You love macarons, but you’re not sure where to find the best ones in Chicago. Macaron-lovers, rejoice! It’s time to find the best Macarons in Chicago for your sweet tooth. Whether you want something traditional or unique, we’ve got the perfect place for you.
The following are some of our favorite must-try places. The best macarons in Chicago are some new bakeries that have been making waves with their delicious and beautiful treats. They offer a wide range of flavors like salted caramel, rose petal, pistachio, and more! If you want to indulge your sweet tooth without breaking the bank or sacrificing taste then this place is perfect for you!
What Are Macarons?
Macarons are French cookie that is made from egg white, sugar, and almond powder. The word “macaron” comes from the Italian Maccarone which means “made of dough.” Macarons can also be called macaroons in English-speaking countries.
They have been around since the 18th century when they were introduced to France by Catherine de Medici during her marriage to Henry II of France. Historically, these cookies were served at royal weddings following a Medieval custom that combined two foods that symbolized fertility: almonds (male) and eggs(female).
Today, macarons are often served as an elegant dessert item or used as cake decorations with fillings such as chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting. The texture of these delicate sweet delights is the most important part since macarons are available in a variety of flavors which can include raspberry, rose, pistachio, vanilla, lemon, and many more depending on what region they’re made in.
What To Look For When Picking A Macaron
Macarons are a pastry made of two round and light almond-flour cookies with a sweet filling in the middle. A macaron is typically about 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide and can range from 1 inch to 2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm) tall.
Macarons are most commonly filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam between the two cookie rounds; they may also be filled with whipped cream, mousse, or marshmallow fluff inside one of the cookies if desired. They come in many different flavors such as chocolate, vanilla bean, lemon poppyseed, and matcha green tea iced tea among others. However, there’s more than just flavor that you should keep an eye out for when picking a macaron.
The texture is another important factor when it comes to these delicate cookies. They should be soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy – never dry or crumbly. The color of the cookie should also be taken into consideration; they should be a pale pastel color, never bright white or stark black. Macarons can be made at home, but they can also be found in many specialty bakeries and cafes. If you’re looking to buy them fresh, try to find a bakery that makes them on site as opposed to ones that just sell pre-made macarons.
When picking out a macaron, always make sure to ask about the flavor and texture before your purchase. They should always be fresh, soft, and slightly chewy. The color of the cookie should be a pale pastel color that is never bright white or black. Picking one up should not result in it breaking, instead, you should feel nothing but air between your fingers.
The Places To Find Best Macarons In Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. From Michelin-starred haute cuisine to your favorite neighborhood diner, Chicago’s dining scene has something for every taste and budget. But what if you’re looking for something that will make your mouth water just by reading about it? Well good news: We’ve compiled this list of 10 places where you can find the greatest macarons in town. Sure, they may not be as filling as a big slice of pie or an ooey gooey grilled cheese sandwich (both Chicago staples), but these sweet treats are worth every calorie!
Pierrot Gourmet at The Peninsula
Pierrot Gourmet is a French bakery and coffee shop located in the heart of Chicago. The Peninsula is one of the most luxurious hotels in Chicago, so you know Pierrot Gourmet will be top-notch.
The menu has an array of coffee beverages as well as macarons, croissants, sandwiches, and more for breakfast or lunch. You can find plenty to enjoy at Pierrot Gourmet!
Pierrot’s pastries are known for being light but flavorful– just what you want from a pastry shop that also offers espresso drinks! It’s hard not to stop by this place on your next visit to Chicago!
La Fournette
La Fournette is a French bakery that offers soup, bread, and of course macarons. The place has been around for more than four decades now, so it’s not too hard to see why people love the place. That doesn’t mean you should take their word for it though – they have plenty of reviews from customers to prove how good they are!
The best thing about this bakery is that they offer an extensive menu with something for everyone. You can find anything from onion soup or sandwiches to macaron flavors like pistachio and raspberry chocolate hazelnut cream. They also offer drinks in case you’re looking for something lighter on your stomach but still want some variety in your meal options. And of course, they have macarons. From lemon to pistachio or raspberry chocolate hazelnut cream, there’s a flavor for everyone!
My personal favorite is the raspberry chocolate hazelnut cream – I’m not usually one to enjoy chocolate but this combination fits just right with the pastry. The next time you’re in the area, be sure to check out La Fournette and let us know what you think!
Vanille Patisserie
Vanille Patisserie is a French bakery in Chicago, Illinois. It has been open for more than 10 years and it offers cakes, patisseries, and macarons to its customers. The bakery’s specialty is the variety of flavors that they offer such as chocolate, pistachio, and salted caramel. They also have gluten-free options which are quite popular among celiacs or people who just want to try something different from time to time.
The bakery’s macarons are a great alternative to cupcakes and they come in various flavors such as strawberry, coconut passion fruit, vanilla, and many more. The prices vary depending on the flavor you want to try. As for the service, Vanille Patisserie is always happy to offer free samples of their desserts or even offer delivery within certain boundaries that can be easily found online with Google Maps.
Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe
Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe is a cafe located in Chicago, IL. They have a variety of macarons and other desserts to choose from. People who have been there saying they offer great service and their products are high quality.
It’s easy to find on Google Maps and it’s open 8 AM-2 PM during the weekdays with options for dine-in or curbside pickup if you’re in a hurry. They also offer delivery if you’d rather stay home and wait for the freshly baked goodies to come to you.
Le Petit Sucre Ltd
If you’re looking for a sweet treat in Chicago, make sure to stop by Le Petit Sucre Ltd. This bakery is known for its mouth-watering macaroons that come in a variety of colors and flavors. The owner takes great pride in her work which shows as she carefully crafts each batch with love and care.
Le Petit Sucre Ltd offers a takeout service where customers can buy the treats they want without having to wait around or eat them on site. They also offer no delivery option so you don’t have to worry about where your sweets will go after they leave the store. Their hours are 9 AM-3 PM Monday-Thursday and 9 AM-1 PM on Friday.
How To Order The Perfect Macaron
What is the perfect macaron? It’s a delicate French pastry with an airy, crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The flavor of the filling varies depending on the season or occasion, but it always complements rather than overwhelms. And when you bite into it? Heaven! What could be better than that? Well…there are ways to order them so they taste even better! Here are some tips for ordering your next batch of macarons:
Order In Sets Of Two Flavors
Order them in sets of two flavors. This way you can try out more than one flavor without feeling guilty about not liking any particular flavor too much. One set might include pistachio and raspberry; another would have chocolate ganache and salted caramel. Be adventurous!
Care About The Shelf Life Of Macarons
Macarons are best consumed within five days of their delivery date. To ensure this, order them around the same time every week to ensure you never run out. This way, if your favorite flavor runs out, you can choose another one at your whim!
Avoid Losing Their Shape
If you live in a humid area, consider ordering macarons by the sleeve rather than by individual box. The humidity tends to make it hard for macarons to hold their shape after they’ve been shipped (or baked), so allowing enough cushion between them helps keep each macaron intact and looking beautiful.
If you have a shell that crumbles or breaks too easily, it probably wasn’t allowed enough time to rest after baking. This happens when the macaron is fresh out of the oven but before it has completely cooled. The reason it’s called macaron “aging” is that these delicate treats require at least an hour to cool down slowly in order to avoid becoming crushed or losing their shape.
“Boxed” or “Unboxed?”
Many people prefer unboxed macarons because the top of the macaron is much more attractive. Boxed macarons, on the other hand, are much easier to transport and tend to stay fresher longer because they’re not exposed directly to air or humidity.
Ask Shop For Particular Kind Of Macaron
If you want a particular kind of macaron but aren’t sure if your favorite bakery has it in stock, ask them! Most bakeries will be able to make almost anything given enough notice. This way there’s no risk of not being able to get the treatment that your heart desires!
If there’s something specific you don’t like about a particular flavor, whether it’s an overpowering citrus note or too much salt, talk to your baker beforehand. They may be able to adjust the recipe to your tastes for future orders.
Ask About Ingredients
Don’t be afraid to ask about ingredients! Most bakeries are required by law to list what kind of flour they use (such as wheat, rice, oat) if any eggs are used, how much sugar they use, and whether or not nuts are present in the recipe. This way you can be sure that there are no allergies or dietary restrictions you need to worry about.
Add Extra Flavor
Add extra flavor by placing candies or cookies between two still-warm macarons while the shells are soft. Whether you enjoy white chocolate with raspberry, dark chocolate with lemon, or milk chocolate with hazelnut, the possibilities are endless!
Try Two Halves Of A Macaron
Additionally, half of a macaron is often easier to eat than a whole one with two different flavors. This way you can try two without feeling too overwhelmed by the number of macarons in front of you.
Bite into your macaron starting from the center and going towards the outside edge. It is much easier to break it apart from that way, rather than biting into a corner first and then trying to pick it up after you’ve torn off a piece.
So there you have it: everything you need to know about ordering delicious macarons! Just remember to relax and enjoy them – after all, they’re meant to be enjoyed!
How To Make The Best Macarons By Yourself
You may have seen these delicious little cakes in the windows of specialty bakeries, but how do you make them? Below are detailed instructions on how to make the best macarons:
Ingredients
- 200 grams of almond flour
- 100 grams of powdered sugar
- 50 grams of sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- A few drops of food coloring (optional)
- Filling: Nutella, jam, or chocolate ganache (recipe below)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and sugar together. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Add the cream of tartar and continue to whisk until the peaks are stiffer.
Step 4: Gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the almond flour mixture. Once combined, fold in another 1/3 of the egg whites. Then fold in the final 1/3 of the egg whites.
Step 5: If you are using food coloring, add it now and mix well.
Step 6: Pipe or spoon circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (or use macaron-shaped silicone molds). Tap your pan on the counter to break any air bubbles within each circle (this will help prevent cracking once baked!)
Step 7: Allow your macarons to sit for 20 minutes until dry to touch (you can also leave them overnight).
Step 8: Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes + one minute per additional tray full of macarons (so if you are baking on 3 trays, leave them in the oven for 13 minutes).
