Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions -

  • A macaron is a delicate French cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, sandwiched together with yummy fillings like buttercream, ganache, or jam. They’re not the same as macaroons (the coconut cookies)! Think crunchy on the outside, soft + chewy on the inside, and totally irresistible.

  • Easy! You can place an order through our website or message us on social media. Just give us a little notice (see below!) and we’ll bake up some magic.

  • At least two weeks’ notice, please! For bigger orders (like weddings or custom designs), more time is always better.

  • We currently offer local pickup in East Peoria, IL, and limited delivery depending on location. At this time, we do not ship nationwide, as our baked goods (especially macarons) are delicate and best enjoyed fresh.

  • Yes, please! Tell us your theme, favorite colors, or dream flavor combo, (or even show us your Pinterest inspo!) and we’ll whip something up just for you.

  • If you’re looking for small-batch treats like a few cake slices, an individual cookie or brownie, or a couple of macarons, keep an eye out for our Monthly and Holiday Drops. Most of our treats come in a minimum batch of a dozen otherwise (obviously not cakes, pies, etc.), with the exception of mini pies, which come in sets of 6.

    You don’t have to be having an event to place an order, either! Some of our favorite requests are “just because”. ☺️

  • Macarons should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. For the best taste and texture, let them come to room temp before enjoying. They’re best within 3–5 days. Want to save some for later? Macarons freeze beautifully! Just place them in an airtight container, freeze for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge before bringing to room temp.

  •     •    Decorated Sugar Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temp. They’ll stay fresh for about a week.

        •    Cookies & Brownies: Airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days (or freeze up to 3 months).

        •    Cakes: Keep refrigerated if frosted with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Bring to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

        •    Pies: Fruit pies can sit at room temp for 1–2 days, then move to the fridge for up to 4 days. Cream pies should always be kept refrigerated.

  • Great question!

    Homegrōn Macarōn operates as a registered Cottage Food Operation in Tazewell County, Illinois (Reg. #184). That means we’re fully approved by the local health department to bake and sell directly to you from our home kitchen.

    Under Illinois’ Cottage Food Law, small food businesses like ours can share handmade treats (like macarons!) without needing a commercial kitchen. We follow specific rules to keep everything safe, transparent, and delicious.

    We are also certified through the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) program—a food safety course recognized across Illinois. This ensures we understand safe handling, allergen awareness, and best practices for making your desserts with care.

    If ever you have questions or concerns regarding Cottage Food Operations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Tazewell County Health Department.

  • Yes! All macarons are naturally gluten-free (thanks to almond flour). BUT—they’re made in a kitchen that also handles gluten, so we can’t guarantee no cross-contamination.

  • Here’s the truth: macarons are almond flour–based, so they’re naturally a nutty little cookie. At this time, we don’t make nut-free versions—but we’re always testing recipes, so never say never!

  • Macarons contain almonds, eggs, and often dairy. If you’ve got allergies, let us know when you order and we’ll be as careful as possible.

  • No way! While macarons are our signature, we also bake cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, and other custom treats. If you’ve got a sweet tooth request, we’ll happily whip it up.

  • Yes—we love going big! We offer macaron towers, favor boxes, and custom sets for weddings, showers, birthdays, and corporate events. Have an idea? Let’s talk about it!

  • We currently accept cash, Venmo, Apple Pay, Zelle, PayPal, and CashApp. We do not have a traditional POS system just yet, so we do not have the means to accept credit cards.

  • All custom orders are pre-order and payment is due upon receipt of the invoice (at the time the order is placed).

  • We get it—sometimes plans change! Here’s how cancellations work:

        •    2+ weeks before pickup: No charge—full refund.

        •    1–2 weeks before pickup: 10% of the order total will be retained.

        •    Less than 1 week before pickup: 25% of the order total will be retained.

        •    Day-of cancellations: Full payment is required.

    To cancel, just send us a quick message via email or text. If a refund applies, we’ll get it back to you within 5–7 business days.

  • Yep, we sure did.

    When we were naming our bakery, “Homegrown Macaron” was already taken. We still loved the down-to-earth vibe of the word, so we gave it a little twist.

    That’s how Homegrōn Macarōn was born—same cozy meaning, but with a unique look (and that handy pronunciation hint over the “o”).

    It’s our way of saying these treats are handmade with love at home… but with just a sprinkle of extra personality.

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