7 TIPS to fix HOLLOW macaron issue

Summary

In this video, Cheney shares expert tips on how to fix hollow macarons, a common issue when baking. She covers seven essential techniques, including using commercial powdered sugar, perfecting meringue, avoiding overmixing the batter, and mastering piping techniques. Cheney emphasizes the importance of checking oven temperature and baking macarons thoroughly to avoid undercooking, which can cause hollow centers. Additionally, she reassures viewers that small gaps in the shell are normal and will fill up when matured. By focusing on meringue consistency and piping precision, viewers can improve their macaron-making skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use commercial powdered sugar with cornstarch, not homemade powdered sugar, to achieve a fuller macaron shell.
• 😀 Properly mixing the meringue is crucial for achieving a full macaron. Avoid rushing this step and ensure consistency.
• 😀 Aim for 10-13 minutes of meringue whipping at low to medium speed (speed 2 or 4), and avoid high speeds to prevent overwhipping.
• 😀 Don’t overmix the batter when combining the dry ingredients with the meringue. Overmixing can cause hollow macarons.
• 😀 For proper piping, hold the piping bag upright at 90 degrees, apply consistent pressure, and avoid side-to-side movement to prevent air bubbles.
• 😀 Always double-check your oven temperature using an external thermometer, as ovens may have incorrect temperature readings.
• 😀 Underbaking is a common cause of hollow macarons. Ensure your macarons are fully baked before removing them from the oven.
• 😀 If your macarons have a slight gap between the shells, don’t worry—after filling and maturing them for 24 hours, they should fill back up.
• 😀 Focusing on meringue technique and piping technique were the two most impactful changes for fixing hollow macarons.
• 😀 Consistent pressure while piping macarons and ensuring an even batter distribution are key for avoiding hollow centers.
• 😀 Patience and precision with your macaron process—especially with meringue whipping and piping—are essential for success.

Q & A

What is the main issue that the video addresses regarding macarons?

The video focuses on fixing the problem of hollow macarons, a common issue many bakers face.

What ingredient in powdered sugar helps with making full macarons?

Commercial powdered sugar contains corn starch, which helps create the beautiful full texture of macarons.

How does meringue affect the fullness of macarons?

Properly mixed meringue is key to avoiding hollow macarons. Mixing on a consistent, moderate speed for 10-13 minutes creates a stable meringue for the perfect texture.

What is the most important factor to consider when mixing the dry ingredients into the meringue?

It's crucial not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to hollow macarons, so pay attention to the macronutrient during mixing.

How should macarons be piped to avoid air bubbles?

Macarons should be piped with consistent pressure from directly above, at a 90-degree angle, to avoid creating air bubbles in the shells.

Why is checking the oven temperature important when baking macarons?

Checking the oven temperature with an external thermometer ensures the correct temperature, preventing underbaking that can cause hollow macarons.

How does underbaking contribute to hollow macarons?

Underbaked macarons may appear perfect on the outside but collapse inside after cooling, creating hollow spaces.

What should you do if your macarons have a small gap between the shell and cookie?

A small gap is normal. After filling and maturing the macarons for 24 hours, the shells usually fill back up and become perfectly full.

What are the two key tips for fixing hollow macarons, according to the video?

The two key tips are perfecting your meringue technique by mixing at a low, consistent speed and ensuring correct piping technique.

What does the video suggest you do if you experience macaron hollowing despite following the tips?

The video encourages trying the tips again and watching for changes in the results. It also invites viewers to share their macaron successes.