For those who love sweets, picking the right dessert for the season is important. During the holiday season, stores and bakeries fill up with tasty fall and winter treats. You can find everything from pumpkin spice pies to AppleJack Cinnamon PopTarts.
These desserts are crowd favorites for the fall and winter. But this season, I started focusing on a more special treat: French macarons.
French macarons — which originated during the Renaissance — have become my favorite snack during busy days of writing and studying. Macarons are seemingly a top choice in French bakeries, probably because they go great with hot black tea or coffee. So why not make them a staple for autumn and winter?
In search of these treats, I went on a food trip in Boston — trying out different bakeries well-known to the Boston University community.
Below, you’ll find three great choices that I think you’ll definitely love.
Praliné French Patisserie
This is a very small French dessert shop with locations in both Cambridge and Belmont, offering both dine-in and takeout options. A hot latte, a pear almond tart and some macarons always make for a perfect afternoon treat.
The staff here are really friendly and love to chat about all things dessert. You can pick any sweet you like from the display, and the staff will happily tell you about what you’ve chosen.
A week ago, I bought a small box of four macarons from them. I chose raspberry, espresso, cassis-violet and earl gray as my flavors. The staff joked that I was a real macaron connoisseur!
Their classic cannelé is also one flavor I notice you don’t find in many bakeries — so don’t forget to grab one if you visit.
TOUS les JOURS
The French macaron trend has swept over into Asia, bringing new flavor options to many Korean bakeries!
TOUS les JOURS — with numerous locations nationwide —is a favorite among BU students, particularly the one in Allston. Like its counterparts, this bakery offers dine-in options and sells a variety of cream-filled breads and Japanese yuzu pies, which is often paired with an iced americano or juice.
The macarons displayed at the counter are often overlooked, yet so delicious. Other than classic flavors like pistachio, raspberry and chocolate, TOUS les JOURS also features uniquely Korean flavors such as birthday cake and rose.
My personal favorite is the earl gray macaron, packed with earl gray tea-flavored cream — it feels like sipping milk tea with every bite, especially when paired with an Americano.
Trader Joe’s
You read that right — delicious macarons aren’t just found in bakeries. In Trader Joe’s freezer section, alongside ice cream and gelato, you can find a box of 12 macarons for just $5.99. These budget-friendly and adorably mini macarons let you briefly marvel at the wonders of technology — making the intricacy of macaron-making to your college dorm nice and simple.
The classic pack of macarons features six flavors, and I highly recommend the apricot, fig and pistachio. If you prefer something not as sweet, the lemon and coconut offer a milder taste, and the vanilla is very smooth and gentle.
All in all, whether you’re a connoisseur of the classics or an adventurer in any taste, there’s a macaron out there for you.
The next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, remember that the perfect macaron might be around the corner, waiting to add a little bit of joy and sophistication to your day. It’s never too late to seek out your next favorite — let’s go!
