherings like bridal showers, afternoon tea parties, or gourmet dessert presentations.

Ingredients for Raspberry Pistachio Macarons

Dry Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour, Ground Pistachios, Powdered Sugar: Essential base for macaron shells, providing texture and subtle nutty flavor. Sifting ensures smooth, fine consistency without lumps.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg Whites: Key structural component creating airy, delicate macaron texture. Fresh, room temperature whites whip better and provide maximum volume.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and warming flavor to the macaron shells. Pure vanilla provides the best taste.
  • Food Coloring (Optional): Creates visual appeal and allows customization of macaron appearance. Gel colors work best for vibrant results.
Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes egg whites and provides sweetness. Superfine sugar dissolves more easily and creates smoother meringue.
Additional Tools:
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking surface for delicate macaron shells.
  • Piping Bag with Round Tip: Essential for creating uniform, precise macaron circles. Helps achieve professional-looking results.

How to Make Raspberry Pistachio Macarons at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surfaces

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, creating a smooth canvas for your delicate macarons.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Sift together in a bowl:
  • Almond flour
  • Ground pistachios
  • Powdered sugar

Discard any large pieces that don’t pass through the sifter.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites until they become foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, whisking consistently until glossy, stiff peaks form that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

Gently fold in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Step 5: Create Macaron Batter

Carefully fold dry ingredients into the egg white mixture using a spatula. Mix with a gentle touch, aiming for a flowing batter that creates thick ribbons when lifted (approximately 50 strokes).

Step 6: Pipe Macaron Shells

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe perfectly circular 1-inch rounds onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Rest and Develop Skin

Tap the trays gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Allow macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a delicate skin forms on top.

Step 8: Bake Macarons

Preheat oven and bake according to traditional macaron baking techniques.

Piping and Baking Tips for Smooth Macarons

  • Master Moisture Control: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume and stability when whipping.
  • Perfect Piping Technique: Use a steady, consistent hand to pipe uniform macaron circles, keeping equal distance between each.
  • Tackle Texture Triumph: Fold dry ingredients gently into egg whites, stopping when batter creates smooth, flowing ribbons without deflating.
  • Rest and Rise Strategy: Allow macarons to develop a skin before baking, which helps create those signature crisp shells with ruffled feet.
  • Color and Flavor Boost: Experiment with natural food colorings and extract variations to customize your raspberry pistachio macarons without compromising texture.

Store Macarons to Maintain Freshness

  • Store macarons in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days to maintain texture and prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual macarons or the entire batch in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months to preserve freshness.
  • Remove frozen macarons from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their delicate texture.
  • Keep macarons away from humid environments to prevent shell softening and maintain their crisp, delicate structure.
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Raspberry Pistachio Macarons Recipe

Raspberry Pistachio Macarons Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delicate raspberry pistachio macarons blend French elegance with nutty richness, creating a sublime dessert experience. Crisp almond shells filled with luscious raspberry cream and crushed pistachios will transport dessert enthusiasts to Parisian patisserie bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Macaron Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup (75g) almond flour
  • ¼ cup (25g) finely ground pistachios

Macaron Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (optional, for a pistachio hue)

Filling Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons raspberry jam or fresh raspberry puree
  • ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking surfaces by lining two sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure even macaron formation and prevent sticking.
  2. Carefully sift almond flour, ground pistachios, and powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl, eliminating any large granular pieces to create a smooth, fine mixture.
  3. Whip egg whites in a separate clean bowl until they become frothy, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar while continuously whisking until the mixture develops glossy, stiff peaks.
  4. Delicately introduce vanilla extract and optional food coloring into the meringue, gently folding to maintain the airy texture.
  5. Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the meringue using a spatula, employing a careful folding technique that creates a flowing, ribbon-like consistency after approximately 50 gentle strokes.
  6. Transfer the prepared macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, precisely piping uniform 1-inch circular shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Gently tap the trays against the counter to release trapped air bubbles, then allow the macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a delicate skin forms on the surface.
  8. Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature and bake the macarons until they develop characteristic crisp shells and gentle feet.

Notes

  • Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumpy macarons and ensure a smooth, glossy surface.
  • Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability when whipping meringue.
  • Fold batter gently and precisely, watching for the perfect “lava-like” consistency to avoid deflating the delicate egg whites.
  • Rest piped macarons at room temperature to develop a protective skin, which helps create the signature crisp shell and ruffled “feet” during baking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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