Macaroons Six Ways - Cooks Illustrated

Published September 1, 1996.

We perfect almond macaroons and five flavorful variations.

The Problem

These days, the only macaroons that you will find at most bakeries and supermarkets are made with coconut.

The Goal

Almond macaroons are the original macaroon. Virtually unobtainable in stores, they are, luckily, simple enough to make at home.

The Solution

To make the cookies, you simply grind the almonds and sugar in a food processor, add egg whites and a little almond extract, and process until the mixture binds into a stiff but cohesive dough. Next you drop or pipe the paste onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake. The result is a macaroon that's moist and soft on the inside and crunchy-chewy on the outside.

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