Delicate, elegant, and bursting with subtle flavor, Matcha Macarons are a refined dessert that brings together the artistry of French patisserie and the earthy depth of traditional Japanese green tea. These airy almond meringue cookies filled with a luscious matcha-infused buttercream or ganache are not only visually striking but also a delight for the palate.
With their distinctive pale green hue and soft chew, matcha macarons offer an irresistible combination of sweetness, umami, and a hint of bitterness that makes them truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to challenge your baking skills, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to macaron perfection.
Why You’ll Love Matcha Macarons
- Elegant and unique – the perfect treat for afternoon tea or celebrations
- Refined flavor – sweet meets earthy with premium matcha
- Naturally gluten-free – made with almond flour
- Showstopper dessert – impressive to serve and give as gifts
- Customizable – pair with white chocolate, yuzu, or even black sesame fillings
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- 3/4 cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder (culinary-grade)
- 2 large egg whites, aged at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Green food coloring (optional, to enhance color)
For the Matcha Filling (Buttercream):
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Matcha Macarons
✅ 1. Prep the Dry Ingredients
- Sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder.
- Discard any large lumps for a smooth batter.
✅ 2. Make the Meringue
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar.
- Whip until stiff peaks form. Add a touch of green food coloring, if desired.
✅ 3. Macaronage
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula.
- Mix just until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons when lifted.
✅ 4. Pipe the Shells
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe small circles onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet.
- Tap the tray on the counter to release air bubbles.
✅ 5. Rest and Bake
- Let macarons sit for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Let cool completely before removing from the tray.
✅ 6. Make the Filling
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, matcha powder, and a splash of milk.
- Mix until smooth and fluffy.
✅ 7. Assemble
- Pair up macaron shells of similar size.
- Pipe filling onto one shell, then sandwich with the other.
- Chill assembled macarons for 24 hours for best texture.
Tips for Macaron Success
- Use aged egg whites – helps create stable meringue.
- Weigh ingredients with a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Don’t overmix or undermix – aim for lava-like batter.
- Rest time is key – shells won’t crack if rested properly.
- Let flavors develop – macarons taste best the next day.
✨ Flavor Variations
- White Chocolate Ganache – melt white chocolate with cream and matcha.
- Yuzu Buttercream – add yuzu zest and juice to the filling.
- Black Sesame Filling – for an Asian fusion twist.
☕ What to Serve With Matcha Macarons
- Green tea or jasmine tea
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh berries and cream
- Sparkling sake or Prosecco for a fancy treat
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Elegant, Earthy, and Absolutely Divine
Matcha Macarons are more than just cookies—they’re an experience. Their crisp shells and chewy interiors deliver a sophisticated balance of sweet and bitter, while the vivid green hue makes them an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.
Mastering macarons may take a bit of patience, but the reward is a tray of delicate confections that look as beautiful as they taste. So break out your sifter, grab your whisk, and get ready to fall in love with this matcha masterpiece.