How Much Does 20 Macarons Cost? Real Prices and Smart Buying Tips

Ever reached for a box of macarons, flipped the price tag, and wondered if there's gold dust inside? If you’re planning a birthday, wedding, or just want to treat yourself, buying 20 macarons isn’t exactly cheap. Prices swing wildly based on where you shop, the ingredients, and even the time of year.

Let’s get right to it. In most bakeries today, you’ll pay somewhere between $38 and $68 for a box of 20 macarons. Upscale patisseries or trendy online shops sometimes push the price up to $80 or even beyond. Why does it cost so much? These tiny cookies might look simple, but making them takes skill (and a lot of patience). Almond flour, egg whites, and quality fillings don’t come cheap, and neither does the labor behind those perfectly smooth shells.

• What Influences the Price of Macarons?
• Average Costs for 20 Macarons in 2025
• Is It Cheaper to Buy, Order Online, or Make Them?
• What to Look for in Quality Macarons
• Money-Saving Tips for Macaron Lovers

What Influences the Price of Macarons?

Ever wonder why a box of macarons sometimes costs as much as dinner for two? A lot goes into that price—you’re not just paying for a sweet treat. You’re paying for ingredients, labor, branding, and more. Let’s break it down.

• Macaron price always starts with the ingredients. Almond flour is way pricier than regular flour, and each batch needs fresh eggs, superfine sugar, and top-quality flavorings or fillings. Go cheap, and you can taste the difference.
• The skill needed for macarons drives up the cost. They’re fussy: mix the batter too much or too little, and the cookies flop. Getting those crisp-but-chewy shells takes real pastry chef chops.
• Packaging and presentation often add a big chunk to the bill. Fancy boxes with decorative touches and branding don’t come free. Special touches, like gold leaf or edible flowers, mean more money, too.
• Where you buy matters. Macarons from a small neighborhood bakery usually cost less than luxury patisseries in major cities. And imported French brands often have the steepest prices because of shipping and customs.
• Seasonal demand spikes prices. Think about Valentine’s Day or Christmas—bakeries crank up the prices when everyone wants to impress with a colorful box of cookies.

That number on the price tag isn’t random. It’s the result of careful math behind every ingredient, every minute spent baking, and every detail in packaging.

Average Costs for 20 Macarons in 2025

The price for a box of 20 macarons can surprise you. Walk into a busy city bakery and you’ll see prices starting around $40. Head into a luxury patisserie or order custom flavors, and the price tag climbs fast. Online shops often add shipping, which bumps things up even more. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll actually pay this year:

Big cities like New York, London, or Paris are usually at the top of the price range. Small-town bakeries may save you a few bucks, but don’t expect a giant difference. Bulk orders or plain flavors can shave off a little bit, especially if you’re not picky about having all the wild colors and fillings.

• If you see a box of 20 macarons below $35, double-check the size. Sometimes they’re mini macarons or the filling is barely there.
• Ask if the price includes packaging—gift boxes can add $5–$10 easy.
• For birthdays or weddings, some places have special deals if you order more than one box at a time.

If you’re shopping for macaron price by the piece, most places in 2025 charge $2.25–$4 per macaron, so paying about $50 for 20 is pretty standard now. Just remember, you’re not just paying for a cookie—you’re paying for the skill, ingredients, and all those cracked test batches someone tossed in the bin.

Is It Cheaper to Buy, Order Online, or Make Them?

So, you want 20 macarons and you’re not sure if buying at a local shop, clicking “add to cart” online, or whipping them up at home is the best move? Let’s break down each option with real numbers and consider what you actually get for your money.

If you grab them at a nearby bakery, you'll usually pay between $38 and $68 for a box of 20, depending on the area and the shop’s reputation. Bakeries do most of the work for you and you get to pick and choose your favorite flavors. But those fancy boxes and skilled bakers add to the bill.

Ordering online looks easy, but there’s a catch with shipping. Most reputable online stores charge between $45 and $75 for the same 20 macarons, but many toss on $10 to $20 for cold-pack shipping, especially in summer. Sometimes you’ll score deals or seasonal flavors you won’t get in town, but watch out: macarons don’t always handle shipping well, especially in hot weather.

