A macaron is a small baked meringue sandwich filled with buttercream, ganache, or another sweet filling.
Modern French macarons are made from almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites. The batter is piped into smooth rounds, rested to form a skin, and baked so each shell develops a crisp exterior and a softer interior. Two shells are then joined with filling.
Macarons come in many colors and flavors, including pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, coffee, and salted caramel. They are often confused with macaroons, a different confection usually made from shredded coconut. The similar names reflect a shared historical connection, but the finished products are distinct.
The macaron’s history reaches back through European pastry traditions, while the sandwich style associated with contemporary French patisseries developed later. Parisian makers helped popularize the colorful, filled version now recognized internationally.