PASTRY PASSPORT: A TASTE OF ONE OF OUR INTERNATIONAL PASTRIES

A Pastry Passport: French Macarons

Let’s take a quick trip—no suitcase required. Today we’re diving into one of the most elegant, colorful, and indulgent treats to ever grace a pastry case: the French macaron. Crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and filled with vibrant flavor, these little sandwich cookies are as iconic as they are irresistible. And while they look delicate, their story is rich with history, tradition, and just a touch of drama (as all great pastries are).

So... What Is a Macaron?

A French macaron is a small sandwich cookie made with almond flour, whipped egg whites, and a flavorful filling—usually ganache, buttercream, or jam. Their signature texture comes from the contrast: a crisp, glossy shell that gives way to a soft, chewy center.

They’re often confused with macaroons (the coconut kind). But trust us—these are an entirely different experience.

A Bite of History

Though macarons are now a symbol of French pâtisserie perfection, their origins trace back to Italy. It’s believed that the original almond-based cookie—simple, crisp, and without filling—was brought to France in the 16th century by Catherine de’ Medici, the Italian noblewoman who married into French royalty. Along with her entourage of chefs, she introduced a range of Italian culinary traditions to the French court, including early versions of the macaron.

For centuries, macarons remained a single, delicate cookie—nothing like the filled confections we know today. That transformation is credited to Pierre Desfontaines, the grandson of the founder of Ladurée, a legendary Parisian pastry house. In the early 1900s, he had the idea to sandwich two macaron shells with a layer of ganache or buttercream—creating the modern macaron as we know it.

From there, the macaron became a symbol of French elegance. Beloved for its rainbow of colors, bold flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it found a permanent place in pâtisseries across the country—and eventually, the world.

Today, the macaron is as much an experience as it is a dessert: one part pastry, one part art, and entirely unforgettable.

Straight from France

At Gourmandise, our French Macaron Boxes are imported directly from France—so they’re as authentic as they are beautiful. Light, crisp, and filled with thoughtfully crafted flavors. We offer two flavor profiles:

Classic Flavors Box– Chocolate, Mocha, Vanilla, Pistachio, Raspberry, Lemon

Tropical Flavors Box- Lemon Yuzu, Banana Guava, Lychee, Mango, Blood Orange, Pineapple and Coconut

Each box includes 7 assorted macarons—perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping entirely to yourself.

Why We Love Them

Macarons are the perfect balance of elegance and fun—light, crisp, colorful, and just indulgent enough. They’re ideal for gifting, celebrating, or simply treating yourself on an ordinary afternoon.

Next time you stop in, take home a box. One bite and you’ll understand why we always make room for macarons.