When it comes to aesthetically pleasing desserts, macarons are the cream of the crop. But how can you present them to make them look their best?

Made from two crispy meringue-based layers and the silkiest, creamiest filling, macarons never fail to disappoint. Their wonderful blend of textures is oh-so satisfying. Plus they’re perfect as a modest sweet treat that keeps you longing for more… In this article, we’ll be exploring the sumptuous world of the delicate treats and how to present macarons for celebrations.

Macaron filling ideas

At Hotel Chocolat, we’re big fans of macarons, which is why we spent so long experimenting with different filling flavours. We wanted to bridge the gap between chocolate and patisserie, and in our humble opinion, we’ve done an excellent job.

For a fresh and fruity option, try our zingy Raspberry Macarons. With a light-as-air raspberry whip between two caramel-milk discs, this is a chocolatier’s take on a classic dessert flavour.

Fancy the sound of our caramel-milk discs but would rather have a different filling? Take a peek at our Caramel Cheesecake Macarons with a creamy mascarpone whip.

How about a tricolour strawberry twist on the classic French patisserie? Our Neapolitan Macarons won’t disappoint. You’ll be treated to a delightful whip made from real strawberries, carefully sandwiched between milk and white chocolate discs.

And for a fresh, after-dinner flavour, it has to be mint. Our Mint Macarons are made using Tasmanian peppermint for the freshest whip accompaniment to dark chocolate discs.

Alternatively, if you want your macarons to be the dessert, our Chocolate Macarons are the perfect indulgent choice. These nibbles contain wonderfully light 60% hazelnut praline nestled between 40% milk chocolate discs. Subtly nutty, but gloriously chocolatey.

Or strip it all back and go for the flavour we all know and love — vanilla. Our Vanilla Macarons contain white chocolate with a creamy vanilla whip. Simple and sublime.

If you’re finding it hard to choose between flavours, our Chocolate Macarons Collection is the ideal introduction to a few of our creations.

What goes well with macarons?

The best macaron pairings depend on the flavour of the treat itself. Though all our macarons have been created to taste delectable on their own, we do have a few stellar combination recommendations.

If you’re looking to use macarons to make an even more indulgent dessert, our Chocolate Macarons paired with vanilla ice cream is a must. You’ll be able to break up your macaron into the cool cream to unleash the nutty praline centre. If you’re feeling experimental, you could even try our Vanilla Macarons with chocolate ice cream.

And if you’re searching for an exquisite macaron to enjoy with an after-dinner coffee or tea, our Mint Macarons really hit the spot. Mint aids digestion, so you could say that these treats are good for the body and soul.

How to present macarons at a party?

Determined to incorporate these stunning treats into your party decorations? We don’t blame you!

While you could try neatly stacking your macarons on a plate, a cupcake stand could be a great asset here. Turn the macarons around so they’re balancing as a wheel, rather than lying flat on their base. When you fill your stand with macarons positioned in this way, you’ll be able to see more of each one, giving you a stunning end result.

To make your stand more vibrant, we recommend choosing different flavoured macarons and alternating their colours. This will make your selection extremely pleasing to the eye. Plus, it will give your guests a choice of flavours. It will also make the macarons look so grand that people will be more likely to eat them sparingly — a good thing if you’ve planned for one or two macarons per guest.

If you’re hosting an event like a baby shower, softer pastel colours will work well for your stand. Our Neapolitan, Vanilla or Raspberry macarons are great options. Hosting something a little spookier, perhaps a Halloween party? Alternate our Orange Macarons with Caramel Cheesecake Macarons to tie in with any pumpkins that make an appearance.

Elegantly presented macarons also make an excellent gift. There’s nothing better than our Chocolate Macarons Collection, packaged in a chic case.

How to present macarons at a wedding

If you’re getting macarons for your wedding, there’s a high chance that you’re going to be using them as wedding favours. This is a great idea. Not only are macarons beautiful to look at in their own right, but you can also choose flavoured macarons to tie in with your wedding’s theme or colour scheme.

Simply place a pack at each guest’s dinner place, and they’ll be able to admire their memento throughout their meal. If you think that this will look too cluttered on your table, you could save them to give out to your guests as they leave. You’ll want to be careful doing this, as it will be easy to forget — and you don’t want your guests leaving empty-handed! We recommend assigning this task to a friend so you don’t have to keep tabs on it.

And if you’re on a budget or want to skip the party favours, you can still give your guests macarons — just opt for one instead of a whole pack. Place your single macarons on a stylish small plate in front of each guest, preferably after dessert. They’ll be able to nibble their perfectly-sized pick-me-up alongside their after-dinner coffee before heading to the dancefloor.

If the bride is wearing a cream dress or throwing an all-white wedding, Vanilla Macarons are an elegant choice. Maybe the dinner hall decorations contain a dash of pink? Tie your aesthetic together with our rosy pink Raspberry Macarons.

There you have it — our tips on how to present your macarons. Good luck with your party hosting. From everyone at Hotel Chocolat, we hope you have a ball!