I live in the UK, and macarons are not called macaroons here. Macarons are macarons, macaroons are macaroons. They’re not interchangeable at all 🤦‍♀️

this is soo sad the macaroon jump wanna be loved :(

Yes, thank you Ludo. I started my macaron vs. macaroon search like most other people but reading the comments became more confused. This was because my mother would always make for a certain uncle his favourite ‘macaroons’. And I know these were very strongly almond flavoured so I have been quite thrown by the descriptions of coconut based macaroons. Imagine my delight on reading that Ludo also knows about the almond macaroons, whatever their origin. Personal favourite is the sandwich macarons though.
Also delighted to have stumbled across this site and am intrigued by the hero sponge recipe. I’m always seeking the perfect sponge as many commercial cake makers seem to think you can cover any old rubbish in 2” thick icing and call it cake!

More like big cousin. Macaroons are older. They aren’t the same in any way. Macaroons are always coconut with almondy essence, with a pasty shreddy type grainy texture and often drizzled with chocolate. Macarons on the other hand, come in a variety of flavors and is a sandwich cookie. Made with two delicate cookies sandwiching a thick creamy or thick sticky jam like paste. Never oozing, Always firm enough to remain in tact. It’s really not interchangeable.

Simply the same word. The difference is the local variations of spelling and pronunciation. The French variant “macaron” didn’t become common in the United States until roughly 2005. That is why most of the older English population call the colorful dessert variant a “macaroon”. It is simply the same name and the same dessert but with different looks depending on the English/French recipe.

I love Macaroons. There is an Italian Bakery in Hartford, CT that makes the best almond macaroons, and they are also very attractive. Unfortunately, I no longer live in that region. I was not aware of macarons prior to reading your article. Now I will attempt to find some fresh macarons in the French style. Thank you for this article.

Cookies (by what ever name) are never a waste of time.

Macarons and Macaroons are two different entities. Macaroons are made with either coconut or almonds and are a flattish biscuit. Macarons have a filling and are a bit of a waste of time.

Ah, what a literary feast this article turned out to be! Truly, it is the epitome of eloquence and wit—a veritable delight for both the intellect and the soul. Not only did I revel in its humor and informative depth, but it also managed to resolve a long-standing familial conundrum that has plagued our holiday gatherings for years. Bravo, and my heartfelt thanks for this masterful contribution!

BAD

I certainly love this post of yours, Reshmi, as I l too, am a stickler for pronunciation.
Do you think it has something to do with our Southeast Asian roots and the fact we long to sound we can fit in, perhaps? Or it is just a linguistic side of us two? Haha!
Anyway, I really enjoy your wit and style of writing! :)

Scottish Macaroon Bars are different again and made with Boiled potato and icing sugar mixed to a fondant, covered in chocolate and dippedmin toasted coconut. So yummy! 😋

Your coloured meringue sandwich is a French Macaron, your moist coconut cookie is a coconut macaroon.. but additionally there is the English Macaroon which is a beige slightly crispy flattish biscuit usually made with almond and regular flour and topped with a cherry or half almond and there is also a Scottish Macaroon which is sugar mixed with mashed potato, covered in chocolate and toasted dessicated coconut
FOUR very different sweets

I love both MACARONS and MACAROONS <3 <3 <3. It’s hilarious that we have two delicious cookies SO DIFFERENT separated by ONE LETTER UGH LOVE MACARO/O/Ns

My mom thinks this is wrong. She keeps calling both of them macaroons thinking they’re the same thing made different ways. I tried to tell her that no the first one is pronounced as macarons but she gets mad at the very suggestion.

I never realized there was so much “a do” about macarons/macaroons. I love both. But I think I like the macaron just a little bit more!!!Mmmmm…

I can certainly pronounce them differently (I pronounce the french one like ‘roan’), but there’s no reason to disparage the macaroon for being what it is.

Biscuit facist!