Description
These delicate Heart Macarons feature a light almond and strawberry-flavored shell paired with a creamy butter frosting, making a charming and elegant treat perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 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
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup butter
- 3-4 cups icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 Tablespoons cream
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix almond flour, icing sugar, and strawberry powder; then set aside for later use.
- Beat Egg Whites: Using a large bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Gradually add in the white sugar and continue beating for an additional 4 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture holds a tuft on the beater.
- Add Color: If desired, add a few drops of pink food dye to the egg whites to achieve a vibrant pink color and gently mix to combine.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 285°F (140°C) to prepare for baking the macarons.
- Fold Dry Ingredients In: Carefully fold the dry almond mixture into the beaten egg whites with 25 to 30 folds, ensuring there are no dry patches and the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pipe the Batter: Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a half-inch opening and pipe the batter onto a baking tray in heart shapes.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Firmly bang the baking tray on a hard, flat surface to release any trapped air bubbles. Then, dampen your finger and smooth down any peaks on the macarons to create an even surface.
- Bake: Bake the macarons for 10 minutes or until the glossy surfaces turn matte and the characteristic ‘feet’ appear cooked through. If they look undercooked, return immediately to the oven to finish baking.
- Cool: Allow the macarons to cool completely on the tray before assembling the sandwich.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter, 3-4 cups icing sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of cream for about 2 minutes. Adjust frosting consistency by adding the remaining cream as needed to soften.
- Pipe Frosting: Spoon the prepared frosting into a piping bag, securely tying the end. Snip off the tip to create a small opening.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Apply about half a tablespoon of frosting on the side of a macaron that was in contact with the baking sheet, then sandwich it with a second macaron on the same end. Repeat until all macarons are paired.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for best volume.
- Folding is crucial to achieving the macaron’s characteristic texture—do not overmix or undermix.
- Allow the piped macarons to rest before baking to develop a skin for better feet formation.
- If desired, substitute strawberry powder with freeze-dried strawberry powder for more intense flavor.
- Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French