Salted Caramel Macarons

Salted caramel macarons are a luxurious treat that bring the elegance of French patisserie into your kitchen. These delicate confections feature crisp, smooth shells with a soft, chewy interior, sandwiching a rich, buttery salted caramel filling. The subtle salt enhances the sweetness, creating a flavor balance that is both indulgent and sophisticated.

More Hearty Desserts

What makes these macarons truly special is the interplay of textures. The outer shells are light and airy, while the filling adds creaminess and depth. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet and salty notes. People love salted caramel macarons because they feel like a gourmet dessert experience, yet they can be made at home with patience and proper technique. Whether served at elegant gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a special gift, these French cookies are always a showstopper.

Salted caramel macarons also offer endless creativity. They can be adapted into gourmet macaron recipes, paired with complementary flavors, or enjoyed as part of a fall macarons assortment. From traditional caramel to more adventurous macaroon flavor ideas, mastering this recipe opens the door to countless variations that are both beautiful and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for salted caramel macarons is carefully designed to guide home cooks to professional-quality results. Here’s why it stands out:

Expert Technique Simplified: While macarons are notoriously finicky, this recipe breaks down each step with chef-level insight so that you can achieve smooth, shiny shells without guesswork.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The salted caramel filling is rich yet not overpowering, offering the ideal sweet-and-salty combination that makes these macarons irresistible.
Elegant Presentation: With perfectly rounded shells and uniform size, these macarons are visually stunning. They make an impressive gift or a centerpiece for dessert trays.
Versatile and Adaptable: This base recipe can easily be adapted for other macaroon flavors or flavored macarons. Think snickerdoodle macarons, thanksgiving macarons, or a fall flavor macarons collection.
Professional Results at Home: With clear, detailed instructions and step-by-step guidance, even a home baker can replicate a French macarons recipe worthy of a patisserie display.

By following this recipe, you gain not just a batch of macarons, but the confidence and technique to experiment with other popular macaron flavors in the future.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep Time: 60 minutes (includes sifting, whisking, and piping)
Resting Time: 30–60 minutes for shells to form a skin
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24–28 macarons (12–14 sandwich cookies)

These times account for careful preparation, proper meringue whipping, and baking for consistent results. Allow extra resting time if your kitchen is humid to ensure the shells form properly.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells:

1 cup (100 g) almond flour, finely ground
1 ½ cups (150 g) powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed
½ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Additions/Substitutions:

Almond flour can be substituted with hazelnut flour for a nutty twist
Vanilla extract can be replaced with coffee or bourbon for flavor variations
Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free version
Granulated sugar in the filling can be replaced with coconut sugar for a richer color and flavor

Notes: Always measure ingredients accurately using a kitchen scale, as precise ratios are crucial for macaron success.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Mixture

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl. This ensures a smooth, lump-free base for your macaron shells. Use a fine mesh sieve and take care to remove any large bits that could cause uneven shells. Mixing these dry ingredients well sets the foundation for perfect sourdough macarons-style smoothness.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Stir in vanilla extract gently. This meringue is the heart of your macaron shell, so ensure it is stable and shiny.

Step 3: Macaronage – Folding the Mixture

Add the dry almond and sugar mixture to the meringue. Fold carefully using a spatula, pressing the mixture against the sides of the bowl and turning it over itself. The batter should flow slowly off the spatula in a ribbon-like motion. Be careful not to overfold, which can result in flat shells, or underfold, which can create lumpy, cracked surfaces. Mastering how to make caramel macarons starts here.

Step 4: Pipe the Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe uniform circles about 1 inch in diameter onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Tap the tray firmly against the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a thin, dry skin forms on the surface. This step is crucial to prevent cracking during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Macarons

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even heat distribution. The macarons should lift off the parchment cleanly and have a smooth, shiny surface. If you are making multiple macaroon flavor ideas, bake them separately for consistent results.

Step 6: Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling

In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then allow it to boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, followed by warmed cream. Add sea salt and stir until smooth. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature; it should be thick enough to pipe but not too stiff.

Step 7: Assemble the Macarons

Pair the shells by size. Pipe or spoon a small amount of salted caramel onto the flat side of one shell and gently sandwich with its match. Press lightly to ensure the filling spreads evenly to the edges. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for a decorative touch.

Step 8: Maturation

Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This maturation step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to soften slightly, producing the perfect chewy interior while maintaining the crisp shell.

How to Serve

Arrange on a decorative platter for a French cookies display.
Garnish with edible gold dust or a light drizzle of additional caramel for a luxurious touch.
Serve with coffee, tea, or sparkling wine to elevate the dessert experience.
For a seasonal presentation, pair fall macarons or thanksgiving macarons with pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or nutty flavors.
Use them as a gourmet macaron recipe centerpiece for gifting, placing in small boxes with tissue paper for elegance.

Presentation matters just as much as flavor, and the smooth shells of salted caramel macarons make them instantly photogenic.

Additional Tips

Always age egg whites for 24 hours at room temperature if possible; this improves stability for a smoother meringue.
Sift almond flour and powdered sugar at least twice to avoid bumpy shells.
Do not skip the resting time before baking; the skin formation is key to preventing cracks.
When making the caramel, avoid stirring once it starts to boil to prevent crystallization.
Use a thermometer if uncertain about caramel stage; it should reach 350°F (175°C) for a deep amber color.
Experiment with piping techniques to create uniform macarons for professional results.

These small steps ensure your macarons have the smoothness, feet, and chewiness expected in a French macarons recipe.

Recipe Variations

Snickerdoodle Macarons: Replace vanilla in shells with cinnamon and fill with cinnamon-sugar buttercream.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Macarons: Add cocoa powder to shells and use chocolate ganache with salted caramel.
Coffee Caramel Macarons: Infuse the filling with espresso for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Salted Caramel Macaroons with Nuts: Incorporate finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the caramel for added crunch.

These variations allow you to expand your repertoire of macaroon recipe flavors and impress friends with diverse tastes.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Place shells or filled macarons in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month.
Thawing: Allow frozen macarons to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Do Not Microwave: Microwaving will compromise the shell texture and filling consistency.

Proper storage preserves both the crispness of the shell and the creamy salted caramel filling.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Sugar: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g

These values will vary slightly depending on the type of nuts, chocolate, or cream used. Macarons are an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Final Words

Making salted caramel macarons at home is both an art and a rewarding culinary achievement. The precise steps, from whipping meringue to folding the almond mixture and perfecting the caramel, teach patience and attention to detail. With dedication, even home cooks can produce flavored macarons that rival those from top patisseries. Each batch not only yields delicious French cookies but also builds confidence and skill. Mastering these macarons opens the door to experimenting with other macaron flavors, from snickerdoodle macarons to fall flavor macarons, providing endless opportunities for creativity.

Sharing these macarons elevates any occasion. Their beautiful presentation, delicate texture, and rich flavor make them perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply savoring a sweet moment at home. Once you taste a homemade salted caramel macaron, you’ll understand why these gourmet macaron recipes are celebrated worldwide. By practicing this recipe and refining your technique, you transform a challenging dessert into a delightful and achievable kitchen masterpiece. Each batch becomes a testament to the joy of baking, the elegance of French patisserie, and the satisfaction of creating something truly extraordinary at home.

FAQ’s

Yes. Assemble macarons and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Yes, as long as you use almond flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Ensure proper macaronage, rest piped shells until skin forms, and avoid sudden temperature changes in the oven.

Yes. Choose a high-quality soft caramel or sauce, but homemade caramel provides the best flavor balance.

Yes. Freeze unfilled shells or assembled macarons in a single layer. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.