Macarons

A gift for a loved one or the perfect end to a delicious meal – but which are the best?

WINNER Pierre Hermé Signature Collection

£36 plus p&p for pack of 18, pierreherme.com

Pure Origin Brazilian dark chocolate, Madagascan vanilla, pistachio and salted-butter caramel. These mouthwatering, glistening shells were simple in presentation – some dusted with fine cocoa, while others were speckled with sweet vanilla flecks. Soft with a little crunch, followed by an indulgently smooth filling. We especially loved the pistachio for its delightfully nutty richness.

90/100 RUNNER-UP

■ Ladurée £13.90 plus p&p for pack of six, laduree.co.uk Vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, salted caramel and pistachio. Raspberry was the true showstopper here – packed with sweet and tangy citrus flavours, testers loved how the seeds in the filling gave it a burst of fruity freshness. A really rich treat! 87/100