If you’ve stood in the grocery store wondering whether macaron and macaroon are basically the same thing, you’re not alone. Here’s what I have learned cooking with both.
Quick Answer
These cookies sound identical but they’re completely different. Macarons are the French sandwich cookies that go viral on Instagram. Macaroons are the coconut cookies often dipped in chocolate. Don’t confuse them when ordering.
What Is Macaron?
Composition: French almond meringue cookie sandwiched with ganache or buttercream
Best uses: Special occasion dessert, gifts, French patisserie, Mother’s Day
Pros:
- Elegant and beautiful
- Wide flavor variety
- Crispy outside, chewy inside
- Distinctive ‘foot’
Cons:
- Very difficult to make at home
- Expensive ($2-4 each)
- Easy to mess up
What Is Macaroon?
Composition: Coconut cookie made with shredded coconut, egg whites, sugar
Best uses: Passover dessert, casual baking, no-fuss cookie
Pros:
- Easy to make
- Gluten-free naturally
- Sweet coconut flavor
- Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Less elegant
- Coconut texture not for everyone
- Sweet without much complexity
Can You Substitute One for the Other?
Using Macaroon instead of Macaron
Cannot substitute – completely different cookies.
Using Macaron instead of Macaroon
Same – they share a name and that’s about it.
My Honest Take
These cookies sound identical but they’re completely different. Macarons are the French sandwich cookies that go viral on Instagram. Macaroons are the coconut cookies often dipped in chocolate. Don’t confuse them when ordering. Both have their place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are macaron and macaroon interchangeable?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. For most casual recipes you can swap with adjustments. For dishes where the specific ingredient matters, use what the recipe calls for.
Which one is healthier?
Depends on the metric. Lower-fat options are lower calorie. Higher-fat often has more flavor for the same calorie cost.
Which one tastes better?
Personal preference. I keep both in my kitchen because they serve different dishes.
Which is cheaper?
Generally, the more specialty version is more expensive.
Can I store them the same way?
Check labels. Refrigerate perishable items. Dry goods stay in pantry.
I'm Julia. I cook restaurant copycat recipes at home and share what works. Every recipe on this site is tested at least three times in my own kitchen before I publish it.