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. That often lines up with the first day of spring, which feels oddly appropriate. Macarons are basically edible pastels. Lemon, pistachio, raspberry, lavender. They look like they belong next to tulips.
Who Invented the Holiday?
The modern version of National Macaron Day was launched in 2010 by pastry chef François Payard.
His idea wasn’t just “eat more cookies.” Many participating bakeries use the day to raise money for food charities. In New York, shops have supported organizations like City Harvest by donating a portion of sales. So it’s indulgent, but at least slightly charitable.
The History of the Macaron
Macarons didn’t begin as the elegant sandwich cookie you see in gift boxes.
Early versions were simple almond meringue cookies made from egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds. No filling. No color. Just chewy little rounds.
They likely came to France in the 1500s with Italian chefs when Catherine de Medici married into the French royal court. For centuries, they stayed fairly plain.
The two-shell version most of us recognize today didn’t show up until the early 1900s. Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée is credited with adding a creamy filling between two cookies. That small change turned them from “nice almond biscuit” into luxury confection.
And now they come in flavors that would have confused anyone in the 16th century.
Facts About Macarons
Macarons and macaroons are not the same thing. Macarons are almond-based and delicate. Macaroons are coconut-heavy and much harder to ruin.
The ruffled “feet” at the base only form if the batter is mixed just right and the shells rest long enough before baking. Too humid? Good luck.
Professional bakers genuinely pay attention to the weather. High humidity can wreck a batch.
Ladurée didn’t invent the macaron, but it absolutely helped turn it into a pastel boxed icon.
And yes, high-end shops have experimented with flavors like foie gras. Not everyone asked for that.
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 is obvious: buy some.
If you have a local bakery that makes them fresh, get a small mixed box and actually taste them slowly. Lemon next to chocolate tastes different than lemon on its own. Pistachio is surprisingly subtle. Salted caramel usually disappears first.
If you feel brave, try baking them. Just go in knowing they might not look Instagram-ready. Humidity matters. Folding technique matters. Even how hard you tap the tray matters. The first batch is rarely perfect, but they’ll still taste good.
Another low-effort option: turn it into a tasting afternoon. A few flavors, coffee or tea, maybe a scorecard if you’re feeling competitive. It doesn’t need to be formal. Just slightly intentional.
If kids want to join in, skip the stressful part. Use store-bought shells or even sandwich vanilla wafers with buttercream and food coloring. They’ll get the idea without the meringue meltdown.
Related Recipes
If you’re browsing recipes or thinking about baking, these are usually safe starting points:
- 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
You don’t need special equipment to eat macarons. To make them? That’s another story.
- 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.
Pin it!
Share this post about National Macaron Day on Pinterest!
