![Macarons](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/-QQFaPjGBH537cjIIeeXXXSsITc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/macarons-569b0d933c6f45d28361a01390a560ca.jpeg)
There's no doubt about it: French macarons (not macaroons, an American invention made with coconut flakes) are a labor of love. The almond meringue cookies require patience and precision, but the light flavors, airy textures, and vibrant colors make it all worthwhile. From tried-and-true recipes (recipe creator Liz, a baker's apprentice, said this technique was developed through much trial and error) to allergy-friendly alternatives (these Nut-Free Macarons rely on coconut flour instead of almond flour), you'll find exactly what you're looking for in this collection of our seven best French macaron recipes.
Macarons
![Macarons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/-QQFaPjGBH537cjIIeeXXXSsITc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/macarons-569b0d933c6f45d28361a01390a560ca.jpeg)
"After going through dozens of recipes and trials, this is the most reliable macaron recipe I could come up with," according to recipe creator Deegan. "You could get lighter using the Italian meringue method, but it's less dependable."
Best French Macarons
![Best French Macarons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/LGkFnTTP4J4B2uACFON9GoVmTyU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6582741-1-a56921b39ab24189ac2bd550682be46d.jpg)
"Magic happens when sugar, almond flour, and airy egg whites come together in perfect harmony to form the delicate disks the French call macarons," says Smart Cookie. "Follow this step-by-step guide and what goes on in those patisseries will no longer be a mystery!"
French Macaroons
![French Macaroons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/IYtxZE6cUGZb6DwwqmobP1fOyiM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen-Shot-2020-12-21-at-3.32.04-PM-c18f5fcb276d47218fa39bdfb5f2e136.png)
Get as creative as you want with these fantastic sandwich cookies. Use the food colorings, flavorings, and fillings of your choice.
French Macarons
![French Macarons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/dsrtVk8sLZWxsaee1UhoXUUho8o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen-Shot-2020-12-21-at-3.23.52-PM-3655a87fdba842b98431e1891c9133a2.png)
"These cookies are a labor of love and we did a lot of research to perfect this recipe for you, after our own failure," says recipe creator Wendy. "Please follow as written and you will have a delicious and well-presented cookie."
Macaron (French Macaroon)
![closeup of two pale pink macarons with white filling](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/e5nIlxJBTno--Z1iJeg8tPva2d4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/macaron-french-macaroon-3a5da50096c240299f2833cabc3ce35c.png)
"This is the quintessential macaron (NOT macaroon) recipe," according to recipe creator Liz. "I am a baker's apprentice, and after much trial and error, we (the baker and I) finally perfected the technique. We decided to share with you all."
Nut-Free Macarons
![Nut-Free Macarons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/FXfLFLq9F1UxiqqTFPkWqMvtMkU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen-Shot-2020-12-21-at-3.33.52-PM-c7aa01bf70aa42208e393218ca34c711.png)
Macarons, traditionally made with almonds, aren't the most allergy-friendly cookies. Even people who suffer from nut allergies can enjoy this recipe, which substitutes almond flour with coconut flour.
Halloween Macarons
![Halloween Macarons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/XwH63MDVnFmipZFyZFU02W3CXJY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen-Shot-2020-12-21-at-3.35.25-PM-a5e6127c6b9a4a59a7ee45d9d8891f02.png)
"Macarons colored for Halloween with a mascarpone-caramel filling," says recipe creator Buckwheat Queen. "After much trial and error, I was able to perfect a macaron recipe that worked for me. I am a reluctant baker but this seems to work even for a scatterbrain like me."