Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 macarons
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites, aged; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; Red food coloring (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup fresh raspberries, pureed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love whipping up these Raspberry Macarons for Valentine’s Day! The delicate shells filled with raspberry buttercream are a hit with my loved ones. The process might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience, you can achieve the perfect macaron that melts in your mouth. Using fresh raspberries enhances the flavor, making these treats incredibly special. Plus, they make for a wonderful homemade gift. Trust me, these sweet delights will steal hearts this Valentine's Day!

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:01:15.961Z

Making these Raspberry Macarons was a delightful challenge I fully embraced. The key to success lies in the perfect meringue; feathers should not be too stiff, or your macarons will crack. I also learned that aging the egg whites overnight dramatically improves the texture!

I was amazed by how vibrant the raspberry flavor became when combined with the buttercream. Using fresh raspberries does wonders and adds a gorgeous color. Each bite is an explosion of sweetness and tartness, making these macs not just delicious but a true representation of love!

        Why You Will Love These Raspberry Macarons
        Unique raspberry flavor with a hint of tartness
Delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling
Perfectly vibrant for a romantic occasion like Valentine’s Day

      

Mastering the Macaron Technique

Making macarons requires precision and practice, particularly with the whipping of egg whites. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely grease-free for optimal volume. When whipping, keep an eye out for soft peaks that will hold their shape, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Gradually adding the granulated sugar while whipping helps stabilize the egg whites, allowing you to achieve the necessary stiff peaks that are crucial for perfect macaron stability.

Folding the almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites is where many home bakers falter. It's essential to use a gentle motion while maintaining the structure. Ideally, your batter should flow like lava; if it’s too thick, it can lead to macarons that crack during baking. Be vigilant with the folding—this step should take about 30 seconds. A test is to drop a small amount of batter from your spatula; if it forms a ribbon on top of itself back into the bowl, you're ready to pipe.

Choosing and Using Raspberries

Fresh raspberries add not only flavor, but their vibrant color can enhance the visual appeal of your macarons. When making the raspberry buttercream, use ripe, fragrant berries for the purest flavor. If fresh raspberries are unavailable, you can substitute with a high-quality raspberry puree or even frozen raspberries; just make sure to thoroughly drain excess moisture. Straining the puree will eliminate seeds and result in a smoother filling that complements the delicate shells.

The color of your raspberry buttercream can be adjusted by adding a hint of red food coloring, matching the hue of the macaron shells for a cohesive look. If you're concerned about natural flavors, you could even experiment with beet juice or additional berry puree, understanding that these might alter the consistency slightly. Always taste and adjust sweetness levels, as this can vary depending on the tartness of the raspberries used.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Macaron Shells

1 cup almond flour
2 cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, aged
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Red food coloring (optional)

Raspberry Buttercream Filling

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh raspberries, pureed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your macarons:

Prepare the Macaron Mixture

Fold in the almond flour mixture gently until combined. If desired, add the red food coloring to reach your desired hue.

Pipe Macaron Shells

Transfer the macaron mixture to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tap the sheet on the counter to release air bubbles. Let the macarons sit for 30 minutes to form a skin.

Bake the Macarons

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15 minutes, until they lift easily from the parchment. Allow them to cool completely before assembling.

Make the Filling

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the powdered sugar gradually. Mix in the raspberry puree and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar if necessary.

Assemble the Macarons

Pair the macaron shells by size, and pipe a generous dollop of raspberry buttercream onto one half. Place another shell on top, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Let them sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your delightful Raspberry Macarons with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients precisely. Also, ensure no grease is present in your mixing bowls to achieve a stable meringue.

Storing and Serving

Once assembled, these raspberry macarons taste best after resting for at least an hour, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving the macarons their iconic chewy texture inside the crispy shell. If you want to make them in advance, consider storing just the shells, as they freeze exceptionally well—place them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to a month.

Serving is key for enhancing their romantic appeal; arrange the macarons on a decorative plate and pair them with delicate tea or coffee for an elegant touch. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra flourish. Consider incorporating them into a gift box with a handwritten note for a truly personal touch. These exquisite treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your macarons turn out cracked, the most likely culprit is humidity. The batter needs time to form a skin, especially in moist environments. Ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated, and consider using a dehumidifier if you're facing persistent issues. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door during baking; this can disrupt the macarons' rising process, leading to cracks. If you notice that your macaron feet are not forming, it could be due to an under-whipped egg white or insufficient resting time before baking.

For macarons that spread too much during baking, check the consistency of your batter before piping. It should be thick enough to hold its shape; if it seems runny, consider adding a small amount of powdered sugar and folding more. Sometimes, the baking sheet can also influence spread, so using a thicker one or multiple layers can help maintain their shape. Remember that practice makes perfect, and don't get discouraged by initial attempts!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries for the buttercream?

Yes, but make sure to drain excess liquid to maintain a smooth consistency.

→ How do I know when my macarons are done baking?

They should not be shiny and should lift away from the parchment easily when gently pressed.

→ Why are my macarons cracking?

Cracking often happens due to over-mixing the batter or baking at too high a temperature.

→ Can I decorate my macarons?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle edible glitter for added flair.