Macarons are delicate, beautiful, and—let’s be honest—just a little intimidating to make. From achieving that perfect smooth shell to getting the right chew, every detail matters… including colour. The right food colouring can make your macarons pop with personality, whether you’re going for pastel elegance or bold, vibrant shades. But here’s the secret: not all colouring types are created equal when it comes to macarons.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose and use food colouring powder and oil-based food colouring so your bakes look as good as they taste.
1. Why the Right Food Colouring Matters for Macarons
Macarons are sensitive little desserts. Too much liquid can ruin the batter, leaving you with cracked shells or no signature feet at all. That’s why knowing which colouring to use is key; it affects not only the look but also the structure of your macarons.
2. Best Types of Food Colouring for Macarons
Food Colouring Powder – The Macaron Baker’s Best Friend
- Doesn’t add moisture to the batter, so your texture stays on point.
- Gives strong, vibrant colours, even after baking.
- Perfect for both pastel and intense shades.
Oil Based Food Colouring – When You’re Working with Chocolate Fillings
- Ideal for colouring ganache, chocolate drizzles, or cocoa butter decorations.
- Won’t seize chocolate (like water-based colours can).
- Great for creating colour-matched fillings to your macaron shells.
3. How to Add Food Colouring to Macaron Batter
- Sift your colouring powder into the almond flour and icing sugar mix for even distribution.
- For gel or oil based colours (if using in shells), add sparingly during the meringue stage.
- Remember: Colours fade slightly during baking, so go one shade darker than your desired result.
4. Pro Tips for Colour Success
- Avoid liquid colouring – it adds too much moisture.
- Go bold pre-bake – pastels soften after baking.
- Consistency is key – measure colouring for each batch to avoid mismatched shades.
5. Inspiration: Colour Palettes for Macarons
- Soft pastels for baby showers or weddings
- Bold jewel tones for festive events
- Ombre effect using multiple shades of the same colour
Ready to bake up the most beautiful macarons? Explore our full range of food colouring, from food colouring powder to oil based food colouring, and make your next batch your most colourful yet.