Lawrence Walton
With such a wide range of dessert options to choose from, it’s no wonder that many people have a hard time choosing just one. Especially when they’re tasked with arranging a sweet after-dinner treat.
If it’s your turn to “bring dessert” to your next family get-together, there are two options you can never go wrong with. The first is to buy cupcakes from your local bakery and the other popular choice to consider is a dozen or two macrons.
What Exactly are Macrons
You may not be a dessert person, so you may only have heard the term macarons in passing. Essentially, macarons, or French macarons as they’re originally called, are a delicate cookie type of dessert that originated in France.
This delicious little dessert consists of two small, round, almond-based cookies, sandwiched together with a creamy filling. Since macarons come in a wide range of classic, unique, and exotic flavours, it’s very simple to find one that will soon make it to your favourite dessert list.
Many Reasons to Be Popular
There are many good reasons why macarons make it to all types of party tables. If you’re still not sure if a box of cookies will be enough dessert for your next lunch or dinner event, then this post is for you. Keep reading as we share a few of the top reasons why your guests will be delighted with your dessert option.
1. They Look Visually Appealing
If you have a person with a sweet tooth, then you may think there’s no such thing as a bad-looking dessert. However, it’s true that some desserts are more visually appealing than others and make you just want to tuck in.
Macarons are among those dessert options that look amazing. There’s just enough cream in the center, meaning you won’t have to contend with sweet filling leaking out when you’re trying to eat. They have a very distinctive round shape and come in an array of bright colours that make them instantly recognizable.
2. A Light Dessert Option
It’s not uncommon for dinner parties to feature heavy meals with an assortment of salads and sides. When that’s the case, your guests may not be in the mood for a big plate of rich, heavy dessert.
Fortunately, that makes macarons the perfect choice. Not only are these cookies refined and delicate, but they also have an airy texture with a minimal amount of cream filling. Subtle flavours and a small size make them the ideal sophisticated dessert that is not heavy but still incredibly indulgent.
3. Super Versatile
Another reason to opt for a batch of macarons for dessert is that they’re versatile enough to serve on any occasion. They’re a top choice for everything from birthdays, dinners, lunches, and even baby showers.
Macarons are not just limited to formal occasions either. Their small size and vibrant colors also make them a hit at casual gatherings like brunches, picnics, and office parties. You can even pair them with complementary treats like fruits, chocolates, or small pastries for a more elaborate dessert spread.
Additionally, they are perfect for outdoor events as they are easy to transport and don’t melt or spoil quickly in warmer weather. The versatility of these delightful cookies ensures that they will be a welcome treat no matter the setting or time of year.
With an extensive range of colours and flavours to choose from, it’s easy to find the best option for your event. Besides laying them out on a dessert tray, you can also create a unique centerpiece by building a macaron tower. Use whipped cream, melted sugar, and chocolate to keep them together. This is a popular idea to display macarons on a birthday or wedding dessert table.
4. Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients
Macarons are typically made with egg whites and almond flour, which means they contain no gluten. This instantly makes them an ideal dessert option as you won’t even have to check with your guests about who can and can’t eat gluten. There’s also no need to buy two different dessert options.
5. Low in Calories
Since macarons don’t contain as much sugar and rich ingredients as other dessert options, they’re super low in calories. They’re also bite-sized and don’t require spoons and plates. You can easily eat one while you’re mingling. Since there’s no cream, ice cream, or custard, there’s also no risk of you getting dessert all over your clothes.
6. Make Excellent Gifts
Many guests opt to skip dessert because dinner is a huge meal, or they’ve already had their allotted sweet treats for the day. That doesn’t mean they have to skip on the macarons. If you know your guests are likely not to have dessert, consider wrapping the macarons as gifts to go. They also make wonderful gifts to the hostess or as part of a gift for a special occasion.
7. A Wide Range of Flavours and Colours
Macarons can also be made to suit your colour and flavour choice. While vanilla bean buttercream filling, or simply vanilla, is regarded as the original and most classic macaron flavour, other top choices often include the following:
- Chocolate
- Lemon meringue
- Salted caramel
- Pistachio
- Blueberry
- Cinnamon apple
- Toasted coconut
- Raspberry
- Coffee caramel
Final Thoughts
Macarons are a unique combination of flavours and colours that not only look stylish and elegant but taste amazing as well. Their light texture makes them the ideal option for something simple after a heavy dinner. Simply pair them with your favourite cup of coffee or tea and you’re looking at creating a very special dessert treat!
