National Macaron Day (March 20)
National Macaron Day on March 20 is a very good excuse to justify buying a box of colorful pastries you probably didn’t need but absolutely wanted.
These delicate sandwich cookies look effortless in a bakery window, but anyone who has tried making them knows they’re anything but simple. Crisp shells, chewy centers, and that signature “foot” around the edge, when they turn out right, they’re worth the trouble.
This is easily one of the prettiest weird holidays in March.
When is the Holiday?
It’s celebrated every year on March 20. The timing works nicely, the first day of spring in many years, which fits the pastel colors and lighter flavors macarons are known for.
Who Invented the Holiday?
The modern version of the holiday was launched in 2010 by pastry chef François Payard. His idea was simple: celebrate macarons and use the day to support food charities. Many bakeries still donate a portion of sales to groups like City Harvest.
The History of the Macaron
Macarons didn’t start out as the elegant sandwich cookies we recognize today. Early versions were simple almond cookies made from egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds.
They arrived in France in the 1500s, likely brought by Italian chefs when Catherine de Medici married into the French royal court. For centuries, they were single cookies, no filling, no bright colors.
The two-shell version most of us picture today didn’t appear until the early 1900s, when Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée added a creamy filling between two cookies. That small change turned them into the delicate, gift-box-worthy treats we know now.
Facts About Macarons
- Macarons and macaroons are completely different cookies, one is almond-based and delicate, the other is chewy and coconut-heavy.
- The ruffled “feet” at the bottom of a macaron only form if the batter is mixed just right.
- Humidity can ruin a batch. Professional bakers actually check the weather before baking.
- Ladurée helped popularize macarons in pastel gift boxes.
- Flavors now range far beyond vanilla and chocolate, everything from matcha to foie gras has appeared in high-end shops.
Coloring Page
If you’d rather color than bake, this free macaron coloring page is a fun way to celebrate the day.
Activities to Celebrate the Holiday
The easiest way to celebrate National Macaron Day is, of course, to eat one. Stop by a local bakery and pick up a small mixed box so you can compare flavors side by side. Even better if they have seasonal options, spring is usually when the pastel shades really show up in display cases.
If you’re feeling ambitious, try making a batch at home. Macarons have a reputation for being fussy, and honestly, they can be. Humidity matters. Folding the batter matters. Even how you tap the tray matters. But even a slightly cracked batch still tastes good, so it’s worth experimenting at least once.
You could also turn it into a low-key tasting afternoon. Pair a few different flavors with coffee or tea and see which combinations actually work best. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just an excuse to slow down and enjoy something small and sweet.
For kids, a simple decorating station works well. Use store-bought shells (or even vanilla wafers as a shortcut) and let them experiment with different fillings and colors without worrying about perfection.
Related Recipes
- Easy Raspberry Macarons – A delightful balance of tart raspberry flavor and smooth buttercream, these macarons are perfect for beginners.
- Chocolate Macarons – Rich and decadent, these chocolate-filled macarons feature a deep cocoa flavor with a silky ganache center.
- Pistachio Macarons – A nutty and slightly sweet take on the classic macaron, filled with a creamy pistachio-flavored buttercream.
- French Macaron Recipe – A traditional base recipe that provides step-by-step instructions for achieving the perfect texture and color.
- Salted Caramel Macarons – A combination of sweet and salty, these macarons boast a smooth caramel filling with a touch of sea salt.
- Red Velvet Macarons – Inspired by the classic cake, these macarons have a rich cocoa taste and a luscious cream cheese filling.
- Coffee Macarons – A bold and aromatic treat, perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, deep espresso flavor.
- Lavender Macarons – Lightly floral with a hint of honey sweetness, these macarons are perfect for an elegant afternoon treat.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
Looking for the perfect tools to make macarons at home? Here are some must-have Amazon products:
- Silicone Macaron Baking Mat – Ensures perfectly round macarons with uniform size.
- Macaron Piping Kit – Includes piping bags and tips for precise decoration.
- Almond Flour for Macarons – High-quality almond flour for smooth and delicate macaron shells.
Related Holidays
- National Macaroon Day (May 31) – Not to be confused with macarons, this holiday celebrates the chewy coconut-based cookie that’s often dipped in chocolate and far less delicate to make.
- National Almond Day (February 16) – Since almond flour is the foundation of a classic macaron shell, this day highlights one of the key ingredients that gives macarons their signature texture and flavor.
- National Cherry Dessert Day (May 26) – A perfect excuse to experiment with cherry fillings, jams, or buttercreams if you’re inspired to create your own seasonal macaron flavors.
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