Macaron vs Macaroon
You’ve probably heard the words. You’ve probably eaten one—or both. But let’s be honest: most people don’t know the difference between a macaron and a macaroon. Same letters (almost), same sweet vibe… but very different desserts.
Let’s break it down.
Quick Look: Macaron vs Macaroon
| Macaron | Macaroon | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Almond flour | Shredded coconut |
| Texture | Light, crisp shell, soft center | Dense, chewy, moist |
| Origin | France | Italy → Popular in U.S. & Jewish bakeries |
| Looks | Smooth, colorful sandwich cookie | Rough, golden coconut mound |
| Skill to Make | High — very picky | Low — mix and bake |
What’s a Macaron?
A macaron (say it like: mack-ah-ROHN) is the pretty one in the dessert case. It’s a little round cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and powdered sugar. Two shells are sandwiched with a soft filling—like ganache, buttercream, or jam.
They’re known for:
- Their smooth tops and ruffled “feet”
- Bright colors (pastel pink, mint green, lemon yellow…)
- Delicate texture—crisp outside, soft inside
They’re also known for being fussy. One wrong move and they crack, deflate, or bake weird. That’s why bakeries charge a bit more for them—and why they’re basically the high-maintenance queens of the cookie world.
What’s a Macaroon?
A macaroon (say it: mack-ah-ROON) is totally different. Think chewy, golden, and coconut-y. It’s made with shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar. That’s it. Scoop it onto a tray, bake, and boom—you’ve got a sticky-sweet treat.
Some are dipped in chocolate. Some are plain. They’re especially popular during Passover since they don’t use flour or leavening.
You’ll find them:
- At home (super easy to bake)
- In Jewish bakeries
- Around holidays or potlucks
No almond flour, no fancy colors, no drama.
So Why Do People Mix Them Up?
Mostly? The names.
They sound almost the same—especially when said fast. But trust us, they’re not twins. Not even cousins.
Let’s make it simple:
Macaron = Paris runway model
Macaroon = Coconut beach snack
Quick Recap
- Macaron: Delicate French cookie, almond flour, sandwich-style, pastel colors
- Macaroon: Chewy coconut drop, golden, simple and sweet
Still confused? Just look at the texture. If it’s smooth and glossy—macaron. If it looks like toasted coconut hay—macaroon.