Why are macarons so expensive? (2024)

FAQs

Why are macarons so expensive? ›

Macarons are typically more expensive than other baked goods due to their labor-intensive preparation, high-quality ingredients, and delicate nature. How long do macarons last? Macarons typically last for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Macaron Ingredients Are Expensive

Unlike most bakery treats, macarons are not made with all-purpose wheat flour, which even a home cook can pick up at the supermarket for less than 50 cents a pound. Instead, they're made with almond flour, which costs more than nine times as much—and that's at Costco.

In average, a macaron is sold at $2.10 per piece. Yes, it is expensive. But it is worth it to make a great impression for a gift, or for a party.

A more sophisticated dessert: macarons are considered a more sophisticated dessert due to their high-end ingredients and delicate preparation process. The delicate texture of macarons – a crispy shell with a soft, chewy interior – makes them a unique and enjoyable dessert.

Most of the ingredients for macarons are inexpensive, outside the almond flour and any premium filling ingredients. If you already have a decent collection set of baking tools, whipping up macarons at home is less expensive than buying them.

Macarons last for 7 days at ambient temperature and for up to 7 weeks in the fridge, so they do have quite a good shelf life. However, when storing them at ambient temperature, it is probably best to keep them in an airtight plastic container, to keep as much air out as possible so that they don't dry out.

I take each mistake as learning, and I suggest you do the same. There are basically three methods you can use to make macarons: French, Italian, and Swiss.

Capitalizing on the sweet, Instagram-worthy trend is the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Florida, which has teamed up with crystal-maker Lalique to create the world's priciest macaron, which goes for $9,703. That price tag isn't random, though; it's a nod to the famous resort's address, 9703 Collins Avenue.

You may have a macaron recipe that you have mastered and now you're wondering “Where can I sell my baked goods?” A farmers market is a great place to start when it comes to commercializing your culinary hobby. Along with this, macarons are one of the best baked goods to sell at farmers market!

How many macarons do you recommend per person? If serving other desserts, we recommend 2 macarons per person. If macarons are the only dessert, then we recommend 3-4 per person.

Are macarons junk food? ›

Even with the tasty fillings, macarons are still healthier desserts when compared to other sweets, such as cupcakes. For instance, three macarons have around 210-300 calories compared to a single cupcake with around 400 calories.

The almond flour and egg whites that are used to make macarons can increase your protein intake. The extra protein that you get from eating macarons can also help you stay fuller until your next meal so that you'll be less tempted to snack as much.

Cracked shells were the first issue I ran into when I started baking macarons. A few different things can cause cracked shells, including too short of a rest, trapped air bubbles, too hot of an oven, or under-mixed batter.

For many people, including myself, the macaronage is the most challenging step in making macarons. Macaronage is the technique where you continue folding the mixture past full incorporation until you've achieved the perfect consistency.

You can find them in many bakeries but also in macaron shops dedicated to the little local pastry. Some of them are famous worldwide while others are as good but less famous and less expensive. Nevertheless, expect a price between €1 and up to €5 per piece.

That said, because macaroons are high in sugar and offer little nutrition, eating too many of them regularly could be problematic, especially if they replace more nutritious foods in your diet.