These 7 Pastry Shops Make The Best French Macarons In Illinois

There's no other dessert quite like the macaron, an exquisite, delicate pastry that, with one bite, can transport your taste buds to Paris. This delicate French cookie has a crunchy exterior that reveals a light, flavorful interior. It takes time and expert hands to make this beautifully colorful pastry and, although one is a bit pricier than the average cookie, it's a worthwhile treat. Here are a few pastry shops and bakeries around the state that make the best French macarons:

1. Atrévete Confections, Montgomery

This confectioner makes all pastries from scratch. And with an extensive list of macaron flavors, you are bound to find one (or more) that suits your sugar cravings. Vanilla bean, passionfruit, chocolate caramel pecan, and raspberry lemon are just a few that may be available when you visit. For more information, go to the Atrévete Confections website here.

2. Incredibly Delicious, Springfield

Incredibly Delicious is located in downtown Springfield and specializes in lovely, delicious French pastries. Order a macaron to eat either inside or outside the 19th-century mansion this bakery café is housed in. You will love both the ambiance and the macarons! Visit the Incredibly Delicious website here.

3. A La Folie, Naperville

You can't get more authentic French than this patisserie with world-class pastry chef, Jérôme Landrieu, who was born and raised in France. Using master techniques and premium ingredients, A La Folie specializes in traditional French macarons. Stop in today to pick out your favorite flavors or build your own box on their website here.

4. Sweet Gallery Cups N Cakes, Shorewood

Offering 15 sweet flavors every day, you will want to indulge in these colorfully delightful macarons. You can even order a unique cake with macarons as decor on top. For more information, visit Sweet Gallery Cups N Cakes' website here.

5. Sweet Katie Bee's Sustainable Bakery-Café, O'Fallon

Not only does Sweet Katie Bee's serve breakfast, lunch, coffee, smoothies, and cupcakes, but it also has French macarons! This lovely shop makes everything from scratch using sustainable ingredients. Order some specialty hand-painted macarons in a sustainable container to give as a gift. For more information, visit the website here.

6. Beth's Little Bake Shop, Evanston

Beth's Little Bake Shop is known for its beautifully hand-crafted macarons that come in a variety of uncommon flavors. Try chocolate peanut butter, creme brulee, stroopwafel, lavender, Nutella, rose, or tiramisu, just to name a few. Visit the Beth's Little Bake Shop website here for more information.

7. LeilaLove French Macaron, Park Ridge

This patisserie's chef uses high-quality ingredients and seasonal fruit and even ships nationwide through their website and Amazon. Vanilla bean birthday cake, butterscotch, apricot peach jam, and raspberry are just a few of the delectable flavors you can order. In addition to macarons, they also bake gorgeous macaron cakes! Visit the LeilaLove website here.

French macarons make a wonderfully unique gift for Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, any holiday, or just because! Have you tried French macarons from any of the pastry shops or bakeries on this list, or perhaps have a favorite that wasn't mentioned? Please let us know in the comments!