Snowflake Macarons

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-01 · Updated 2026-04-01

Delicate macarons shaped like snowflakes, filled with a creamy lemon curd and a hint of elderflower, evoking the magic of a snowy kingdom. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers almond flour, powdered sugar, large egg whites into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 12 General cuisine 150 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup lemon curd
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for filling)
few drops food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a food processor, pulse 1 cup almond flour and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl.
Step 3: In a clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp almond extract; beat 2 more minutes until glossy.
Step 4: Fold almond mixture into the egg white meringue until no dry patches remain. Spoon batter into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Step 5: Pipe 12 rounds onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Tap tray firmly on counter to remove air bubbles. Let rest 30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 6: Bake 15 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool completely on racks.
Step 7: For filling: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup lemon curd with 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth. Add 2 tbsp powdered sugar and mix until glossy. Pipe filling onto half the macarons, then top with remaining shells.
Step 8: Freeze for 1 hour to set. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Snowflake Macarons take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Snowflake Macarons?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Snowflake Macarons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Snowflake Macarons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Snowflake Macarons?

General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.