Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 macarons
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1.5 cups powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pink food coloring; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup fresh raspberry puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

We absolutely adore making these Raspberry Macarons for Valentine's Day! The delicate shells, filled with fresh raspberry buttercream, create an irresistible combination that’s sure to impress. I love the challenge of mastering the technique—perfecting the smooth, shiny surfaces took some practice, but the effort is well worth it. Each bite is a wonderful explosion of flavor, and it makes for a meaningful gift to share with loved ones or to enjoy on a cozy night in.

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:49:11.686Z

During our last bake-a-thon, we decided to tackle Raspberry Macarons, inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of Valentine’s Day. It was my first attempt, and I was pleasantly surprised by how the almond flour helped create a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. I discovered that using fresh raspberry puree in the buttercream truly enhances the flavor, giving it a delightful tartness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the shells.

After several tweaks and a couple of batches, I learned that letting the assembled macarons rest before baking helps them develop that iconic 'foot' – the ruffled edge that makes them so appealing. It was magical to see everything come together, and now I’m totally hooked on making these sweet treats for every occasion!

        Why You'll Love These Macarons
        Tangy raspberry flavor that captures the essence of romance
Elegant and visually stunning, perfect for gifting
Delicate texture with a creamy filling that delights

      

Mastering the Macaron Technique

Macarons are known for their delicate texture, and getting the perfect shell can be a bit tricky. The key lies in ensuring your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks, which should have a glossy appearance without any liquid remaining at the bottom of the bowl. I recommend using room temperature egg whites, as they tend to whip up better. Additionally, folding in the dry ingredients should be done gently to maintain the airiness of the batter; over-mixing can lead to flat macarons.

Once you've piped your macarons onto the baking sheet, it's crucial to allow them to rest until a skin forms, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This step helps form the iconic 'feet' and prevents the shells from cracking during baking. To test if they are ready, lightly touch a shell; if it feels dry and doesn’t stick to your finger, you’re good to go.

Ingredient Insights

Almond flour is essential for macarons, as it provides the unique nutty flavor and texture. For the best results, use finely ground almond flour rather than almond meal, which can cause a gritty texture in the final product. If you have a nut allergy or are looking for a substitute, sunflower seed flour can often be used as a 1:1 replacement, though it may produce a different color and flavor.

Using fresh raspberry puree in the buttercream is crucial for capturing the genuine flavor of raspberries. To make your puree, simply blend fresh raspberries until smooth and strain to remove seeds. This will ensure your buttercream is silky and free of graininess. If raspberries are out of season or you're looking to try something new, consider using other fruit purees like strawberry or passionfruit for delightful variations.

Storing and Serving Tips

Macarons can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. If you want to keep them longer, macarons freeze beautifully; just remember to place them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

For a beautiful presentation, consider serving your macarons on a decorative platter or in a treat box tied with a ribbon, making them perfect for gifting. You can also create an assortment with different fillings like chocolate ganache or lemon curd to provide variety. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows your loved ones to enjoy a different flavor experience with each bite.

Ingredients

For the Macarons

1 cup almond flour
1.5 cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pink food coloring

For the Raspberry Buttercream

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh raspberry puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Macaron Batter

In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks.

Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients and food coloring until well combined.

Pipe the Macarons

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag and pipe rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Tap the sheets to release any air bubbles and let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until a skin forms.

Bake the Macarons

Bake the macarons for 15 minutes, turning the trays halfway through. Once done, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before gently removing them.

Make the Raspberry Buttercream

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, raspberry puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk.

Assemble the Macarons

Pair up the macaron shells of similar size and pipe a small dollop of raspberry buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then sandwich it with the other shell. Repeat until all macarons are assembled.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Ensure there is no grease on your mixing bowls when whipping the egg whites, as even the slightest residue can prevent them from reaching stiff peaks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making macarons is a cracked shell, which can occur due to overmixing the batter or not allowing the macarons to dry sufficiently before baking. If you find yourself experiencing cracks, ensure you’re beating the egg whites just to stiff peaks and allowing enough resting time. Alternatively, if your macarons spread too much, it may indicate that the batter was too wet—adjust your folding technique to maintain a thicker consistency.

Another issue to be mindful of is the texture of your final product. If your macarons turn out too chewy, it could be due to underbaking. The shells should feel firm to the touch and have a slight crisp when broken. Keep an eye on your macarons as they bake; slightly underbaked macarons won’t have the characteristic chewiness. Adjust your baking time by monitoring them closely for that perfect golden edge.

Flavor Variations

While raspberry is a delightful filling, experimenting with flavors can elevate your macaron experience. Try infusing the buttercream with orange zest for a citrusy twist or incorporating a tablespoon of matcha powder for a vibrant green tea-flavored treat. Each variation introduces a new flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the delicate macaron shell, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

You can also incorporate different colored food dyes into the batter to match themes or holidays. For instance, red for Valentine’s Day and pastel colors for spring occasions. The visual appeal complements the flavor, making these treats not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, ideal for special occasions.

Scaling the Recipe

If you need to make a larger batch for a party or gathering, scaling this macaron recipe is straightforward. Just maintain the same ratio of ingredients, but be aware that baking may require adjusting. If you double the recipe, consider baking them in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the oven, which can cause uneven baking.

Additionally, if you're looking to make smaller or larger macarons, adjust the size of the piped rounds accordingly while keeping an eye on the baking time. Smaller cookies may need less time in the oven; conversely, larger ones might require a minute or two longer. Always check for that firm exterior and slight color change to know they’re done.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries for the buttercream?

Yes, just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

→ What if my macarons crack while baking?

This can happen if they were not rested long enough before baking. Allow more time for a skin to form.

→ Can I color the macarons with other colors?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite food colors to match any occasion.

→ How do I store the macarons?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.