Thinking about making them yourself? Here’s where things get interesting for your wallet. A batch of 20 homemade macarons usually costs $12 to $22 in ingredients if you stick to basic flavors. Almond flour, powdered sugar, and good chocolate or jam are the main expenses. But, and it’s a big but, making them isn’t easy. Plan on practicing a few times unless you have a steady hand and a strong arm for all that whisking.

• Macaron price: Buy local—faster, pricier; Online—convenient, shipping adds up; Homemade—cheapest per cookie, but takes time and patience.
• If you want no mess, go local or online. If you’re up for a kitchen challenge and saving cash, try homemade.

The honest answer? Most folks pay a premium for convenience, but if you get the technique down, homemade is the cheapest way to eat a lot of macarons. Just factor in the learning curve and cleanup.

What to Look for in Quality Macarons

Not all macarons are created equal. You want the ones that don’t just look pretty in the box, but actually taste amazing and feel right when you bite into them. Here’s how you can spot real quality before you shell out your cash.

First, check the shell. Good macarons have smooth, glossy tops and what pastry chefs call "feet"—that frilly little edge at the bottom. No cracks or big air bubbles. The shell should be just a bit crisp, but give way right away to a chewy, tender center. The filling is just as important. It should be creamy and packed with natural flavor, not stiff or overly sweet.

"A perfect macaron should be light as air with a slight crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth filling. It’s a balance that’s hard to master." – Claire Saffitz, pastry chef and author

If you want to get even more technical, check the ingredients. Almond flour should be one of the first on the list, since that’s what sets macarons apart from other cookies. Steer clear of anything heavy on artificial flavors or random fillers.

• The shell: Smooth, bright, and crack-free with neat feet
• The texture: Slight crunch on the outside, chewy inside
• The filling: Creamy, not runny or dry, made from real ingredients
• The flavor: Natural and balanced, nothing overpoweringly sweet

It’s not just talk—the French take their macarons so seriously they have competitions for who makes the best ones! If you’re paying macaron price at a good bakery, expect excellence, not just pretty colors.

If you’re shopping online, don’t just trust a cute Instagram photo. Check reviews for comments about texture and freshness—they matter way more than the color lineup. And when in doubt, buy a single macaron to test before committing to a big box.

Money-Saving Tips for Macaron Lovers

If you love macarons but flinch at the prices, you’re not alone. Here are some straightforward ways to keep enjoying these treats without blowing your budget. There’s more wiggle room than you might think—if you know where to look and when to buy.

• Buy in bulk. Busy patisseries and local bakeries usually offer discounts when you order 20 or more macarons at once. It’s common to save at least 10-20% compared to buying single pieces. Check their websites or just ask—they don’t always advertise bulk deals.
• Shop during off-peak seasons. Macaron prices shoot up around Valentine’s Day and the winter holidays. Grab your treats in months like March or September when demand dips. You’ll often find special offers or clearance boxes.
• Look for imperfects or “seconds.” Many bakeries sell less-than-perfect macarons (uneven shells, wonky colors) at a deep discount. They taste exactly the same and cost way less. Ask staff if they have a stash in the back.
• Order from online shops with free shipping. Some big-name macaron brands throw in free delivery if you meet a certain minimum (often $40 or $50). Since macaron price can spike with shipping fees, hitting that threshold saves money.
• Join mailing lists or loyalty programs. Brands like Ladurée, Dana’s Bakery, and local favorites regularly email first-time discount codes or birthday treats. Points often convert to money off your next order, which adds up fast if you treat yourself often.

If you’re feeling ambitious, making your own macarons can seriously cut costs. For 20 homemade macarons, ingredients might set you back $8–$12, but you’ll need time, tools, and patience. Most beginners need two or three tries to get them just right, so factor in a little trial and error.

If price is your top concern, watch for end-of-day sales at bakeries—macarons left at closing sometimes go for half off. For a bigger order, don’t be afraid to ask for a custom deal. Most small bakeries would rather see their stock enjoyed than tossed away. Saving money on macarons mostly comes down to timing and being bold enough to ask about specials.