Have you ever wondered why French macarons seem so intimidating to make at home, yet look so effortlessly elegant in patisserie windows? The truth is, with the right technique and a bit of patience, creating these delicate treats is entirely within your reach.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite Matcha White Chocolate Macaron recipe that combines the earthy, complex flavors of Japanese matcha with the sweet creaminess of white chocolate. This fusion creates a sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients List
For the Macaron Shells:
- 100g almond flour (finely ground)
- 100g confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
- 70g egg whites (approximately from 2 large eggs), aged at room temperature for 24 hours
- 50g granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the White Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 120g high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped
- 60ml heavy cream
- 15g unsalted butter, room temperature
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the best results, use culinary-grade matcha powder which offers vibrant color and authentic flavor. If almond flour isn’t available, you can substitute with finely ground blanched almonds processed with the confectioners’ sugar in a food processor.
Timing
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Resting time: 30-45 minutes
- Baking time: 15-18 minutes
- Cooling and assembly: 30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours
While this might seem lengthy, it’s actually 25% faster than traditional French macaron recipes that require longer resting periods. The active preparation time is relatively short, with most of the time being passive waiting periods.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before beginning, ensure all ingredients are measured precisely using a kitchen scale for accuracy. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Prepare a piping bag fitted with a round tip (approximately ½-inch diameter).
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift the almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and green tea macarons powder together into a large bowl. This crucial step removes any lumps and ensures smooth shells. Repeat the sifting process twice for ultra-fine results.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. The meringue should be firm enough that you can turn the bowl upside down without it falling out.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Add one-third of the dry ingredients to the meringue and fold gently with a spatula. Continue adding the remaining dry mixture in batches, folding with a technique called “macaronage.” Use a cutting motion through the center, then scrape around the edges and fold.
Step 5: Test the Batter
The batter should flow like lava when lifted with a spatula, forming a ribbon that disappears back into the mixture within 30 seconds. If it’s too thick, continue folding a few more times. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in flat macarons.
Step 6: Pipe the Shells
Transfer the batter to your piping bag. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Hold the bag perpendicular to the baking sheet for even circles.
Step 7: Remove Air Bubbles
Tap the baking sheets firmly against the counter several times to release air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any visible bubbles on the surface. This prevents cracks during baking.
Step 8: Rest the Shells
Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until they form a skin. When touched lightly, the batter should not stick to your finger. This resting period is essential for creating the iconic “feet” of the Matcha White Chocolate Macaron.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one sheet at a time for 15-18 minutes. The macarons are done when they form feet and can be gently lifted from the parchment without sticking. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 10: Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chopped white chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Add the butter and vanilla (if using) and stir until incorporated. Allow to cool and thicken at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 11: Assemble the Macarons
Match shells of similar size. Pipe a generous amount of white chocolate ganache onto the flat side of one shell, then sandwich with another shell. Press gently to spread the filling to the edges.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 assembled macarons):
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 4g
These Matcha White Chocolate Macarons contain approximately 30% less sugar than traditional macaron recipes, while the matcha provides antioxidants and a slight caffeine boost. The almond flour base offers healthy fats and protein, making these a more nutritious option than many other desserts.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, consider these modifications:
- Replace the white chocolate with Greek yogurt cream cheese mixed with a small amount of honey for a protein-rich filling with less fat and sugar
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index option
- Incorporate a small amount of spirulina powder along with the matcha for added nutrients and an even more vibrant green color
- For dairy-free needs, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based butter
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds to the filling for omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your matcha macaron experience with these serving ideas:
- Create a Japanese-inspired dessert platter with these macarons alongside mochi and fresh fruit
- Serve with a small cup of ceremonial matcha tea for an authentic pairing
- Arrange on a tiered stand with other petit fours for an elegant afternoon tea
- Drizzle plates with a light raspberry coulis for a beautiful color contrast and complementary flavor
- For special occasions, dust with a light sprinkle of edible gold dust before serving
- Package in clear gift boxes tied with ribbon for homemade gifts that impress
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undermixing the batter: This results in peaked shells without smooth tops. Continue folding until you achieve the proper “lava” consistency.
- Overmixing the batter: This causes flat, cracked macarons without feet. Stop folding when the batter flows like ribbon.
- Skipping the resting period: The shells must form a skin before baking to develop proper feet. Don’t rush this step, especially in humid environments.
- Inaccurate measurements: Macarons require precision. Always use a kitchen scale rather than volume measurements.
- Opening the oven door too early: This causes temperature fluctuations that lead to cracked shells. Wait until at least 12 minutes into baking before checking.
- Using old egg whites: Fresh egg whites aged at room temperature for 24-48 hours produce the best meringue structure.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Properly stored, these Matcha White Chocolate Macarons actually improve with time as the flavors meld and the shells soften slightly from the filling’s moisture.
- Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Unfilled shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze assembled macarons in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- The ganache filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and stir before using.
Conclusion
Creating perfect matcha white chocolate macarons may require practice, but the stunning results are well worth the effort. The combination of earthy matcha and sweet white chocolate creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates this classic French pastry to new heights.
Have you tried making these elegant treats? I’d love to see your results! Share your macaron photos in the comments below, or tag me on social media. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my matcha cheesecake or white chocolate raspberry tart recipes. Happy baking!
