10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Paris is synonymous with macarons, so it’s only fitting that we share a blog with you about our 10 favorite macaron flavors. It’s possible that you have tried a macaron or two in the states, but if you are headed to Paris, get ready to experience the real deal. There is really nothing better than a fresh macaron while walking the streets of Paris or people watching at a cafe. So naturally, we have put together a list of ten of our favorite macaron flavors that are unique to the patisseries found in Paris.
Before we delve in, we do need to dispel the misconception that a macaron and macaroon are the same thing, because believe us they are not even comparable, at least in our eyes. A macaroon is the American word for a dense, chewy, flourless cookie, usually made with coconut, whereas a macaron is a meringue-like French cookie made with almond meal and egg whites, sandwiched around ganache, jam, or a cream-based filling. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s jump into our favorite macaron flavo
1. Salted Caramel | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
The salted caramel macaron is one of our favorite macaron flavors. After all, who doesn’t love all things caramel with a little dash of salt? If you have ever had a dessert topped with a salted caramel drizzle, imagine the drizzle sandwiched between two very delicate caramel cookies. Envision a hard exterior coupled with an airy interior, causing them to break easily if not careful. The consistency gives them the melt-in-your-mouth sensation that makes the macaron so delicious. We can almost compare it to a hardened foam that melts as soon as it touches your tongue, you really just have to try it!
2. Vanilla | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Vanilla is simply underrated, it can please almost anyone who has a strong sweet tooth, yet also appeals to those who just want something simple. It has just enough sweetness to feel light, but is also not too rich. Any patisserie in Paris knows how to master the vanilla macaron. If you are putting your box of macarons together, be sure to throw in a couple vanilla ones, you will not be disappointed!
3. Strawberry Candy | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Strawberry candy is a unique flavor that is not always available in pastry shops in Paris. It’s not your run of the mill strawberry pastry you may be thinking of. These strawberry macarons are filled with a white, fluffy cream filling. When biting into it you are hit with a tangy strawberry flavor followed by a burst of sweetness. The fluffy cream filling of this delicate macaron is less dense than the jam-like paste that is normally featured in your favorite macaron, giving it a different texture and hence reminding you of strawberry “candy.” Yes, like the ones your grandmother used to have! This macaron is sometimes offered at Ladurée, a luxurious french bakery that can be found all over the city and in the South of France.
4. Chocolate | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Chocolate, the key to our hearts. Chocolate is such a satisfying macaron flavor as you know it won’t disappoint. As soon as you bite into the chocolate macaron, your taste buds will drift away to a chocolatey heaven. The flavor reminds us of a gooey version of chocolate fudge, but better! After dinner this is the perfect option to satisfy your chocolate fix. Pierre Hermé, another very popular bakery, makes one of the best chocolate macarons, so keep an eye out when walking the streets of Paris.
5. Coffee | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Calling all coffee lovers! We have the perfect dessert for you. It is the perfect amount of coffee flavor mixed with a touch of sweetness, the way we like our coffee, of course. Coffee is a great go-to when filling your macaron box, a classic that will most likely be good at any bakery you go to.
6. Hazelnut | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Calling all Nutella lovers! Yes, there is a hazelnut macaron that tastes just like Nutella but in the form of a pastry. Nutella has been on the rise here in the US in the past several years and people are getting very creative with incorporating it into desserts. In Europe however, Nutella has been around for years, making the hazlenut macaron a must try when visiting Paris.
7. Pistachio | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Pistachio is not only a gelato flavor but also a macaron flavor! If you are familiar with pistachio gelato, this macaron flavor should be no surprise to you. You can generally find the pistachio flavor in any bakery that sells macarons. Pistachio is a very unique flavor. It is mostly sweet with just a hint of pistachio. You might not like the pistachio nut alone, but it is very possible you could love a pistachio flavored macaron. It definitely doesn’t hurt to try, don’t let the name scare you!
8. Coconut Lime | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Put the lime in the coconut and “eat” it all up! The best flavor combination is lime and coconut; As you get hit with sweet and tangy all at the same time. Coconut cookies are light but packed with flavor and the hint of lime is the perfect touch. You can try this exquisite flavor at Ladurée.
9. Rose | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Rose is a flavor and not a flower in this case. Imagine the fresh, delicious smell of a rose petal and that’s how a rose macaron tastes, just a bit sweeter of course. The flavor is quite light and doesn’t pack as much of a punch as saying chocolate or salted caramel. If you like straying from your usual and are looking to try something new, this is the perfect place to start!
10. Raspberry | 10 of Our Favorite Macaron Flavors
Raspberry is a staple in most patisseries. If you love fruit, especially berries, then this is going to be your new favorite flavor. A raspberry macaroon makes your mouth water as it is very refreshing…just look at the picture, are you drooling yet? The raspberry jelly filling gives the macaron so much flavor, we promise you’ll end up eating more than one. After you are done eating the raspberry, offset the flavor with a chocolate macaron, they really are the perfect pair!
Interested in trying some of the best macarons? This can only happen when you book your next trip to Paris, and lucky for you, we are here to help you accomplish just that! Contact us at info@chloejohnston.com to plan your next getaway.