• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to recipes navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook Well, Eat Well
  • Shop
  • Meet Shinee
  • Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Sweet & Savory

Cook Well, Eat Well

  • New? Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Dips
      • Meat-lovers
    • Desserts
      • Bars & Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Cheesecakes
      • French Macarons
      • Pastries
      • Pies
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Seasonal
      • Summer Favorites
      • Easter
      • Christmas
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Game Day
      • Halloween
      • New Year’s Eve
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine’s Day
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Discover
    • Ingredients
    • Tools
  • Learn
    • Baking Basics
    • Cooking Basics
    • Advanced Techniques
    • How-To’s
  • Share
    • Seasonal
    • Party Planning 101
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube
    Subscribe To Updates
Home » RECIPE » Desserts » Macarons » 8 Tools You Need to Make Perfect Macarons

8 Tools You Need to Make Perfect Macarons

Share
Share on:
By: Shinee Published: 5/14/2016Updated: 6/08/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

Sharing is caring!

861 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

So, you’re serious about learning to make perfect macarons? Then the following 8 tools will help you get there.

So, you’re serious about learning to make perfect macarons? Then the following 8 tools will help you get there.1

French macarons are temperamental, but they’re definitely possible to perfect, even for us, home bakers. The proof is in the comments under my Lemon Macarons recipe. It’s the second most popular recipe on my entire blog (and if you’re curious, this one is #1).

I’ve been making these delicious french treats since 2012. And I’ve tried many different tools, ovens, and techniques along the way. (P.S. Making macarons in a kitchen other than yours is not fun!)

I’ve already shared my tried and true macaron recipes, a comprehensive French Macaron 101 with lots of tips and tricks and visual troubleshooting guide, and even detailed video tutorial. And now it’s high time to show you what kitchen tools are essential in making macarons and why.

YouTube video

Kitchen Scale

French macarons require precision!! I weigh not only the dry ingredients, but also egg whites (<- because I use farm fresh eggs and they vary in size). I learned the hard way that too much egg whites add excess moisture to the batter, causing all sorts of problems. That’s why getting a scale is essential if you’re serious about learning to make macarons, or any baking for that matter.

Digital Kitchen Scale

Sifter

Sifting the dry ingredients is another important step. By doing so, you’ll get rid of big chunks of almonds, thoroughly mix the dry ingredients and aerate the mixture. In my macaron recipe, we sift the dry ingredients 3 times! Crucial for flawless macarons. I use this and this for sifting. You probably have one or another, but either one works just as great. Again, you’ll use this not just for making macarons, it’s also useful in baking extra-fluffy cakes.

Sifter

Oven Thermometer

Did you know that not all ovens heat properly? The temperature could vary 25-50°F up and down. What? Yes, it’s true! For example, when you set your oven to 350°F, it could heat to up 400°F!! That could easily burn your cookies and cause many other issues, like too much browning, cracked top, etc. My mom’s oven is even crazier, it keeps getting hotter and hotter. Don’t even think about baking something for over 30 minutes in it! So, the solution is to get an oven thermometer to accurately set the oven temperature. This inexpensive little tool might just save you whole lot of headache!

Oven Thermometer

Electric Hand Mixer

Unless you want to spend 30+ minutes to whip egg whites manually, you need some electric help in a form of handheld mixer. To be completely honest, I mostly use my stand mixer, only because it’s right there on the counter. Simple hand mixer will do the job just fine!

Electric Hand Mixer

Glass Mixing Bowls

No, not necessarily these glass bowls, and you don’t actually have to go out and buy new bowls to make macarons. What I’m trying to say is don’t use plastic bowls, because plastic bowls tend to absorb oil, which is the biggest enemy for good stable meringue. So get your stainless steel or glass bowls out and start whipping those egg whites.

Mixing Bowls

Silicone Spatula

Macaronage, aka folding technique, is a skill that you’ll need to master. And having comfortable n’ flexible silicone spatula makes the job so much easier. I love this OXO spatula set, the far right (white) one is what I use for folding. Again, these are must-haves for any kitchen. I can’t imagine cooking and baking without them!

OXO silicone spatula setPlain Round Tip

I get asked a lot how I make perfectly round, uniform macarons. The truth is they’re not always perfectly uniform, but practice makes everything better. I don’t use stencils or anything, I pipe the macarons free hand. What helps me is a regular piping bag with large plain round tip. I use this Wilton A1 tip. And you can watch me in action in my video (piping starts at 3:20).

