"Macarons Matter" is a popular mantra.
Two years ago, our busy family of five was thrown off track and hit by some pretty serious stuff: a cancer diagnosis was just part of it. As you can imagine, many phone messages and emails went unanswered. One person was particularly persistent in trying to reach me. It was Denver Arts Patron Kari who chaired the Debutante Ball for the upcoming Le Bal de Ballet events, which support the Colorado Ballet and other dance companies in Denver.
Her message: "I have an important question, please call me back." After receiving several voicemails with this content, I called back. Her key question was, "I saw your daughter mention macarons as her favorite food, I just needed to know what flavor they are?"
Macarons are a metaphor for the delicate balance of life
From that moment, macarons became a metaphor and Kari a close friend. When you have a hard day at the office; a tricky diagnosis, a bad grade on a test, a complicated setback...remember...macaroons matter! In other words, it comes down to appreciating small things. Treating yourself to something good counts. Recognizing the delicate balance of life is important. A nice waltz in a big white baggy dress is important. Small, beautiful, carefully made, delicious macarons in the most creative flavors possible!
Macarons are the perfect way to say Happy Valentine's Day
Macarons are something special and always up to date. Made to perfection with a lot of care and effort, they're the ultimate treat for saying "I love you" on Valentine's Day!
If you're looking to give your loved one a box of macarons for Valentine's Day, you don't have to go to Paris, although, as Audrey Hepburn said, "Paris is always a good idea." Denverites know that Mile High City has some of the best macarons in the world!
Another note on macarons: they are worth every penny! For those of us who have tried making macarons at home, we know that macarons are not something that you can easily whip up at home. I speak from experience and about 20-30 failed batches over the years.
As explained by Kalli Sarik, the head baker at HappyBakeshop in the Denver Highlands
Macarons are definitely more time consuming and tricky. Sometimes it even depends on the weather and if it's a dry day instead of a rainy one so they come out just right.
Although these bite-sized delights are relatively pricey given their size, I appreciate treating myself to something I really can't make myself!
Denver Macaron Love
So if you want to give your Valentine something special that really matters this Valentine's Day... check out the local love at these Denver area macaron shops!
nice macaroons
Wo:Homemade in Thornton. Local pickup at the bakery. 12665 Jasmine Street. Thornton, CO 80602. Advance orders only.
Cost:$2.00 each / $24 per dozen
Contact:Chef and Owner, Heather Carpenter (303) 915-1952,heather@bellacron.com
nice macaroonsis a local find. Of course, with homemade macarons for every occasion, Valentine's Day is a big deal in chef and owner Heather Carpenter's world. If you want to impress your cutie with something special, Bella Macaron offers tons of fun and creative options: a box of mini macaron hearts (as seen in the photo above), white chocolate raspberry hearts, cherry syrup flavored macarons , Salted Caramel Heart Macaroons, Cherry Vanilla with Valentine's Sprinkles and more! If you don't follow Bella Macaron on Instagram, you should! Talk about an uplifting feed!
D-Bar
Wo:494E 19th Avenue, Denver, Colorado
Cost:$2.25 each
Contact: Make a reservation through Open Table or drop by for a macaron fix to go from the desert box. Executive Chef and Owner, Keegan Gerhard (303) 861-4710.

D-Barserves perfectly cooked macarons along with some of the best desserts this side of the Mississippi! D Bar prepares its macarons externally in partnership withFüdmill,a joint effort by great Denver chefs, including D Bar owner and celebrity chef, Executive Chef Keegan Gerhard. Chef Keegan is a big deal not just in Denver but around the world. If you visit the desert counter at D Bar, be sure to see Chef Keegan's face in Legos. D Bar Denver is hosting one of Denver's most spectacular Valentine's Day celebrations: an absolute dessert buffet on February 14thth. Will there be macarons on the dessert buffet? Oh yes it will!
French for sugar
Wo:1201 E. Colfax Avenue #103 Denver, CO 80218 (Colfax und Marion)
Cost:$3.00 each
Contact:Owner and Executive Chef Michelle Weekly, (303) 522.6886
French for sugaris a fun local bakery near Colfax and Marion that's dressed up for Valentine's Day. This cute shop and event space glows in festive pink all year round, making Valentine's Day extra big with hearts dangling from the ceiling and the cutest window displays ever. French macarons are always available at French for Sugar, but the store has special flavors for Valentine's Day like pink champagne and chocolate-covered strawberry. French for Sugar is also stocked with cute Valentine's items to go with the macarons, like stuffed animals, heart-themed novelties and other quirky gifts.
cake
Wo:1160 Speer Boulevard, DenverCO 80204
Cost:$20 for a pack of 5
Contact:Michelle Apostle, Chefkonditorin, (303) 376-0070
Every holiday and special occasion sparkles brighter with special treatscake. If you followedDenver I loveYou know how much I adore this bakery! There's no better way to spread the sun than to bring someone a box of Gateaux goodies. Valentine's Day at Gateaux is something very special! While they don't offer case macarons year-round, they do for Valentine's Day! Of course, like everything Gateaux prepares, the macaroons are absolutely perfect and beautiful!
