Off Peak Perks - Perfect Parisian Macarons

Most people who walk through our door have never made macarons before — and most of them have spent years convinced they couldn't. 

By the time you leave, you'll have proved yourself wrong. You'll go home with the recipe, the technique, and enough macarons to share — though they may disappear before you get the chance!

Whether you're treating yourself or giving this as a gift for a birthday, Mother's Day, or a bachelorette, this is the kind of afternoon people talk about long after the delicious almond flour cookies are all eaten.

This is a 2 hour class. Suitable for those who are gluten free. 

In this master class, instructed by one of our talented chefs you will work in groups to execute a Parisian macaron recipe. One of our chefs will prepare buttercream for you with which to fill your macarons, then comes the super fun assembling part. What a great way to spend a day! The best part is, you will bring home delicate delicious macarons that YOU will have made.

In this class, you will learn:

• How to bake and pipe Parisian macarons 
• How to macaronage 
• The theory of meringue and the different types  
• How to pair, sandwich and fill macarons 
• How to properly store and age your macarons 

You will go home with:

• Beautiful macarons that YOU piped and filled -yay!
• Roughly 20 macarons depending on the class size
• New understanding of Swiss meringue buttercream 
• An understanding of the macaron recipe 
• Macaron recipe, and Swiss meringue buttercream recipe (emailed to you before class)

All ingredients and equipment, including transport boxes for your course are provided, you do not need to bring anything with you. The teacher will ensure that you work at a pace suitable for you. 

If you would like, you can bring a bag to carry your macarons home. We provide sturdy cardboard boxes, but you may find it easier to carry your macarons  in a reusable tote bag especially if taking public transit to class.

Add a "Good Things Come To Those Who Bake" Apron to bring home with you after the class. Simply click the Apron add-on in the drop-down! 

Please note, classes may be held in our upstairs studio which is accessible by stairs only, please email us if you need to be accommodated. 

Children under 13 must attend with a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class. For safety reasons, we kindly ask that children do not participate in the making/testing/pouring of the hot sugar and step away from the station while their parent or guardian completes this portion.

Please use our hashtag #ledolci and tag us @ledolci when posting your class creations on social media. We’d love to share your content with our followers.

 

 

FAQ: Macaron Classes

Is this class suitable for beginners?

Yes, absolutely. Most guests have never made macarons before, and many arrive convinced they can't. Our chef guides you through every step, from meringue to macaronage to piping, so no prior baking experience is needed.

Is this class gluten-free?

Yes, our Perfect Parisian Macarons class (including the Off Peak Perks version) is suitable for those who are gluten-free, since macarons are made with almond flour rather than wheat flour.

Are there nut-free options?

Unfortunately no, macarons are made with almond flour as a core ingredient, so none of our macaron classes are suitable for guests with nut allergies.

How long is the class, and what will I make?

All of our macaron classes, including the New Year's Eve edition, run 2 hours. You'll bake and pipe your own Parisian macaron shells, then fill and sandwich them with Swiss meringue buttercream our chef prepares for you. You'll go home with roughly 20 macarons, depending on class size.

What's different about the Champagne & Macarons New Year's Eve class?

It's the same hands-on macaron-making experience, with the added fun of sipping champagne while you work, held on December 31st. It's a popular way to make something to bring to your NYE celebration and start the night early.

Can kids attend this class?

Children under 13 are welcome as long as they attend with a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class. For safety, children step away from the station during the hot sugar portion and don't participate in making, testing, or pouring it.

Do I need to bring anything?

No, all ingredients and equipment are provided, including transport boxes for your macarons. 

Is the studio wheelchair or mobility accessible?

Classes may be held in our upstairs studio, which is accessible by stairs only. If you need accommodation, please email us in advance and we'll do our best to help. Our downstairs studio is wheelchair accessible but our table heights are higher than usual for cooking purposes. Please email us in advance to discuss if we can accommodate. 

Will I get the recipe to make these again at home?

Yes, the macaron recipe and Swiss meringue buttercream recipe are emailed to you before class, so you can recreate the technique at home.

Is this a good gift or celebration idea?

Definitely, our classes at Le Dolci Toronto are a popular choice for birthdays, Mother's Day, bachelorette parties, or ringing in the New Year. Apron add-ons are also available if you'd like a keepsake to bring home.

How should I store my macarons after class?

Macarons keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months and fridge for up to a week. If kept at room temperature, they're best enjoyed within 4 hours.

Why are macarons considered difficult, and will I actually be able to make them?

Macarons have a reputation for being tricky, mostly because of a technique called macaronage (folding the batter to just the right consistency). That said, our chef is right beside you the whole class to catch issues in real time, which is exactly what makes an in-person class more reliable than trying to learn from a recipe or video alone.