Plain Round Piping Tip

Heavy Duty Baking Sheet

Last, but not least, nice and think baking sheet helps to cook the shells evenly. I’ve been using this heavy-duty aluminum baking sheet for quite a while, and it’s my absolute favorite. I have about 5 of them, and use them for everything!

Heavy-Duty Baking sheet

And there you have it. I can’t promise you’ll have perfect macarons after you get all these tools, because you know, sometimes macarons fail for no apparent reason. But I can assure you, you’ll have much higher success rate equipped with these tools and my tips and tricks I’ve shared here.

And if you try any of my macaron recipes, don’t forget to share your experience with me. I love hearing from you.

For your further reading on this topic…

French Macaron 101

French Macaron 101 and Visual Troubleshooting Guide

Funfetti Macarons

Confetti Macarons-4

This post is not sponsored, but does contain affiliate links to products I use and love! Read the full disclosure here. 

Related Recipes

  • Lemon macarons arranged on a white serving platter.
    Lemon Macarons
  • Pistachio Macarons in a box
    Pistachio Macarons
  • Macaron Troubleshooting Guide
  • Mint Macarons

Never Miss a Recipe!

Subscribe and receive my FREE Portion Planning Cheat Sheet for Cocktail and Dinner Parties.

Previous Post
Falafel Salad
Next Post
Smoked Salmon Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Made this? Rate this recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. M N says

    Posted on 29 May 2022 at 2:49 pm

    I love your macaron video and will be following it very soon. Could you tell me where I can find thinner silicone mats? Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 4 June 2022 at 11:12 am

      Hi, there! I bought mine on Amazon. Here’s the one I have. (<- affiliate link)

      Reply
  2. lola says

    Posted on 26 May 2022 at 2:56 am

    Thank you for your good and helpful advice for preparing macarons.I have tried twice and made disaster, that made me disapointed,so I’m reading watching so much in order to do smth good but yet I have no curage yet. Thanks and have a nice day

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 26 May 2022 at 10:46 pm

      Hi, Lola!! Making mistakes means you’re trying and learning new skills!! Don’t give up! I love your approach though. Watch and learn before your next attempt so you know what to change each time. Good luck!!

      Reply
  3. Eisha Valls says

    Posted on 23 June 2020 at 10:45 pm

    Thank you for all the tips! I made my first batch of macarons two nights ago and feel like I did a pretty good job. My only issue is the sifting, so I’d like to see if you have any advice or tips for me; the sifting process of the almond flour and powdered sugar is a huge headache and took me almost an hour. I purchased the mesh sifters that are suggested in your above recommendations for this specific thing, but it takes forever, and I’m using a silicone spatula to help push it through. Can you give me any advice? Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Kelley says

      Posted on 12 June 2021 at 8:54 am

      I agree with you. The sifting took me quite a while. Despite sifting, I could still see the grains of the almond flour in that macaron “shells” 😑 I hope there is an answer to what I’m doing wrong.

      Reply
  4. Anita Agarwal says

    Posted on 19 April 2019 at 6:13 am

    What type of Oven is required to bake Macarons, is it possible in normal OTG

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 19 April 2019 at 9:04 pm

      Hi, Anita. I use a regular oven. I’m not sure what is OTG though.

      Reply
  5. Denise says

    Posted on 29 March 2019 at 6:16 pm

    Going to try making Macarons for the first time and taking your advice about using a kitchen scale. If I’m using a scale without a bowl how do you account for the weight of a bowl or measuring cup?

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 29 March 2019 at 7:24 pm

      Hi, Denise. When you place an empty bowl on your scale, hit a button that says “tare”, which brings the scale to 0. Then you can add your ingredients.

      Reply
  6. Nisha Anjes says

    Posted on 7 March 2019 at 2:54 pm

    I made my first batch last night. And it was not perfect but was excited that its the first time Im trying it. Problem I faced was hollow shells. I used parchment paper and a dark cookie pan. Does that effect the result? Does the cookie need a thick pan or double pan ? ( since I have seen some youtubers place two cookie sheets together). Im just wondering. Waiting ur response.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2019 at 9:37 pm

      Hi, Nisha. I do recommend using thick baking sheets. I use aluminum baker’s half sheet with parchment paper. If you have thin cookie sheets, so yes, I’d recommend on doubling it. But it’s best if you get one thick baking sheet. As for your hollow issue, there’re 2 main reasons that could be causing it. 1. over-beated meringue and 2. under-baked macaron shells. Hope this helps, you can also read this troubleshooting guide for more tips.