Happy baking
Wo:3621 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Cost:$2.00 each
Contact:Owner Amber Watson, Head Baker Kalli Sarik, (303) 477.3556
A visit to 32nd Street in Denver's Highlands always lifts the spirits. The attractive selection of local shops and unique restaurants makes the street one of Denver's premier neighborhoods. So it's only fitting that an original treasure pleasesHappy bakingwould be located on 32nd Street. Happy Bakeshop's macarons don't look like other macarons. They're big and bright, and they look so happy, like they're actually smiling at you through the pastry box.
The Delights of Paris
Wo:600 S Holly Street, Denver, CO 80246
Cost:$19.90 per bag of 12
Contact:(303) 320-7596
This authentic French patisserie sells macarons by the bag. They're not Valentine's Day themed, but they taste exceptionally good! Pretty much everything in this little pastry shop istres delicieux! Stop by for lunch and try one of their absolutely amazing mini quiches to go with your macarons.
Mall Macarons: Lollli & Pops & Kseni Mademoiselle Macarons
Wo:Cherry Creek Mall, 3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80209
Cost:$29 a 6-pack at Lolli & Pops
Contact:Lutscher & Pops (303) 390-5701; Kseni Mademoiselle (303) 526-0484
For a quick macaron fix,Lolli & PopsandKseni Mademoiselle, both in Cherry Creek Mall, have very pretty macarons. At Lolli & Pops you can also fill your bag or box with a fabulous selection of red and pink candies.
Olive & Fink
Wo:Uptown in 1552 E. 17th Avenue, Denver, CO 80218 und in Cherry Creek in 3390 E. 1st Ave. Denver, CO 80206
Cost:2,25 $
Contact:Cherry Creek (303) 955-0455| Uptown (303) 832-8663; Chef Roger Meier
Olive & Finkhas two great locations in Denver where you can find specialty baked goods and value macarons. Olive & Finch is one of the few macaron bakeries where you can sit down and enjoy a delicious latte with your macaron treat.
The Macaron Shoppe, LLC Denver
Wo:Homemade in Denver where you pick up your order from the bakery. Orders in advance only.
Cost:Single flavor classic dozens are $30/month variety boxes and specialty flavors are $35 per dozen
Contact:Deviny Shenise: Owner + Baker, (720) 938-0325; on Instagram @macaronshoppedenver
The Macaron ShoppeOffers to order small series made to measure. To taste these delicious handmade macarons, you need to order in advance and pick them up from the baker himself. Shipping can be added to orders $5-$15. The Macaron Shoppe offers over 70 different flavors in every color and creative design and combination options. Definitely worth the extra effort to make macaron arrangements.
Sur La Table - Make your own with a Valentine's Day macarons cooking class
Wo:121 Clayton Ln, Denver, CO 80206
Cost:$69
Contact:(303) 780-7800
If:14th of FebruarythAt 9 o'clock. The Cherry Creek location in Denver.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a fun and festive DIY morning activity. Learn how to make jewel-toned macarons filled with buttercream and white chocolate ganache and finished with delicate piping at Sur La Table Cooking School in Cherry Creek. What's on the menu: Almond macaroons with raspberry lemon buttercream and gold dusted vanilla bean macarons with white chocolate rose ganache.Register online.
Hoppla, Flat Iron Crossing
Wo:1 W Flatiron Crossing Dr, Broomfield, CO 80021
Cost:2.95 each / $30 dozen
Contact:Deb Evans Owner, (832) 334-6664
I discovered this amazing macaron shop in the middle of Flat Irons Crossing and I love it so much! Not onlyHopplaThis little shop between Denver and Boulder has adorable boxes for a Valentine's Day sprinkle and sells some of the tastiest macarons ever. I have personally tasted 6 flavors and can attest first hand how delicious they are! The fun macaron towers that Woops prepares are another great way to say "I love you!" Woops impressed me with her friendliness and competence. Rachel helped us choose the macarons and she was such a wonderful dynamo telling us all about how they are made. This outstanding customer support comes from the very top, and Woops owner Deb Evans really seems to get the point, "Macarons count!"
