How to Make Delicious Ice Cream Macaron Sandwiches at Home

Ice cream macaron sandwiches! Doesn’t the name just scream “delight”? This whimsical treat is the perfect blend of textures and flavors – chewy, airy macarons hugging a scoop of your favorite ice cream. It’s the kind of dessert that brings out the kid in everyone and is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy celebrations.

If you’re thinking, “These sound amazing, but I could never make them,” I’m here to tell you that yes, you absolutely can! It’s much simpler than you might think, and the result is pure magic.

Gather Your Ingredients for These Frozen Delights

For the Macarons:

• 100 grams almond flour
• 150 grams powdered sugar
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 110 grams egg whites (aged for best results, but not mandatory)
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Gel food coloring of your choice

For the Ice Cream Filling:

• 1-2 pints of your favorite ice cream (slightly softened for easier assembly)

Vibrant Homemade Macarons

Tools You’ll Need:

• Food processor or blender (for finely ground almond flour)
• Two large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bag fitted with a round tip
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Ice cream scoop

Let’s Get Started!

Making the Macarons:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. If you’re using silicone baking mats, you can skip the parchment paper.

2. Process Almond Flour and Powdered Sugar: In your food processor or blender, pulse the almond flour and powdered sugar together until very finely ground. This ensures a smooth batter and prevents the macarons from cracking.

3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on medium speed using your electric mixer. Once the mixture becomes foamy, gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. If you want to add color, now’s the time! A few drops of gel food coloring will do the trick.

4. The Macaronage Stage: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites in two or three additions. Don’t overmix! You’ll know you’ve reached the right consistency when the batter flows like lava and a ribbon of batter dropped back into the bowl melts back in after about 20 seconds.

5. Pipe and Rest: Transfer the batter to your piping bag. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they form a skin – you should be able to lightly touch the surface without the batter sticking to your finger.

6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. The macarons are done when they are firm on the bottom and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before filling.

Assembling Your Ice Cream Macaron Sandwiches:

1. Scoop and Sandwich: Once your macarons are completely cool, take your slightly softened ice cream and scoop onto the flat side of half of the macarons. Gently top with another macaron shell, pressing lightly to create a sandwich.

2. Freeze and Enjoy! Freeze your assembled macaron ice cream sandwiches for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the ice cream to firm up, making them easier to enjoy.

Ice Cream Macaron Perfection

Tips and Tricks from the Pros:

• “Aging your egg whites for macarons might sound like a fancy step, but it makes a world of difference in texture. It’s as simple as separating your eggs and letting the whites sit in the fridge, covered, for 24-48 hours before making your macarons.” – Chef Emily, Pastry Chef and Macaron Aficionado

• “Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Try different extracts in your macaron batter, use flavored ice creams, or even add a drizzle of melted chocolate or chopped nuts for an extra touch of decadence.” – Grandma Rose, Family Cuisine Recipe Developer

Presentation is Everything:

While these ice cream macaron sandwiches are delicious on their own, a little presentation goes a long way! Serve them on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles. You can even get creative and decorate them with melted chocolate, fresh fruit, or edible flowers.

There you have it – a delightful treat that is sure to impress! Making ice cream macaron sandwiches at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this classic dessert. Happy baking!

Let us know in the comments if you try this recipe and what flavor combinations you come up with! And if you’re looking for other delicious and easy-to-follow dessert recipes, be sure to check out our article on How to Make French Macaroons or explore other delightful macaron sandwich cookie recipes here.