Step 9: Match up similar-sized macarons to each other and fill with Nutella, jam (you can even use lemon curd or ganache like I’ve done here).
Step 10: Once filled, sandwich them together like a normal macaron shell.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Pro-Tips For Packing Your Own Box Of Macarons – Perfect As A Gift!
Now that you know how to make your own Macaron Box, here are some pro-tips on how to pack them:
- Fill the cupcake liners with macarons – Be sure to fill them all the way to the top so that they don move around during transport.
- Use a small amount of adhesive to attach the lid to the box – This will ensure that your macarons stay safe and sound during transport.
- Wrap the entire box in plastic wrap – This will help to keep everything together and prevent any damage.
- Transport with care – Be sure to handle your Macaron Box with care, especially when traveling.
Best Macarons That You Can Order On Amazon
Leilalove Macarons
- 15 Delicious French flavor explosion Macarons up to dozen variety flavors. Compared with Laduree Paris according to customer's review.s
- Each cookies wrapped individually for the maximum of freshness and enhancing flavor
- Made with the highest quality BELGIUM chocolates and Almond, most of the ingredients imported from France including our butter!
- CAUTION : Contains NUTS( Almond, Pistachios,Hazelnuts,Pecan,Walnuts) Contains dairy , NOT A CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE PRODUCT
- INGREDIENTS ( each flavor has different ingredient) Sugar, ALMONDS, EGGS, butter (MILK), whole MILK, flavors 0.6% (sugar, water, coloring), natural rose aroma and CHOCOLATE: Sugar, cocoa beans, cream (MILK), ALMONDS, EGG white, butter, cocoa butter, natural vanilla extract,sea salt and coloring
The Leilalove macarons are really spectacular. I am a huge fan of Leilalove Macarons and I can confidently say that this is a good product. It tastes delicious and has a great consistency. The packaging is also excellent.
I love the fact that they are individually wrapped, which ensures freshness and boosts flavor. The ingredients are also of the highest quality. I am definitely impressed and would highly recommend these macarons. They are awesome!
Macaron Bites French Macarons
- Handcrafted With 100% Natural Ingredients
- The Perfect Treat for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
- Assorted Delicious Flavors
- They're So Good that You Can't Eat Just One
- Ideal Gift For Any Occasion
I received these macaron bites as a gift for Christmas where they were the perfect little bite to satisfy my sweet tooth! Macaron bites are lightly covered with powdered sugar which creates an even crispier outer layer.
They come in various delicious flavors including almond, vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry. My favorite flavor was the pistachio, but all of them were really good.
The shells are the perfect texture- not too chewy or too crunchy. The fillings are also really good. The bites are handcrafted by artisanal bakers using only 100% natural ingredients.
I love that this treatment is the perfect size because it acts as an indulgence but doesn’t make me feel guilty; it’s like having dessert without all the guilt! I would definitely recommend these to anyone who loves macarons!
Kayla’s Cake Premium French Macarons
- 【PERFECT GIFT】 Beautifully arranged in a stylish blue box with silver lettering for a thoughtful event. GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR ALL OCCASIONS: Happy Birthday Cakes Thank you Anniversary Thinking of you Condolences Get Well Sympathy Care Packages for College Students Dorm Essential Snacks Variety Pack Clients Customers Corporate Graduation for her him guys kids girls adults families men women Valentine’s Day Easter Candy Mother’s Day Father’s Day Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas Holiday
- 【FINEST EUROPEAN NATURAL INGREDIENTS】 Each macaron is handcrafted with 100% California almond flour and made to order with Imported fine European chocolates from France to Belgium to Italy, California’s own top-quality, and fruit purées. All our macaroons contain nuts and dairy
- 【12 IRRESISTIBLE FLAVORS】 Indulge your taste buds with pure delights like Pistachio, Crème Brûlée, Raspberry Cream, Galaxy Caramel, Belgian Dark Chocolate, and more
- 🚫Gluten Allergy 🚫Nut (Almonds, Pecan, Walnut, Pistachio) 🚫Soy 🚫Egg 🚫Dairy If anyone is severely allergic to any of our ingredients or a product cannot be ingested when prepared within the same environment as the allergen, Kayla’s Cake does NOT recommend the consumer to eat the product.
Kayla’s Cake Premium French Macarons is a company that offers a variety of cakes and macaroons. They offer a variety of flavors for their customers to try, such as pistachio, raspberry cream, crème brûlée, and galaxy caramel. This box is great as a gift or as an addition to any event such as thank yous, thinking of you, or happy birthday cakes.
These macaroons are handcrafted by using imported fine European chocolates that come from France, Belgium, or Italy. I would recommend these macarons because they are very delicious but also because they can be used for many different occasions and gifts.
Conclusion
The best macarons in Chicago are not easy to find. They’re scattered throughout the city, and most of them will be closed by the time you get off work late at night. But with this list of the 5 best macarons in Chicago, we’ll show you where to go for some incredible desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. So follow our website so that when it’s time for dessert, you know exactly what bakery is closest and open near you!