Name: Heart-Shaped Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 egg whites; 1/4 cups white sugar; 1 2/3 cups powdered icing sugar; 1 cup almond flour; 2 teaspoons strawberry powder; Pink food dye, optional; 1 cup butter; 3-4 cups icing sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 Tablespoons cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 32 reviews

If you are ready to impress with a treat that feels like a heartfelt gift, the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is your perfect culinary companion. These delicate, pink-hued macarons blend the sweet, fruity essence of strawberry with the creamy goodness of vanilla frosting, all wrapped in an irresistibly light and crisp shell. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to add a touch of love to your dessert table, this recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a group of nine pink heart-shaped macarons stacked closely together on a dark grey rectangular board with natural stone texture. Each macaron has two bright pink textured shells with a creamy light pink filling visible in the middle, making two layers for each macaron. Behind the macarons, there are three soft pink and white roses with green leaves, laying on the board, adding a delicate floral touch. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for these charming macarons. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that classic texture, beautiful color, and flavorful finish that defines this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Frosting Recipe.

Egg whites (3): Provide the structure and airy lift essential for perfect macarons.
White sugar (1/4 cup): Stabilizes the meringue and adds sweetness without overwhelming the strawberry flavor.
Powdered icing sugar (1 2/3 cups): Ensures a smooth, fine texture for the shells and sweetness that melts in your mouth.
Almond flour (1 cup): Offers the signature nutty flavor and delicate crumb of the macarons.
Strawberry powder (2 teaspoons): Infuses natural strawberry flavor and a subtle pink tone throughout the shells.
Pink food dye (optional): Adds a vibrant hue if you want a more striking visual effect.
Butter (1 cup): Creates the rich, creamy base of the vanilla frosting.
Icing sugar (3-4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting with a warm, fragrant note.
Cream (2-3 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s texture to smooth and pipeable perfection.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing your almond flour, powdered icing sugar, and strawberry powder together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. This mixture is key to giving your macarons that lovely strawberry scent and the finely textured shells we all love.

Step 2: Make the Meringue

Whip the egg whites on a medium speed for about 2 minutes, then gradually add the white sugar while continuing to beat for 4 more minutes until you see glossy, stiff peaks form. This meringue stage is where the magic begins—your light, airy structure depends on it!

Step 3: Add Color (Optional)

If you want your macarons to pop with color, now’s the time to fold in a few drops of pink food dye. A little goes a long way, so start small to keep the color pretty and subtle.

Step 4: Preheat and Fold

Preheat your oven to 285°F (140°C). Then, gently fold your dry ingredients into the meringue, carefully combining with about 25 to 30 folds. The goal is a perfectly smooth, shiny batter with no dry flour patches but not overmixed to avoid losing volume.

Step 5: Pipe Heart Shapes

Fill a piping bag fitted with a half-inch opening and pipe out cute heart shapes onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Tap the tray firmly on your counter to release any trapped air bubbles, then smooth out any sharp peaks with a wet finger for a flawless finish.

Step 6: Bake the Macarons

Bake for 10 minutes until the shells lose their shine and develop their famous “feet” – those little ruffled edges at the bottom. If they look undercooked, pop them back in straight away. This ensures perfectly baked macarons every time.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let your baked macaron shells cool completely before assembling. For the frosting, beat butter with icing sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of cream for about 2 minutes. Add more cream until you reach a soft, spreadable consistency—this vanilla frosting is the luscious counterpart to the fruity shells.

Step 8: Assemble the Macaron Sandwiches

Spoon your frosting into a piping bag and apply a neat dollop on the flat side of one shell, then sandwich it gently with another matching heart shape. Press just enough so the frosting spreads evenly but the shells stay intact.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

The image shows a close-up of seven bright pink macarons shaped like hearts. Each macaron has two smooth, heart-shaped shells with a slightly rough edge where the shells meet in the middle, sandwiching a light-colored creamy filling. The macarons rest on a dark textured surface, and some soft pink and white petals are slightly visible at the top edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation, sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry bits or edible glitter on top of the frosting before sandwiching. A small fresh strawberry slice or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch to these charming treats.

Side Dishes

These delicate macarons pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled sparkling rosé. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salads or light cheesecake bites for a truly indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your heart-shaped macarons in a decorative box for gifting, or line them up in a pretty tiered cake stand during parties. You can also serve them on a bed of rose petals or alongside mini milkshakes to create an unforgettable presentation that highlights their romantic allure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your macarons fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their texture and flavor without drying out the frosting or shells.

Freezing

If you want to save macarons for longer, freeze them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw them gently in the fridge before serving to preserve their delicate texture.

Reheating

Macarons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If the shells feel a bit soft after storage, letting them sit out for about 30 minutes will bring back their crispness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry powder?

Fresh strawberries are delicious but too moist to incorporate into the shells. Strawberry powder provides vibrant flavor and color without altering the texture, which is key for perfect macarons.

How do I prevent my macarons from cracking during baking?

Ensure you fold the batter just enough to combine ingredients but not overmix. Also, letting the piped shells rest for 30-60 minutes to form a skin before baking helps keep them smooth and crack-free.

What if my macarons don’t develop “feet”?

Lack of feet usually means issues with batter consistency or oven temperature. Make sure to fold properly and bake at a low temperature like 285°F. Allowing the shells to dry before baking is also essential.

How can I make the vanilla frosting softer or firmer?

Add cream a little at a time to soften the frosting or increase the icing sugar gradually to firm it up until you reach the perfect piping consistency.

Can I use a different nut flour if I am allergic to almonds?

Almond flour is traditional and provides the best macarons texture, but you can experiment with other mild nut flours or finely ground seeds. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Frosting Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that brings joy not just in eating but in the process of making it too. Whether you’re surprising someone special or treating yourself, these macarons make any day feel like a celebration filled with sweetness and love.