      Reply
  7. Ally says

    Posted on 3 December 2018 at 3:55 pm

    I’m gonna try to make macarons soon for the first time!!!! 🙂 But I do not have a electic hand mixer. Would a electric stand mixer work?

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 3 December 2018 at 9:12 pm

      Hi, Ally. Stand mixer will work perfect. That’s what I use. Good luck!!

      Reply
  8. Donna says

    Posted on 21 June 2018 at 11:12 am

    I’ve tried a few different macaron recipes with successes and failures. I’ve realized, though, that I’ve failed every time I used the french meringue method and my italian meringue macarons came out perfect every single time. I’d love to have the same kind of results with the french meringue, but so far it’s not happening. I’m not sure where I’ve gone wrong.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 25 June 2018 at 6:00 pm

      Hi, Donna. What are the issues you’re having with french meringue macarons? Are they the same issues, like no feet, cracks, etc? Or is it every time different thing? The quality of meringue directly affects the final macarons. And since Italian meringue is much more stable, the final results tend to be more consistent. If you can share the most common issues you’re having with french meringue macarons, we may be able to find the culprit. Also I’d recommend checking my French Macaron 101 post, which may also help with some of the questions.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        Posted on 26 June 2018 at 8:17 am

        Well, I’ll give one example.

        A few days ago I tried the french method – piped the batter onto two pans. When the first set formed a skin I went ahead and baked them off (they were on a silicone mat) at 300 deg. F for 15 minutes in a conventional oven. When they were done I put the second batch in – didn’t do anything different from the first batch, except that these were on parchment paper. The first set had formed nice looking feet, but they were sticking to the mat. When the second set was done (baked for the same 15 minutes), they were all cracked on top, didn’t form feet and were hollow. The bottom of these shells, however, didn’t stick to the parchment and were nice and smooth. I was baffled because it was the same batter, and they rested long enough to form a skin. The second batch actually rested 15 minutes longer than the first. I put the first set back in for 2 minutes, and they were tough on the inside instead of soft and chewy.

        Reply
        • Shinee says

          Posted on 27 June 2018 at 7:31 pm

          Yeah, these weirdest issues are so annoying. I’ve been there. Same batch, completely different outcomes. Baffles me! But here’re a few of my notes: 1. I don’t really like silicone mat for macaron baking (everything else – love it, but not for macs!). They’re thick and don’t transfer the heat right. Hence your macarons are sticking, they’re probably slightly underbaked. 2. As for the second tray, I’d be curious to see a photo of those. But is it possible the oven is heated over 300°F? Do you have an oven thermometer to double check? I’m thinking maybe when you put that 2nd tray, oven was heated a bit higher (some ovens tend to continue to heat even though it’s set to 300°F) causing the shells to rise quickly then collapse and crack?

  9. Abbey says

    Posted on 23 April 2018 at 6:54 pm

    How do you feel about stainless steel pans for macarons.  I have 4 of them and silicone mats.  Would you know of any adjustments I may need to be aware of using stainless steel and silpats? Thank you for reading and thank you for the valuable information above!  <3

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 25 April 2018 at 12:01 am

      Hi, Abbey. Honestly I’m not sure how different stainless steel from aluminum baking sheets. As for silpat, I’m not a huge fan. The feed tend to bulge with silpats, and I feel like it doesn’t heat evenly. I prefer parchment paper.

      Reply
  10. Coreen says

    Posted on 9 April 2018 at 8:06 pm

    I tried twice now and I can’t seem to get it on the top is smooth but the bottom keep spreading n leaving a empty shell,. Why is that. I did everything left it to set for and hour, do u have to spry Ur paper because mines never comes off the paper

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 10 April 2018 at 7:16 am

      Hi, Coreen. What recipe did you try? It sounds like multiple reason could be causing your issue.
      1. Do you have an oven thermometer? Sounds like your oven runs a bit hotter. I’d check and make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
      2. The hollow shells are usually caused by over-beaten meringue. So watch carefully when you whip the egg whites. You want to stop beating as soon as egg whites reach hard peaks.
      3. Also, why you dry your macarons that long? Is it pretty humid where you live? If you over-dry your macarons, it can also cause the bulging feet.
      4. My macarons don’t stick to the parchment paper, they just easily slide off. But I had read a tip in Laduree book that if you pour a teeny-tiny bit of water UNDER the parchment paper when you bring out the macarons from oven, it’ll help loosen the macarons from the paper.
      Hope this helps. Let me know!

