Heart-Shaped Macarons
Heart-Shaped Macarons are delicate, whimsical treats that embody love and affection, perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
- 1 cup powdered sugar Sifted
- 0.5 cup almond flour Finely ground
- 2 large egg whites At room temperature
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- to taste drops red or pink food coloring Optional
For the Buttercream Filling
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter Softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- a pinch salt
- to taste drops red food coloring Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together into a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites using a hand mixer or stand mixer until frothy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, increasing the speed to medium-high until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites.
- Add food coloring and fold until the mixture flows off the spatula like thick lava.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag with a round tip.
Baking
- Pipe heart shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 30-60 minutes to develop a skin.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake the macarons for 18-20 minutes until firm to the touch.
Filling Preparation
- Beat softened butter in a medium mixing bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add food coloring if desired.
Assembly
- Once cooled, flip half the macaron shells and pipe buttercream filling on each.
- Sandwich with another macaron shell.
- For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best results. For variations, consider different flavor fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit purees.