Let’s start with this: macarons and macaroons are not the same thing. Who knew? Macarons are French (via Italy) and are meringue based. Macaroons are an American twist on macarons, and they are coconut based. Macarons look like little sandwiches while macaroons are balls or squares covered in shredded coconut. Macarons are not as sweet as macaroons.
That said, macarons seem to be trending in popularity with whole bakeries dedicated to the treats. If your curiosity is piqued, here are a few locations around central Indiana where you can try macarons.
Macaron Bar
425 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis
Opened in 2018, Macaron Bar offers at least a dozen flavors, some standard and some seasonal. Flavors include Earl Grey tea, salted caramel and lemon lavender. Coffee and tea are also available, but seating is limited; the shop is geared to carry-out orders. Patrons can also sign up for classes to learn how to make macarons.
The Gallery Pastry Shop
1101 East 54th Street, Suite G, Indianapolis
The Gallery Pastry Shop serves brunch as well as a variety of pastries, including macarons. Flavors vary. They also offer classes for those who want to learn how to make macarons.
Circle City Sweets
222 East Market Street, Indianapolis
Located in the southwest corner of the City Market, Circle City Sweets offers a range of cakes, cookies, bars, brownies, muffins, scones, breads and other desserts. Their sister shop, Circle City Soups, is open for breakfast and lunch.
Rene’s Bakery
6524 North Cornell Avenue, Indianapolis
A Broad Ripple favorite since 2004, Rene’s Bakery offers a variety of cakes, cookies, tarts, pastries, breads and more. The menu changes frequently, but they offer macarons regularly in a variety of flavors. (They also make coconut macaroons if you want to try both.)
Milk and Honey Bakery
111 South Vine Street, Plainfield
The website for Milk and Honey Bakery describes the business as “baked goodness in the French style.” They serve a daily assortment of macarons in addition to croissants, pastries, cookies, bread and coffee.
Confectioneiress Cupcakes & Sweets
80 Brendon Way, Zionsville
Confectioneiress is known primarily for cupcakes and cakes, but they will make special orders of macarons (minimum order of two dozen of each flavor and three days’ notice required). They offer more than thirty different flavors, including key lime, peanut butter and jelly, and cotton candy.
Union Baking Company
521 First Avenue Northwest, Carmel
Union Baking Company bills their macarons as “the best French Macaron, this side of the Atlantic!” They don’t have a retail location, but if you place an order a few days in advance, they will have it ready for you to pick up—for as few as four macarons. You can find more information at unionbakingco.com.
Sunrise Bakery
101 W Broadway Street, Fortville
Sunrise Bakery specializes in donuts, but they also offer macarons in a variety of flavors as well as fritters, eclairs, cupcakes and muffins.