Whole Food Macarons
Wo:2375 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Cost:$2 each / $18 dozen
Contact:(720) 941-4100
Believe it or not, Whole Foods makes macarons really well and you can't beat the convenience of the refrigerated self-serve box! When rating some of my favorite macarons, I would definitely put the Whole Foods macarons at the top of the list. They always have them ready, and the flavors never disappoint. This is one of my favorite party preps, along with Whole Foods' Chantilly Cake for when I don't get together early and still want things to look special.
Last but not least
Poem Macarons
Wo:Homemade in Fort Collins. Online atPoem Macarons.
Cost:$34 a dozen
Contact:Owner and head chef: Sandra Zupanski,(970) 232-0951
I'm adding Poeme macarons at the end, not because they're not at the top of my list, but because we Denverites have to drive a bit further to pick up these wonderful Fort Collins macarons. You need to order Poeme macrons online. I love checking out Poemme Macarons Instagram! I mean how can you not feel good when you see the description "music inspired macaron shop"! Come on - could there be anything better?
Poeme Macarons is named after a violin piece of the same name written by French composer Ernest Chausson, but wait... the story gets even better. Poeme Macaron's owner, Sandra Zupanski, is a professionally trained violinist, graduate of the University of Michigan, with a devoted passion for baking. Who else but a great Wolverine could combine music and French pastries in a harmonious euphony. Sandra was a third prize winner at the American Protegé International Music Competition, which enabled her to play at Carnegie Hall. Go blue! Sandra, I love your awesomeness!
I know this story only scratches the surface of Denver's amazing pastry shops. Please let me know where you find your favorite Denver Macarons! I always like to hear from you. email mejenn@denverilove.comor message me on Instagram @denverilove.
FAQs
Which shop is famous for macaron? ›
Laduree. Laduree is the original creator of macarons. It is safe to say that this shop is the most renowned sweet shop in Paris, and possibly in the world. The macarons range from classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel to rose, orange blossom, and even licorice.
Who makes best macarons? ›- 1) Pierre Hermé The reputation of those macarons is well established. ...
- 2) Ladurée. The Ladurée macarons reputation dates back to the last century. ...
- 3) Cyril Lignac. ...
- 4) Café Pouchkine. ...
- 5) Pierre Marcolini. ...
- 6) Hugo & Victor. ...
- 7) Jean Paul Hévin.
If you've already added the heart-shaped macarons to your grocery list, you can purchase a box of them at Costco for $13.99. The dainty vanilla and raspberry-flavored macarons retail for $13.99 for a box of 25 . Additionally, Costco isn't the only grocery store feeling the heart-shaped love this Valentine's Day.
Who is the king of macarons? ›Pierre Hermé (French pronunciation: [pjɛʁ ɛʁme]; born 20 November 1961) is a French pastry chef and chocolatier. He began his career at the age of 14 as an apprentice to Gaston Lenôtre.
What is the most popular macaron? ›Salted caramel is probably the most popular macaron flavor. The filling is sweet, due to the caramel. The pinch of salt add this slight punch that will wake up your taste buds.
What brand of macarons does Costco sell? ›Tipiak is a family owned company and their macarons are made in France!
Is Costco macarons good? ›Although the ingredients in Costco macarons aren't perfect, we like to get them when we're in the mood for a special treat. First, they're really affordable compared to buying macarons elsewhere! While there's nothing like a fresh macaron, a cost of between $2.75 and up each on average is just too much in our opinion.
Who makes Trader Joe's macarons? ›Who Makes Trader Joe's Macarons? Trader Joe's macarons are a product of France and are made by French masters.
What is a good price for macarons? ›In average, a macaron is sold at $2.10 per piece. Yes, it is expensive. But it is worth it to make a great impression for a gift, or for a party. And for this expensive price, you need to make sure you get the best ones.
Does Sam's Club have macarons? ›Macarons are sold in a tray for easy serving. This product is covered by the Sam's Club Member Satisfaction Guarantee. "Membership is required to complete an in-club or curbside pickup purchase at Sam's Club."
Do Aldi sell macarons? ›
Specially Selected Heart Shaped Macarons 90g/6 Pack | ALDI.
How many macarons do I need for 50 guests? ›Let's say you have 50 guests, with 2 macarons per person you would only need 100 macarons. We recommend you get at least 120 macarons because they can be fragile and some get eaten before even reaching the Macaron tower!
What are the most expensive macarons? ›Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Florida, which has teamed up with crystal-maker Lalique to create the world's priciest macaron, which goes for $9,703. That price tag isn't random, though; it's a nod to the famous resort's address, 9703 Collins Avenue.
