What is the Difference Between Macaroons and Macarons?

Macaroons vs Macarons

Despite the similar name, macaroons and macarons are quite different. The most obvious difference being in their appearance with macarons being flat, colourful, sandwich-like biscuits and macaroons being golden-brown, fluffy pastries.

While both used to be made with almonds, traditional coconut macaroons are typically made with coconut as the main ingredient. The coconut is shredded and held together by egg whites and granulated sugar. Modern day macaroons have retained almonds as their primary ingredient in the form of ground almond flour mixed into a batter with egg whites and confectioners’ sugar.

Macarons have a filling, usually buttercream, ganache, or jam and can come in a wide variety of flavours. Whereas macaroons are typically dipped in chocolate, though they can also come in a variety of different flavours such as vanilla or lemon.

The Origin of the Original Macaroon

The exact origins of the macaroon aren’t fully known and are open to some speculation. Given the similar names, it’s no surprise that these treats share a common ancestor. The very first almond-meringue cookies likely came from Italy sometime after almonds were introduced to the country in the 8th century. They became very popular in Italian-Jewish cookery at the time as they could be eaten for Passover.

Both "macaroon" and "macaron" derive from the original Italian word maccherone, referring to the fine, glossy almond paste at the heart of the recipe. "Macaroon" is the older English translation of the French "macaron," and though in recent years the French spelling has become the popular way to refer to these treats, both spellings are actually correct.

The biscuit made its way from Italy to France via Catherine de' Medici's court in the 16th century, and from France into English as "macaroon" the name English speakers used for centuries before "macaron" became fashionable.

Which is better, a Macaron or Macaroon?

Both of these tasty treats have had their time in the spotlight, you couldn’t go wrong with choosing to snack on either one. Ultimately whichever you prefer is going to come down to taste but as they say “you eat with your eyes first” and in terms of aesthetics, macarons take this point hands-down. With their varied, pastel colours macarons make for a much more visually interesting display.

When it comes to flavour, both desserts have a variety of them and, likewise, both will carry the distinct taste of their main ingredient. It all comes down to whether you prefer the coconut of the macaroon or the almond of the macaron.

Grab the perfect gift box from Miss Macaroon

Here at Miss Macaroon we pride ourselves on our high quality, hand-made, French macaroons. We offer macarons for every occasion you can think of from Birthdays, to baby showers, to Christmas. Our macarons come in a large selection of different flavours, including special seasonal flavours like the gingerbread spice included in our Christmas collection.

If you can’t find the exact flavour combination you’re looking for, we always have the option to choose your own so you can tailor your gift to anyone’s tastes. If you’d like to go that little bit extra we also have a selection of hampers that come with all manner of goodies, like tea or Prosecco.