Galaxy Macarons Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, then these Galaxy Macarons will absolutely blow you away. Imagine delicate, crisp shells tinted in glorious swirls of black, blue, and purple, dusted with shimmering silver, capturing the cosmic beauty of a distant galaxy. Not only are these macarons a feast for the eyes, but their smooth vanilla buttercream filling offers the perfect sweet balance that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply pamper yourself with a slice of edible starlight, this recipe will guide you through crafting these celestial treats with love and care.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Galaxy Macarons is surprisingly straightforward thanks to the simple but essential ingredients that bring this recipe to life. Each element plays a crucial role—whether in forming the delicate shell, adding rich flavor, or creating that enchanting color effect that makes these macarons truly galactic.

• Egg white powder: Optional but helps achieve fuller shells, especially when using lots of food coloring.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue for that perfect glossy finish.
• Egg whites: The foundation of your meringue, providing structure and lightness.
• Almond flour: Finely ground for a tender, nutty macaron shell texture.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and smoothness to the batter.
• Gel food coloring (black, purple, blue): The key to achieving that dreamy galaxy effect without altering batter consistency.
• Silver luster dust: For that magical shimmering touch that turns the macarons into little cosmic wonders.
• Unsalted butter: For the rich, creamy base of the vanilla buttercream.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the buttercream filling.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• Milk: Used sparingly to adjust the buttercream’s texture to perfect piping consistency.

How to Make Galaxy Macarons

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients and Workspace

Before diving into the exciting part of mixing and piping, it’s essential to prep everything carefully. Gather all your ingredients measured accurately on a scale, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, and organize your piping bags. This prep work might feel a bit meticulous, but trust me—it makes the entire process smoother and ensures your macarons turn out beautifully every time.

Step 2: Creating the Perfect Meringue

The heart of any macaron is its meringue. Start by gently warming your sugar with egg white powder over simmering water while whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. This step is crucial for that glossy, stable meringue that holds its shape during baking. Then whip the mixture until stiff peaks form, ensuring your meringue is glossy and firm without becoming dry. This takes a little patience but is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Folding in Dry Ingredients

Next comes the delicate art of folding in your sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mix. You want to gently combine without deflating the meringue, folding just until the dry ingredients disappear into the fluffy mixture. Achieving the right consistency—one that slowly flows off your spatula in thick ribbons—is key for those perfect smooth shells that can stand up to the beautiful galaxy-inspired colors.

Step 4: Coloring and Preparing the Batter

Now the fun part: dividing your batter into three portions and adding gel colors—black, purple, and blue. Work carefully and test your batter’s consistency with the “teaspoon test” to make sure it’s neither too stiff nor too runny. Then transfer each colored batter into separate piping bags, and nest those inside a larger bag fitted with a round tip to create the stunning swirled effect when you pipe.

Step 5: Piping and Decorating Your Galaxy Macarons

Pipe your macarons using a circular, swirling motion to mimic a galaxy’s spin, filling your trays. After a gentle tap to release air bubbles, sprinkle silver luster dust over the tops for a starry shimmer. Allow the shells to dry until they form a dry “skin” that doesn’t stick to your finger before baking. Trust me, this step makes all the difference in getting those coveted feet and smooth surfaces.

Step 6: Baking and Cooling

Bake your trays at 300ºF, rotating halfway through for even cooking. Each tray takes about 15 to 20 minutes to bake, and you’ll know they’re done when the shells have risen and set with a firm base. Remove and let them cool completely before filling.

Step 7: Preparing and Coloring the Vanilla Buttercream

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract and milk to get a fluffy, smooth buttercream. Divide and tint the frosting with your same galaxy colors, then layer them side-by-side on plastic wrap and roll into a log, which you’ll pipe as a mesmerizing multicolored filling between shells.

Step 8: Assembling Your Galaxy Macarons

Pipe your vibrant buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then sandwich with another. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture soften perfectly. This waiting period is the best part because when you finally bite into your homemade Galaxy Macarons, the creamy filling and crisp shell blend into a harmony of flavors and textures that truly feel out of this world.

How to Serve Galaxy Macarons

Garnishes

To elevate your Galaxy Macarons, consider dusting them again lightly with edible silver glitter or tiny star-shaped sprinkles just before serving. A subtle edible shimmer will catch the light and make each bite look like a precious gem glittering under starlight. Fresh edible flowers, particularly violets or pansies, can also add a delicate, whimsical touch to your dessert display.

Side Dishes

These macarons shine as a standalone treat, but if you want to create an unforgettable dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries or a small bowl of vanilla bean ice cream. The macaron’s crisp texture contrasts beautifully with soft, juicy fruits or creamy cold accompaniments, bringing extra layers of flavor and interest to your galaxy-themed spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve your Galaxy Macarons on a black slate tray to enhance their celestial colors. Another fun idea is to stack them in a towering macaron “galaxy” pyramid or arrange them in a swirling pattern on a large platter mimicking a galaxy’s spiral arms. Either way, presentation is your playground, and these cosmic treats deserve to be displayed as spectacularly as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Galaxy Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their delicate shells crisp and your buttercream fresh. Ideally, eat them within 3 days for the best flavor and texture, as macarons tend to soften over time when exposed to air.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled macarons for up to one month. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Freezing is a great option if you want to prepare for a special event well in advance.

Reheating

Macarons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to bring out the flavors without risking softening the shell too much.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring for Galaxy Macarons?

It’s best to avoid liquid coloring because it can alter the batter’s consistency, making it runnier and harder to work with. Gel food coloring offers rich color without adding extra moisture, preserving that perfect macaron texture.

Why do my Galaxy Macarons crack or have no feet?

This typically happens if the shells haven’t dried enough before baking or if the oven temperature is off. Make sure to rest the shells until a dry skin forms and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.

What is the role of egg white powder in the recipe?

Egg white powder is optional but helpful for stabilizing the meringue and getting fuller, stronger shells, especially important when using a lot of food coloring which sometimes slows drying.

How long does it take for the macaron shells to dry before baking?

Drying time depends on humidity and batter consistency but generally ranges from 20 to 40 minutes. They’re ready when the shells feel dry to the touch and don’t stick to your finger.

Can I make the fillings in advance?

Absolutely! The vanilla buttercream can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and whip to restore fluffiness before using.

Final Thoughts

Crafting these Galaxy Macarons may take some patience, but the spectacular result is worth every step. Their celestial colors and delicate texture make them an unforgettable treat that brings a touch of magic to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to make your own batch and experience the joy of biting into a little galaxy you created with your very hands!