These Heart-Shaped Macarons are like little bites of joy—crisp on the outside, beautifully chewy within, and filled with your favorite buttercream, ganache, or jam. Their delicate almond flavor and vibrant color make them the ultimate sweet treat to show someone you care, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just because. You’ll adore making these impressive yet approachable French cookies, and with this recipe, you’ll find out that creating your own Heart-Shaped Macarons isn’t just doable—it’s downright delightful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground)
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Gel food coloring (red or pink)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Filling:
- Filling of choice (buttercream, ganache, or jam)
How to Make Heart-Shaped Macarons
Step 1: Set the Stage
Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. For picture-perfect and symmetrical hearts, you can tuck a heart stencil underneath the parchment as a guide. Fit a piping bag with a small round tip—this little setup makes piping the Heart-Shaped Macarons as easy as can be!
Step 2: Mix Almond Flour and Sugar
In a food processor, combine your powdered sugar and almond flour. Give them several quick pulses until they’re super fine, then pour the mixture through a sieve into a bowl. Sifting ensures your shells will be smooth and free of lumps, which is key for that classic macaron look.
Step 3: Whip the Meringue
In another squeaky-clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Sprinkle in the cream of tartar and continue whipping, then gradually add granulated sugar. Whip away until you see stiff, glossy peaks—this light, marshmallowy meringue is the backbone of your Heart-Shaped Macarons. Now, gently beat in a bit of vanilla extract and your chosen gel food coloring until just combined and evenly tinted; don’t overmix here!
Step 4: Fold and Prep the Batter
Gently fold the sifted almond mixture into your meringue in three additions. Take your time with this part, scraping and folding until the batter flows in a slow, thick ribbon from your spatula. Getting the right consistency is key—it should settle down smoothly but not run all over the tray.
Step 5: Pipe and Tap
Spoon the delicate batter into your prepared piping bag. Pipe sweet little heart shapes onto the baking sheets, spacing them a bit apart. Once done, firmly tap the trays on your counter a few times to banish pesky air bubbles—this helps achieve that smooth, iconic top.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Now for a bit of patience! Let the piped cookies sit out at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Their tops will become dry to the touch. This resting step helps create the macarons’ trademark feet and prevents them from cracking in the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), then bake the macarons for 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even baking. They’re done when they lift easily off the parchment and look dry but not browned. Allow them to cool completely before moving—they’re fragile when warm!
Step 8: Fill and Mature
Pair up shells of similar size. Pipe your favorite buttercream, ganache, or jam onto one shell and gently sandwich it with its partner. For the very best texture, pop the filled Heart-Shaped Macarons in the fridge for 24 hours. This magic waiting time lets the flavors meld and the cookies turn perfectly chewy.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Macarons
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Heart-Shaped Macarons with edible gold dust, a pinch of powdered sugar, or even a few dried rose petals to make them irresistibly festive. For a romantic finish, try a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate zig-zagged across the tops.
Side Dishes
These sweet almond confections love the company of light, bright accompaniments. Serve them alongside bowls of fresh berries, a flute of sparkling rosé, or a fragrant cup of tea—each elevates the macaron experience and makes every bite feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Heart-Shaped Macarons in clear boxes tied with a satin ribbon for gorgeous homemade gifts, or cluster them atop cakes and cupcakes as edible decor. For a party, pile them high on a tiered stand or nestle them in cupcake liners for a show-stealing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Heart-Shaped Macarons store beautifully in an airtight container tucked in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and tender for up to 5 days. The resting time only improves their texture—just be sure to keep them well covered so they don’t soak up fridge odors.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the unfilled macaron shells in a single layer, freeze until solid, then layer between parchment in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Fill after thawing to preserve their crispness; filled macarons can also be frozen, just allow them to return to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Macarons are at their best enjoyed at cool room temperature. If they’ve been chilled or frozen, just let them stand on the counter in a covered container for 15 to 30 minutes so the filling softens and the shells regain their signature chew.
FAQs
Why did my macarons crack on top?
Cracked tops are usually caused by air bubbles in the batter or not letting the macarons rest long enough before baking. Make sure to tap the trays well and let the shells dry to the touch before putting them in the oven!
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is strongly recommended because it’s concentrated and won’t add extra moisture, which could make your Heart-Shaped Macarons batter too runny and affect the texture.
How do I know my macarons are done baking?
They should lift easily from the parchment and look dry with ruffled “feet” at the base. If in doubt, bake for another minute or two—underdone macarons will stick and crack.
What types of fillings work best?
Classic vanilla or raspberry buttercream, dark chocolate ganache, and tangy jam all pair beautifully with the almond shells. Swap in your favorites to make each batch of Heart-Shaped Macarons your own!
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep a careful eye on the baking time, as smaller or larger batches can change how quickly your Heart-Shaped Macarons bake.
Final Thoughts
Heart-Shaped Macarons are a labor of love that yield the prettiest, tastiest rewards—perfect for treating someone special or just yourself. Whether you’re new to macarons or already obsessed, give these delightful cookies a try and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Heart-Shaped Macarons Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 20 macarons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delightful heart-shaped macarons perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These gluten-free almond cookies are filled with your choice of buttercream, ganache, or jam, and are sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground)
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Gel food coloring (red or pink)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Filling:
- Filling of choice (buttercream, ganache, or jam)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Line baking sheets with parchment paper, prepare piping bag with tip.
- Make Almond Mixture: Pulse and sift powdered sugar and almond flour.
- Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites, add cream of tartar and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Color and Flavor: Add vanilla and food coloring to meringue.
- Combine and Pipe: Fold in almond mixture, pipe heart shapes on sheets.
- Bake and Fill: Let dry, bake, cool, fill, sandwich, and refrigerate.
Notes
- Use a heart stencil for uniform shapes.
- Prefer gel food coloring over liquid.
- Macarons improve after resting in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
