Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a food processor, pulse the almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder until well combined.
Sift into a large bowl, discarding any coarse almond pieces.
Make the Meringue
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.
Add the cream of tartar and continue beating.
Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Macaronage
Gently fold the meringue into the almond mixture until the batter flows slowly like lava.
Stop folding as soon as the batter ribbons back into itself — overmixing will flatten the shells.
Pipe and Rest
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Pipe 3 cm (about 1¼ inch) circles onto prepared baking sheets.
Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, until a skin forms.
Bake
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until shells are set and lift cleanly from the mat.
Cool completely before filling.
Make the Ganache
Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate.
Let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth.
Stir in butter, vanilla, and salt if using.
Cool until thick but pipeable.
Assemble
Pipe ganache onto one shell and sandwich with another.
Refrigerate macarons for at least 12 hours before serving for best texture.
Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist. Nutrition facts are calculated using an automated database of common ingredients and are intended as an estimate only. Variations can occur depending on product brands, measuring methods, and ingredient swaps.