There are 2 ways to make character macarons.
- Using a parchment paper tracer
- Layering macaron batter
See video here.
How to make Character Macarons using a Parchment Paper Tracer
Place a template parchment paper tracer underneath your Silpat mat or Clean parchment paper that you’re going to pipe your macarons onto. You can find templates on Pinterest and Google. To make character macarons print off a template or free hand your own template.
Once you have your template under you surface you’re going to pipe onto, gather all of your materials that you’ll need for your template:
- macaron batter – could be multiple colors
- toothpicks – to make pointy shapes
Now you can start piping onto your template. Begin with the smaller and more delicate details first. For example – wheels on a car, ears, horns, hands, feet. Use a toothpick to pull the batter into a point or fine details like fingers/toes if needed.
After you’ve piped the small details, begin piping your larger details/base of your macaron. This could be a different color of macaron batter. It’s best to trace the outline of the template, then fill in the center with batter. This way you won’t make the macarons too big and overtake the template design.
Let your macarons dry completely – about 30 min.
Bake your macarons for the same amount of time in your recipe.
Let the shells cool to room temperature – about 20 min.
Add any decorations onto them that you like.
You could add melted chocolate, caramel, draw on designs using edible markers, etc.
You can paint on powdered food coloring. Use a bit of almond extract + powdered food coloring + food safe paint brush to paint on your design.
Check out our Unicorn Macarons for some macaron inspiration.
How to make Character Macarons by Layering Macaron batter
Character macarons can be made by layering macaron batter.
- Place a parchment paper template underneath the surface you are going to pipe your macarons onto.
- Gather your materials – macaron batter, toothpicks, etc.
- Start creating the base of your macaron. Tract the lines and fill in the center. You could be using multiple colors for eyes, body, feet, etc.
- Let your base dry for 15 minutes.
- Add on your second layer of macaron batter – generally this is a different color. You can add a nose, eyes, mouth, hands, feet, etc. on top of your base color.
- Let your second layer dry for 15-30 min until a skin forms on the macaron.
- Bake for your required time according to your recipe.
- Let cool at room temperature for ~ 20 min.
- Add more decorations to your macarons – draw on eyes, face, mouth by using an edible marker, add buttercream icing decorations if desired.