Zesty Almond Orange Macaroons
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet almond paste and vibrant orange zest with these Zesty Almond Orange Macaroons. Each bite reveals a luscious texture that is both chewy and lightly crisped on the outside, delivering an exquisite flavor profile that dances on your palate. The orange zest is finely grated using a Microplane zester, adding a fragrant aroma and a hint of citrusy brightness to the rich almond flavor. Perfect for fancy gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, these macaroons are not just cookies; they're little bites of joy that everyone will adore. Make a big batch and share with friends, or keep them all to yourself—each cookie is a treasure worth savoring!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (unsifted)
orange
1 (zest only)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
almond paste
7 ounces (diced)
egg whites
3 large (none)
Instructions
1
Position the oven rack in the lowest setting and preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, orange zest, and salt. Pulse until the orange zest is finely incorporated, about 3 sets of 20 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each set.
4
Evenly scatter the diced almond paste onto the sugar mixture. Pulse again for about 2 sets of 10 seconds until the mixture resembles coarse meal, ensuring to scrape down the bowl as needed.
5
With the processor running, add the egg whites and blend for about 2 sets of 5 seconds, again scraping the sides halfway through to ensure an even mixture.
6
Once mixed, remove the steel blade from the food processor. Using a small scoop or spoon, drop rounded 1/2 teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and crackly.
8
Carefully transfer the parchment paper with cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a spatula to gently loosen the cookies from the parchment paper, being cautious with their delicate texture.
9
To store, layer the cooled macaroons between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container, keeping them in a cool and dry location.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Almond Orange Macaroons?
They are a delightful blend of sweet almond paste and vibrant orange zest with a chewy interior and lightly crisped exterior.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The ingredients include granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, orange zest, salt, almond paste, and egg whites.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires a total of 6 ingredients.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be positioned in the lowest setting.
How should the baking sheets be prepared?
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
What kitchen appliance is used to mix the dough?
A food processor fitted with a steel blade is used to combine the ingredients.
How do I incorporate the orange zest into the sugar?
Combine granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, orange zest, and salt in the food processor and pulse for about 3 sets of 20 seconds.
How should the almond paste be prepared before adding it?
The almond paste should be diced before being scattered onto the sugar mixture.
What texture should the mixture have after adding almond paste?
After pulsing for 2 sets of 10 seconds, the mixture should resemble coarse meal.
How are the egg whites added?
With the processor running, add the egg whites and blend for 2 sets of 5 seconds.
What size should the cookies be when dropped on the tray?
Use a small scoop or spoon to drop rounded 1/2 teaspoonfuls of dough.
How much space should be left between each macaroon?
Leave approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
How long do the macaroons need to bake?
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The macaroons are done when the tops are lightly browned and crackly.
Should I bake multiple sheets at the same time?
No, bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven.
What is the best way to cool the macaroons?
Transfer the parchment paper with the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How do I remove the macaroons from the parchment paper?
Once cooled, use a spatula to gently loosen the cookies, being cautious of their delicate texture.
How should these macaroons be stored?
Layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.
Where is the best place to keep the stored cookies?
Keep the container in a cool and dry location.
What kind of zest is used in this recipe?
Finely grated orange zest is used to add fragrance and citrusy brightness.
Does the confectioners' sugar need to be sifted?
No, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsifted confectioners' sugar.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe requires 3 large egg whites.
What tool is recommended for zesting the orange?
A Microplane zester is recommended for finely grating the orange zest.
What provides the chewy texture in these macaroons?
The combination of almond paste and egg whites creates the characteristic chewy texture.
How much almond paste is used?
The recipe uses 7 ounces of almond paste.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is included in the sugar mixture.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include cookies, macaroons, almond, orange, baking, dessert, and citrus.
Are these cookies suitable for gatherings?
Yes, they are described as perfect for fancy gatherings or as a cozy afternoon treat.
What should I do if the dough sticks to the processor sides?
Stop the processor to scrape down the sides of the bowl between pulsing sets to ensure even mixing.