How To "Paint" French Macarons

In this post I share how to hand paint french macarons with edible food coloring gels. This process is so fun and allows you to be creative with “painting” on a tiny canvas. Get ready to take these unique treats to the next level!

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into a freshly baked French Macaron, you know there are few things that could improve this delightful little dessert bite. The crispy shell, the soft chewy fill, and the vibrant, flavorful frosting or jam filling.

So what could possibly take this cookie up a notch, you ask? How about a hand painted, watercolor-like image on top!? Character AND flavor in one bite? Sign me up!

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Kitchen Science

Through a bit of experimenting and kitchen science (I know, sounds fancy!), I’ve discovered that with just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can quickly transform cookie to canvas, and create a mini masterpiece!

Ingredients needed for “painting”:

French Macarons (you can find these in the frozen or refrigerated section of most grocery stores OR I really like THIS RECIPE if you want to make your own. (Be sure to do your research as these cookies take practice and lots of learning to make!)
Parchment sheets (these are absolutely essential if you’re making your own macarons!)
Gel food coloring (I love wilton)
Fine tip paint brushes (only use new, not anything that’s been used with paints).
Clear vanilla extract

Steps for “painting” your macarons:

On a plate add a little bit of the gel colors you want to use.
In a small cup add a few teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Use your brushes to thin the gels with vanilla and create “watercolor-like paint” for your shells.
Paint your cookies and allow them time to dry before you cover them.
Get creative and paint beautiful pictures, use Pinterest watercolor images for inspiration! The sky is the limit!

Can I use water instead of vanilla?

You shouldn’t use water because your cookie shells will become softened or soggy. The vanilla is used because it evaporates so quickly and doesn’t change the integrity of the crispy shell. Using clear vanilla allows you to keep your colors looking bright and vibrant as opposed to brown vanilla.

Give a unique and special gift

These painted macarons make wonderful and unique gifts to share with family, friends, teachers, neighbors or for parties and showers! I LOVE using this packaging for my macarons to help keep them safe AND so people can see the designs!