There’s something whimsical and exciting about colorful desserts, and these Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons are no exception. With their delicate almond shells, creamy filling, and a vibrant drizzle of rainbow colors, these macarons are a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
The first time I made these, I wanted to bring a little magic to my niece’s birthday party. She adores all things rainbow, and these macarons were an instant hit. They’re elegant enough for a fancy tea party but playful enough to delight kids and adults alike.
The beauty of this recipe is that it combines the classic charm of French macarons with a fun, modern twist. The shells are light and crisp on the outside, with a perfect chewy center, and the filling is a luscious buttercream that ties everything together. The rainbow drizzle adds a pop of color that makes these macarons almost too pretty to eat (but only almost).
Let’s bring a little joy and a lot of color to your baking with these Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons. They’re as much fun to create as they are to devour.
The Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons are a playful take on the classic French macaron. These delicate almond shells are filled with creamy buttercream and topped with a vibrant drizzle of rainbow-colored icing.
Perfect for parties, gifting, or just brightening up your day, these macarons are surprisingly simple to make with a little patience and the right technique. The colorful drizzle adds a fun, eye-catching finish that makes them stand out on any dessert table.
Whether you’re a macaron pro or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating these sweet, colorful treats with ease.
An Exciting Story:
The first time I served these Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons, it was for my best friend’s baby shower. They were a hit! Guests couldn’t stop admiring the vibrant colors and delicate texture. Even my husband, who claims not to have a sweet tooth, snuck a few extras when he thought I wasn’t looking.
Now, these macarons are my go-to whenever I want to impress. They’re a perfect blend of elegance and fun.
Why These Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons?
- Elegant and Fun: Combines the classic sophistication of macarons with a playful rainbow twist.
- Visually Stunning: The colorful drizzle makes these macarons a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
- Customizable: Change the colors and flavors to match any theme or occasion.
- Perfect Texture: Light, crisp shells with a chewy center and creamy filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at parties, showers, and celebrations.
What You Need for Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons
- For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour, finely sifted
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional, for colored shells)
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream
- For the Rainbow Drizzle:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Gel food coloring in rainbow colors
How to Make Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons
- Prepare the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Make the Meringue:
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Combine and Fold:
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in batches. Add gel food coloring if desired. Continue folding until the batter flows like molten lava and ribbons dissolve back into the mixture within 10 seconds.
- Pipe the Macarons:
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Tap the baking sheets on the counter to release air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake:
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The macarons are done when they have risen and developed a smooth, shiny shell. Let cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Make the Filling:
- Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Macarons:
- Pipe the filling onto the flat side of half the shells. Top with the remaining shells, gently pressing to sandwich.
- Prepare the Rainbow Drizzle:
- Mix powdered sugar with milk until it reaches a drizzling consistency. Divide into small bowls and color each with gel food coloring.
- Decorate:
- Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle each macaron with rainbow-colored icing. Allow the drizzle to set before serving.
Tips for Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons
- Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements—it’s key for successful macarons.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Allowing the shells to dry helps them form their signature “feet.”
Substitutions and Variations:
- Flavor Variations: Add citrus zest or almond extract to the filling for a flavor boost.
- Theme Colors: Use pastel shades for spring or bold colors for a party theme.
- Vegan Option: Substitute aquafaba (chickpea brine) for egg whites and vegan butter for the filling.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use powdered monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar for reduced sugar content.
- Opt for a lighter filling, such as whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Closing for Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons:
And there you have it—Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for brightening up any occasion, these colorful treats are sure to impress. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to check out our other fun and creative recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Yes, store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
How do I prevent hollow shells?
Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and bake at the correct temperature.
Can I freeze these macarons?
Yes, freeze unassembled shells or fully assembled macarons for up to 1 month.
How do I achieve vibrant colors?
Use high-quality gel food coloring for bold, vibrant hues.
What’s the best way to pipe evenly sized shells?
Use a macaron template or draw circles on the parchment paper as a guide.
Can I skip the rainbow drizzle?
Absolutely! These macarons are delicious with or without the drizzle.
How do I make the drizzle neat?
Use small piping bags for precise lines or spoons for a rustic look.
Why do my macarons crack?
Cracking occurs if they don’t rest long enough or if the oven temperature is too high.
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Avoid liquid food coloring—it can alter the batter’s consistency.
What’s a fun serving idea?
Arrange them on a tiered tray with colorful flowers or sprinkles for a festive presentation.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the bright colors and delicate, sweet flavor.
Easy Rainbow Drizzle Macarons
Course: Dessert, Snacks, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- For the Macaron Shells:
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour, finely sifted
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (optional, for colored shells)
- For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp heavy cream
- For the Rainbow Drizzle:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
Gel food coloring in rainbow colors
Directions
- Prepare the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Make the Meringue:
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Combine and Fold:
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in batches. Add gel food coloring if desired. Continue folding until the batter flows like molten lava and ribbons dissolve back into the mixture within 10 seconds.
- Pipe the Macarons:
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Tap the baking sheets on the counter to release air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake:
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The macarons are done when they have risen and developed a smooth, shiny shell. Let cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Make the Filling:
- Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Macarons:
- Pipe the filling onto the flat side of half the shells. Top with the remaining shells, gently pressing to sandwich.
- Prepare the Rainbow Drizzle:
- Mix powdered sugar with milk until it reaches a drizzling consistency. Divide into small bowls and color each with gel food coloring.
- Decorate:
- Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle each macaron with rainbow-colored icing. Allow the drizzle to set before serving.