Description
These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth heart-shaped macarons are a sweet treat, perfect for any special occasion. With a rich, buttery filling and a hint of vanilla, they’ll win over anyone who takes a bite. Customize them with pink or red food coloring for a festive touch!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
For the Buttercream Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Macaron Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together to remove any lumps. Set aside.
- In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture, along with the vanilla extract and food coloring, if using. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should flow like lava when lifted with a spatula.
- Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe heart-shaped rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Tap the baking sheets on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles. Let the macarons rest for 30 minutes, or until the tops form a skin.
- Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, or until they easily lift off the parchment paper. Let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Buttercream Filling:
- Beat the softened butter in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one spoonful at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream or milk, and continue to beat until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
- Add food coloring if desired, and mix until the color is uniform.
- Assemble the Macarons:
- Once the macaron shells are completely cool, pipe a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one shell.
- Gently press another shell on top, creating a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining macarons.
- Let the macarons rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Bring them to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for the best results.
- It’s essential to sift the almond flour and powdered sugar to ensure smooth macarons.
- If you’re new to making macarons, you can watch tutorials to perfect the piping technique.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Sweet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French