When we first saw Emma's first attempts at making macarons we had to have a go. Time just hasn't allowed for that yet as they require letting eggs rest at room temperature for 24 hours, letting the piped cookies set on the counter and at our place that's a recipe for disaster. Instead we might give these faux-macarons a try — can you tell what they're made from?
These little macaron look-a-likes are actually mini cupcakes that after being baked have their bottoms chopped off (we suggest saving them to make cake pops!) and are filled with a little marshmallow creme. We ran across the idea over at Tablespoon a little while back and the idea seems simple enough to make them on a larger scale to make whoopie pies (in a totally cheater method) as well.
Even if you can't consider them macarons (faux or not) they're still a fun treat, so pull out your favorite cupcake recipe and put it to use! Try using this recipe for marshmallow peeps for the filling as it's a bit softer than other recipes and will pipe nicely! Check out the full directions over at Tablespoon.
Related: What's the Difference? Macaroons vs. Macarons
(Image: Tablespoon)
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these are more like whoopie pies than they are macarons... macarons are gluten free and light and airy, whereas cupcake sandwiches... are not.
I just finished my first batch of macarons a couple of weeks ago. I used the recipe from Gourmet Magazine, it can be found here:
http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2006/12/raspberry-chocolate-french-macaroons
I modifed the recipe by omitting the raspberry flavoring and food coloring, and instead added the zest of one clementine into my ganache. It worked surprisingly well and I found the recipe to be pretty easy overall. I am by no means a macaron connoisseur, but I've had my fair share, and I have to say, for a first go 'round- these came out really well.
jenawithonen - They're not "real" macarons, that's why we called them faux! Cupcake sandwiches are far from the real thing, but that doesn't mean they aren't tasty!
I agree with the comment that these are actual mini whoopie pies. Why not just do that as it would be a lot less waste than cutting off the bottoms of all those little cupcakes?
Once you've made them a couple times and gotten the hang of their weird quirks, macarons aren't that bad- and, really, these seem like just as much work (if not more).
Yeah, you can't use cupcake tops and call them macarons. I hope the French don't get offended! I mean, really, who you think you foolin'? I agree, these are whoopie pies, honey. Macs aren't cakey at all.
We made these at work all the time and we never had to "age" our egg whites. Maybe you'll have better luck with another recipe?
@IzzyIzzy-I agree these seem like more work. But also more waste because I'm wondering, do you just eat the bottoms? Or maybe bake them in those special "muffin top" pans?
I don't care what they are called; they are beautiful and I want to eat them up!
No, I read the article, I just dont see the point in calling it a faux macaron. Call them cupcake sandwiches, why does it need to be called something fancy when its not? Why is there a need to "upsell" it.
I'm sure theyre tasty and fun and delicious and I have nothing wrong with people making them, don't get me wrong, i just dont see the need to call them something they aren't.
anyways, if you try to make real macarons, i like to use tartelettes recipe, it's foolproof, i've made it in three different kitchens without issue. 300*F oven, 18 minutes, pipe to size of a little over a quarter. the egg whites don't need to age.
I've just perfected making macarons and to be honest, find this concept a bit of an affront to the art.
As jenawithonen said, macarons are gluten free, and they should be crisp, chewy (and when filled with a good ganache or buttercream filling) melting all at the same time.
Macarons are the type of thing I'd never want to make at home. It's such a delight going to Laduree on vacation and opening an exquisite box of macarons. I wouldn't want to water down that experience with the hassel of making them myself.
Macarons are the type of thing I'd never want to make at home. It's such a delight going to Laduree on vacation and opening an exquisite box of macarons. I wouldn't want to water down that experience with the hassel of making them myself.
These are cute though, and probably a lot less difficult :)