      Reply
  11. Summer Johnson says

    Posted on 16 February 2018 at 3:25 pm

    Macarons are some of my favorite treats. I had no clue that making macarons was this involved! I’ll probably stick to buying them from my local bakery when a craving hits!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 16 February 2018 at 9:36 pm

      Hi, Summer. Yeah, macarons can be tedious, but it’s quite a rewarding process. But buying one is delicious too! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Dalva says

    Posted on 15 February 2018 at 8:51 pm

    I am so frustred and upset right now! I’ve tried many recipes of how to make macaroons and I can’t get it done right !

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 16 February 2018 at 9:33 pm

      Hi, Dalva! Sorry you’re having a rough time with macs. I can totally relate and understand your frustration. Would you mind sharing what are the problems you’re having? I can try to help you with troubleshooting. Also you may find this post helpful too: Macaron 101.

      Reply
  13. Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says

    Posted on 17 May 2016 at 7:31 pm

    I’ve had successes and failures with macarons! This is really helpful!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 17 May 2016 at 9:20 pm

      Macarons are so temperamental, huh? 🙂 Glad you found this post helpful, Karen. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  14. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says

    Posted on 17 May 2016 at 8:06 am

    I have never made a macaron before but I’m dying to. So glad to have these perfect tools and tips – can’t wait!!!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 17 May 2016 at 2:44 pm

      Allie, it’s time to try your hands at macarons. You’ll do great!

      Reply
  15. Karen Petersen says

    Posted on 16 May 2016 at 9:43 pm

    I made my first macarons last night. I  didn’t perfect them thought! Will be trying again soon 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 17 May 2016 at 2:44 pm

      Woohoo, Karen! Doesn’t it feel amazing to pull out your very own macarons from the oven?? Hope you’ll try one of my recipes too. 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Shinee! I’m so happy you’re here! I believe anyone can cook restaurant-quality food at home! And my goal is to help you to become a confident cook with my easy-to-follow recipes with lots of tips and step-by-step photos.

New? Start Here

Browse Specialties

Main Dishes Side Dishes Appetizers Salads Breads & Pastries Cakes Macarons Drinks Browse All
Portion Planning 101
Free Dinner Party Cheat Sheet
Download Now

Popular Recipes

Yellow and white macarons.

French Macarons for Beginners

Best Prime Rib Roast (Bone-In)

This is the simplest and moistest banana bread - easy to make and yields 2 breads! #bananabread

Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

A plate full of chocolate chip cookies.

Egg Yolk Cookies

How to Make Homemade Pistachio Paste

sliced plain sponge cake layers

Easy Sponge Cake (3 Ingredient Cake)

Valentine's Day Desserts

Pistachio Macarons in a box

Pistachio Macarons

Supreme Chocolate Cheesecake

Supreme Chocolate Cake

Mini strawberry pavlovas on a baking sheet.

Strawberry Mini Pavlova

Pistachio Eclairs

Raspberry lemon tartlets arranged on a rectangular serving platter.

Raspberry Lemon Tartlets

Game Day Eats

Cooked bacon jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet.

finger food:

3-Ingredient Jalapeno Poppers

meat:

Beer BBQ Meatballs

Bean dip in a casserole dish with a portion being scooped with a chip.

dip:

3-Ingredient Bean Dip

appetizer:

Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Crackers

sandwich:

Philly Cheese Steak Sliders

dessert:

5-Ingredient Pineapple Cake

Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Never Miss A Recipe

Subscribe and receive my FREE Portion Planning Cheat!

  • Discover
    • Recipe Index
    • Tools & Gadgets
    • Ingredients
  • Learn
    • Baking Basics
    • Cooking Basics
    • Advanced Techniques
  • Share
    • Holidays
    • Appetizers
    • Party Planning 101
  • Back To Top
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
© 2013-2023 Sweet & Savory Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Exclusive member of Mediavine Food
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Subscribe and Receive My FREE Portion Planning Cheat!