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Valentine Macarons

Valentine Macarons

from lovebakesgoodcakes.com
122 min
20 servings
160 kcal per serving

These Valentine Macarons are light, chewy, and filled with a smooth vanilla buttercream that is perfect for sharing with someone you love.

Ingredients

  • almond flour
    1 ½ c
  • powdered sugar
    1 c
  • egg whites

    room temperature

    3 large
  • cream of tartar
    ¼ tsp
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • red food coloring

    about 4-5 drops, or to desired shade

  • fine granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • salted butter

    softened

    ½ c
  • vanilla extract
    1 tbsp
  • powdered sugar
    1 c
  • milk
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Add the almond flour to a food processor and process until very fine, about 30-60 seconds.

  2. 2

    Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a medium bowl. Repeat sifting 2 more times, discarding any large bits that will not pass through.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add the cream of tartar and beat 1 more minute.

  5. 5

    Beat in the vanilla extract and 4-5 drops of red food coloring (it will look light pink at first).

  6. 6

    With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly add the fine granulated sugar. Continue beating until you have a glossy, fluffy meringue with stiff peaks.

  7. 7

    Add about 1/3 of the sifted almond flour mixture to the meringue and gently fold with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining mixture in 2 more additions, folding just until combined each time.

  8. 8

    Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a heart template underneath the parchment.

  9. 9

    Pipe heart shapes, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each one. Slide the template as needed to fill the baking sheet.

  10. 10

    Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release air bubbles.

  11. 11

    Let the shells rest at room temperature for 40 minutes, or until the tops feel dry to the touch.

  12. 12

    Preheat the oven to 300°F. Bake on the middle rack for 7 minutes.

  13. 13

    Rotate the pan 180° and bake 5 minutes more (12 minutes total). The edges should be lightly toasted.

  14. 14

    Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

  15. 15

    Make the filling: beat the softened butter until fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar until smooth.

  16. 16

    Beat in the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is thick but smooth (usually 2-3 tablespoons).

  17. 17

    Pipe filling onto one shell, then sandwich with a second shell. Repeat with the remaining macarons.

About this Recipe

Sweeten Your Love with Homemade Valentine Macarons

Looking for the ultimate romantic gesture or a delightful treat to share? These Valentine Macarons are an absolute dream! Imagine delicate, perfectly chewy shells in a vibrant red hue, sandwiching a lusciously smooth vanilla buttercream. These aren't just any macarons; they're a labor of love designed to impress and delight, making them the perfect dessert for your special someone.

What makes these Valentine Macarons truly special is the exquisite balance of texture and flavor. The light, crisp exterior gives way to a tender, chewy interior, a signature of perfectly baked macarons. Each bite is then complemented by the rich, creamy vanilla buttercream filling, made with real butter and pure vanilla extract for an unforgettable taste. Crafted with finely ground almond flour and powdered sugar, the shells achieve that coveted "foot" and delicate structure that macaron enthusiasts adore.

Making homemade macarons might seem daunting, but with a little care and attention to detail, you can achieve stunning results right in your own kitchen. Ensuring your egg whites are at room temperature and mastering the "macaronage" technique (folding the batter until it flows like slow lava) are crucial steps for those beautiful, uniform shells. Don't forget the cream of tartar to help stabilize those egg whites for a sturdy meringue!

While perfect for Valentine's Day, these versatile macarons can be customized for any special occasion. Experiment with different food coloring shades, or even add a hint of rosewater or raspberry extract to the buttercream for an extra special touch. They make an elegant homemade gift, a stunning addition to any dessert spread, or a perfect sweet finish to a romantic dinner. Share the love, one beautiful Valentine Macaron at a time!

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