What is better French or Italian macarons? ›French macarons are softer with chewy shells and more subtly sweet taste, giving you more of that distinct almond flavour. Whereas Italian macarons are more crisp, even powdery at times and have a more pronounced sweet taste. A trained eye may even be able to tell the difference simply by looking at them.
Why are macarons so overpriced? ›Macarons are more expensive than the average sweet treat because of the costly ingredients and the time and expertise involved in making it. Almond flour and egg whites are the two main ingredients that make up a macaron. In relation to other flours, almond flour is several times more expensive.
How long do macarons last? ›Macarons last for 7 days at ambient temperature and for up to 7 weeks in the fridge, so they do have quite a good shelf life. However, when storing them at ambient temperature, it is probably best to keep them in an airtight plastic container, to keep as much air out as possible so that they don't dry out.
What is the original macaron? ›The macaron as it is known today, composed of two almond meringue discs filled with a layer of buttercream, jam, or ganache filling, was originally called the "Gerbet" or the "Paris macaron." Pierre Desfontaines, of the French pâtisserie Ladurée, has sometimes been credited with its creation in the early part of the ...
Which is better macaron or macaroon? ›Compared to macarons, macaroons (pronounced “mack-uh-roon”) are denser, chewier, and certainly easier to make. These mounded cookies are most often made with sweetened shredded coconut and, if you're lucky, they're dipped in chocolate.
How long do macarons from Costco last? ›The best before date is about three weeks from the date I purchased the macarons. They also need to be kept refrigerated. These are perfect to have as a treat at home or to serve at your next party or get-together.
What is a good macaron? ›Macarons should have a slight crunch with an overall chewy texture as one bites through the dessert. That texture is what truly makes a macaron marvelous.
Does the cheesecake shop sell macarons? ›
Welcome to The Cheesecake Shop retail website. The Cheesecake shop is known for baking continental cheesecake, baked cheesecake, mudcakes, tortes, sponge cakes, pavolvas, cupcakes, macarons and desserts.
Are macarons better cold or warm? ›Macarons last for 14 days at room temperature, 4 weeks when refrigerated, and up to 6 months when frozen. Remember, macarons are best at room temperature, to get the perfect texture. Too cold, they might be harder to bite in. You can bring them out whenever you need them.
Do store bought macarons need to be refrigerated? ›Yes, macarons need to be refrigerated if they are made with butter. There are two types of macaron filling: Buttercream and ganache. A buttercream macaron will have a butter base filling, where a ganache macaron is a chocolate base filling. That makes a huge difference on the ways to store macarons.
Can you freeze macarons? ›Macarons need to be stored refrigerated or frozen (but eaten at room temperature). They can be refrigerated for up to a week and frozen for three months (they freeze great!).
Are the Trader Joe's macarons good? ›They were nicely balanced like the vanilla macarons, except a bit less sweet, and the filling was stiffer. For only $4.99 a box, I'd definitely buy these again. They're a great size for snacking and only 45 calories per cookie (not that a higher calorie count would stop me).
Did Costco stop selling macarons? ›Costco does not sell macarons online. Tipiak makes 36-count packages of assorted French macarons, which currently come in the following flavors as of spring 2022: Raspberry. Peaches & Cream.
Is it cheaper to make or buy macarons? ›The difference in cost is pretty incredible. A single macaron costs about $0.18 to make at home, whereas a bakery version can set you back up to $4 per cookie. They're not difficult to make, either -- just very precise.
How many macarons should you eat at a time? ›Select one to three macarons. At least one, and only three maximum to eat in one sitting. This gets you in the proper frame of mind since it forces you to think about what pleases you the most in this given moment.
How many is a dozen macarons? ›Each box of macarons includes two of each flavor macaron for a yummy total of 12!
How many macarons per person? ›Macaron Tower Size Guide
We usually recommend 2-3 macarons per person (more if you aren't offering other desserts).
Does Kroger bakery have macarons? ›
Private Selection® Macarons are made in the traditional French style-two almond meringue cookies with creamy and flavorful fillings. Delicately crispy on the outside, moist and rich on the inside, these delectable treats are sure to delight.
What is the difference between French macarons and American macaroons? ›Both cookies are made with egg whites, sugar, a few drops of vanilla and a pinch of salt. However, macarons are typically made with finely ground blanched almonds, while macaroons are made with sweetened flaked coconut.
Does Publix bakery make macarons? ›Macarons (pronounced: mah-kah-ROHN) are meringue-based cookies sandwiched around delicious ganache, buttercream or fruit jam. They are not overly sweet, but just sweet enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. You can find these little round desserts in your local Publix bakery.
