There’s a long-standing confusion between two seemingly similar treats: macarons vs macaroons. While their names are often used interchangeably, these desserts are vastly different in ingredients, texture, and taste. So why do people confuse macarons vs macaroons? Is it just the name, or is there more to it?
In this article, we will explore the history of both treats, uncover the reasons behind their mix-up, and provide recipes for each. By the end, you’ll not only know the difference but also how to enjoy both of these delightful confections in their unique ways.
The Origins of Macarons and Macaroons
A Tale of Two Desserts
Both macarons and macaroons share a similar origin, stemming from the Italian word “maccherone,” which refers to a meringue-based dessert made from ground almonds. This might explain why their names are so close in sound. However, over time, they evolved into two distinctly different treats. Let’s dive into the origins of each.
What Are Macarons?
Macarons are delicate French cookies made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. These light, airy cookies have a smooth, crisp shell with a chewy interior. They are often filled with a flavored ganache, buttercream, or jam and come in a wide variety of colors and flavors.
The French Influence
The modern-day macaron became popular in France during the Renaissance. The macaron we know today, with its signature “feet” (the ruffled bottom of the cookie), originated from the Parisian pâtisserie, Ladurée, in the early 20th century. The pastry chef Pierre Desfontaines is often credited with sandwiching two meringue cookies together with a flavored filling, giving birth to the macaron as we now recognize it.
What Are Macaroons?
Macaroons, on the other hand, are a different type of dessert altogether. These sweet, chewy cookies are made primarily with shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar. They have a rough, textured appearance and are often dipped in chocolate. Macaroons are more substantial than macarons and have a denser, chewier texture.
The Coconut Connection
Macaroons are believed to have originated from the Jewish communities in Italy, where they became a popular treat during Passover due to their lack of leavening agents. Over time, the Italian version spread to other parts of Europe and eventually became associated with coconut, particularly in American baking.
Why the Confusion?
It’s easy to see why macarons and macaroons are often confused. Their names sound almost identical, and both are meringue-based, egg-white confections. However, their similarities end there. The confusion is primarily due to their similar-sounding names and shared history, but visually and taste-wise, they are very different.
Mispronunciations
The pronunciation of “macaron” and “macaroon” is a significant factor in the mix-up. While “macaroon” is pronounced as it looks (mack-ah-roon), “macaron” is pronounced “mack-ah-rohn,” with a silent “n” at the end. This subtle difference often goes unnoticed, especially for English speakers, leading to many people calling a macaron a “macaroon.”
Cultural Differences
In the U.S., macaroons were more common historically, leading many Americans to associate the word “macaroon” with the coconut version. With the rise of French macarons in the last decade, the introduction of this new pastry confused many people.
A Visual Comparison
Macarons and macaroons don’t just differ in pronunciation. They also look completely different. Macarons are small, sandwich-like cookies that are pastel-colored with smooth tops. In contrast, macaroons are lumpy and irregular, usually brown on the top from being toasted.
The Main Differences Between Macarons and Macaroons
To summarize, here’s a clear breakdown of the differences between macarons and macaroons:
- Ingredients:
- Macarons: Almond flour, egg whites, and sugar.
- Macaroons: Shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar.
- Texture:
- Macarons: Smooth, delicate, and chewy.
- Macaroons: Rough, crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
- Appearance:
- Macarons: Smooth, round, pastel-colored cookies with a ruffled “foot” at the base.
- Macaroons: Lumpy, irregular, and often toasted.
- Flavor:
- Macarons: Light and sweet, with a wide range of flavors like vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, and pistachio.
- Macaroons: Rich, coconut flavor with a sweeter taste. Sometimes dipped in chocolate.
Macarons Recipe: A French Delicacy
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (175g) almond flour
- 2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Filling of your choice: buttercream, ganache, or fruit jam
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the almond mixture into the egg whites, adding food coloring if desired.
- Pipe small circles of the mixture onto the baking sheet and tap the sheet to release air bubbles.
- Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to form a skin.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, then allow to cool completely before filling with your choice of filling.
Macaroons Recipe: A Coconut Lover’s Dream
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (200g) shredded coconut
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup melted chocolate for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded coconut, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract.
- Use a spoon to scoop small mounds of the mixture onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the macaroons cool and dip the bottoms in melted chocolate if desired.
Macaron vs Macaroon: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between macarons and macaroons depends on your personal taste. If you prefer a light, delicate treat with a variety of flavors, macarons are the way to go. They’re perfect for special occasions or as a fancy dessert. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sweet, chewy, coconut-filled cookie, macaroons are the ideal choice. They’re simple to make and satisfy any coconut craving.
Both desserts have their unique charm and place in the world of baking. Whether you lean towards the French elegance of macarons or the homestyle comfort of macaroons, it’s clear that the mix-up between these two treats comes from more than just their names.
Conclusion: End the Confusion
In the world of desserts, it’s easy to see why macarons and macaroons are often confused. Their shared origin and similar names are the culprits. However, once you understand their distinct differences in ingredients, appearance, and flavor, you’ll never confuse them again. Whether you’re a fan of the refined macaron or the comforting macaroon, one thing is for sure: both treats are delicious in their own right.