Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together at least twice through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard any large pieces that won’t go through the sieve. Set aside. Bring egg whites to room temperature (this is crucial for proper meringue).

Step 2: Make the French Meringue
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Once all sugar is added, increase speed to medium-high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. The meringue should be thick, shiny, and hold a stiff peak when you lift the whisk. Add gel food coloring and vanilla extract during the last 30 seconds of mixing if using.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients (Macaronage)
Add the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture to the meringue all at once. Using a silicone spatula, fold the mixture together using a technique called macaronage. Press the batter against the side of the bowl and fold it over itself, rotating the bowl as you go. This should take 35-50 strokes. The batter is ready when it flows like thick lava, forms a ribbon that disappears back into the batter within 10-15 seconds, and you can make a figure-8 without the ribbon breaking. This is the trickiest part—undermixed batter creates lumpy, cracked shells; overmixed batter spreads too thin and won’t form feet.

Step 4: Pipe the Macarons
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Hold the bag perpendicular to the baking sheet and pipe 1.5-inch circles, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Don’t worry if there are little peaks—they’ll settle. Once all circles are piped, firmly tap the baking sheet on the counter 5-6 times to release air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any visible bubbles.

Step 5: Rest the Macarons
Let the piped macarons sit uncovered at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on top. You should be able to lightly touch the surface without any batter sticking to your finger. This creates that beautiful smooth shell. In humid weather, this may take longer.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature. Bake one sheet at a time on the middle rack for 14-16 minutes. The macarons should not brown. They’re done when they’ve developed “feet” (the ruffled bottom edge) and don’t wobble when gently touched. If they slide on their feet, bake another 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Cool
Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet, about 30 minutes. They should peel off easily when completely cool. If they stick, they needed more baking time or weren’t fully rested before baking.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream
Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and light, about 2 minutes. Add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Assemble
Match up macaron shells of similar size. Pipe or spread about 1 teaspoon of buttercream onto the flat side of one shell. Gently press the matching shell on top to create a sandwich. Don’t overfill, or the filling will squish out.

Step 10: Mature
Place assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This “maturing” process allows the filling to slightly soften the shells, creating that perfect texture. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.