Do French like macarons? ›They are fancy
Macarons are now found all over France, and other parts of the world, with many variations. These delicate cookies are elegant, making them the perfect treat for fancy parties and gatherings. It is the star of French pastries that gives people a taste of the Parisian experience.
What is this? These macarons, some of which are made in France, are light and delicate, with a crisp outer shell and a creamy, chewy interior. They come in a variety of flavors, including salted caramel, lemon, vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and raspberry, depending on the package you buy.
Do Starbucks sell macarons? ›The macarons at Starbucks come in six different flavours. The different Starbucks macarons flavours are; raspberry, lemon, pistachio, coffee, chocolate and vanilla flavour.
What size is a standard macaron? ›Macaron Shell Sizing
While the standard macarons are sized around 1.5 inches to 2 inches, you can also create mini macarons (½ inch) or small macarons (around 1 inch).
Macarons are often seen as a luxury item due to their delicate nature and intricate designs, which also drives up the price. What is this? Macarons are notoriously difficult to make – even for experienced pastry chefs. A good macaron also takes a lot of time to make.
Do you have to wait 24 hours for macarons? ›Macarons taste best when "ripened" in the fridge for 24-48 hours, but can last in the fridge air-tight for up to a week.
What are the two types of macaroons? ›There are actually 2 main methods of making macarons - the Italian method and the French method (the third method is the Swiss which is not as popular). Both methods yield essentially the same yummy and gorgeous looking concoction that most people will recognize as a macaron.
What are large macarons called? ›
You've probably never seen macarons this big. These XL macarons are over double the size of our regular sized macarons! We like to call them Big Macs, but don't tell you know who...
What are French macarons called? ›Parisian-style macarons (vanilla flavour) | |
---|---|
Alternative names | French macaroon |
Place of origin | France |
Created by | Pierre Desfontaines or Claude Gerbet. |
Main ingredients | Cookie: egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder, food colouring Filling: buttercream or clotted cream, ganache, or jam |
The “cookie” portion is made of meringue and sugar, while the gooey middle usually consists of ganache or jam. Because they're made mostly of egg whites, macarons are a tad bit healthier than other desserts.
What does the perfect macaron taste like? ›A balanced macaron has a nutty flavor, and while sugar is part of the recipe but not the highlight of a macaron. In other words, the balance between sweet and nutty will determine the goodness of a macaron. Macarons come in a variety of flavors. You can choose from fruit, caramel, and chocolate to pistachios and jams.
Which meringue is best for macarons? ›Italian meringue has more stability because the egg whites are cooked, and this helps with the 'macaronage' and makes it less likely that you will overmix it. Jump to: Essential equipment to make Italian macarons.
What is the secret to macarons? ›Sift the Almond Flour & Confectioners' Sugar
The key to smooth macarons is sifting the almond flour and confectioners' sugar. Without this, you'll get lumpy macarons with raised dots on top instead of a nice, smooth shell. Some people like to sift the mixture two to three times to ensure a smooth finished product.
Macaron popularity is mainly due to its history. Macarons go way back in France. In fact, it all started back in the 1600s when Catherine De Médicis traveled from Italy to France. She was meant to marry the French king, and wanted to bring her favorite dessert to France: “Macaroni”.
Who made macarons famous? ›The credit of modern macarons goes to Ladurée of Paris, the famed Parisian tea salon, in the early 20th century.
What was the first known seller of macarons? ›In 1792, macarons began to gain fame when two Carmelite nuns, seeking asylum in Nancy during the French Revolution, baked and sold the macaron cookies in order to pay for their housing. These nuns became known as the "Macaron Sisters".
Why do macarons cost so much? ›Macarons are expensive because of the process and time to make them. The traditional macaron recipe is really hard to master. The process, timeline, and technique to make macarons is tricky. That's why they are expensive.
Are macarons French or Italian? ›
Italian origin not French
We usually think of France when we think of Macarons. However, macarons have been produced in the Venetian monasteries since the 8th century A.D.!
Macarons d'Amiens, made in Amiens, are small, round-shaped biscuit-type macarons made from almond paste, fruit and honey, which were first recorded in 1855.
What was the first flavor of macaron? ›The Pastry Chef Pierre Herme known as the 'Picasso of Pastry' was the first to create flavoured macarons in the 1980s. He made the then ground breaking pistachio, rose and vanilla macarons.
What is so special about macarons? ›Their bite-sized nature, bright colors, and tempting textures make them hard to resist. Made with meringue, sugar, and almond flour, these cookies have a crunchy exterior and a soft filling, typically made of a ganache, buttercream, or jam. These cookies are available in a variety of flavors.