What is a common misconception about Macaron baking?

The belief that macarons are simple to make without experience is a common misconception. While at first glance, macarons might seem like a straightforward treat to construct—especially given their elegant appearance—baking them successfully requires a good understanding of techniques and precise execution. Variations in humidity, temperature, and ingredient measurements can dramatically influence the outcome of macarons, making them notoriously tricky to master for bakers, especially those without experience.

Bakers need to pay close attention to the macaronage process, which involves folding the meringue into the almond flour mixture to achieve the right consistency. Even minor missteps can lead to poor results, such as flat macarons, and issues like feet not developing properly. In addition to technique, the temperature of the oven must be carefully controlled to ensure even baking, and the batter must be piped correctly for the desired shape. Thus, while macarons may appear simple, they are anything but for the untrained baker.