Here’s The Difference Between A Macaroon And A Macaron

Macaroon and macaron: Two different desserts that often get mixed up, despite being pretty different. You’ll find a macaron more often in a French pastry shop, and a macaroon is more likely to be consumed at a Passover dinner. So how can you tell which one is which?

A macaroon is a small cake made with coconut, egg whites, and sugar and are baked until they’re crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. They’re often dipped in chocolate, and you’ll commonly find them around the Jewish holidays.

A macaron on the other hand are made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, and they’re usually colorful and paired with a flavored buttercream. This Parisian pastry is more delicate and intricate.

The names of the two cookies are also pronounced differently. Macaroon is pronounced as it looks, with the long double-“o” making a familiar sound to that found in the word “room” or “moon.” Macaron, on the other hand, is pronounced with a shorter “o” sound. Listen below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSth7Zj_cv4

These cookies are distant relatives of each other, so it’s no surprise so many people mix them up. Macaroon and macaron technically come from the same word, but they’ve evolved over time into two totally different pastries. And you’ll definitely want to know which is which next time you’re ordering your choice of dessert!

Photo by notfrancois

[h/t Real Simple]