Heart-shaped macarons are the perfect treat for any occasion, but they’re especially fitting for Valentine’s Day. Their delicate, sweet flavor and elegant appearance make them a wonderful way to show someone you care.

Whether you’re baking for a loved one, a special event, or just for yourself, these adorable macarons are sure to impress. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make heart-shaped macarons and why they are such a wonderful choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique and Beautiful: The heart-shaped design immediately brings to mind thoughts of love and romance, making them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. Their delicate and glossy shells with a soft cream filling will undoubtedly stand out on any dessert table.
Sweet and Elegant Flavor: The almond-flavored macaron shells combined with a smooth, creamy filling make for a sophisticated yet delicious treat. The buttercream filling can be customized with different flavors to suit your preferences.
Fun and Creative: Making macarons from scratch might seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, the process is incredibly fun. You get to play with colors and flavors while creating a stunning treat from scratch.
Perfect for Gifting: These heart-shaped macarons make an amazing gift for loved ones. The effort and attention to detail will show just how much you care, and they’re guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells:

1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup almond flour
2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red or pink food coloring (optional)

For the Buttercream Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Red food coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the powdered sugar and almond flour into a bowl to remove any lumps. This ensures the macaron shells will have a smooth texture. Set the sifted dry ingredients aside.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Whites
In a separate, clean mixing bowl, begin whisking the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high speed. When the egg whites become frothy, add the granulated sugar in small increments. Continue whisking until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the egg whites should hold their shape and not fall.

Step 3: Fold the Mixture
Add the sifted powdered sugar and almond flour mixture to the whipped egg whites. At this point, add a few drops of food coloring if you want to give your macarons a vibrant pink or red hue. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should flow off the spatula like lava, but still hold its shape. This folding process is crucial to achieving the perfect macaron texture.

Step 4: Pipe the Macaron Shells
Once your batter is ready, transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe small heart shapes by creating a V-shape and then closing the bottom. You should aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Let the Shells Rest
Once all the hearts are piped, let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows them to form a skin, which is essential for getting that signature macaron “foot” (the ruffled edge at the bottom of the shell).

Step 6: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Once the shells have rested, bake them in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the shells should be firm to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper when done.

Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream Filling
While the macarons are cooling, make the buttercream filling. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating after each addition. Add the heavy cream or milk to loosen the mixture and achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to match the color of your shells.

Step 8: Assemble the Macarons
Once the macaron shells have completely cooled, flip them over and pipe a small amount of buttercream filling onto the flat side of one shell. Top with another shell to create a sandwich. Press gently to spread the filling evenly.

Step 9: Let the Macarons Mature
For the best flavor and texture, let the assembled macarons sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This allows the filling to soften the shells and meld with the flavors, creating that perfect chewy, creamy bite.

Variations

While these heart-shaped macarons are delightful as-is, you can experiment with different flavors for both the shells and the filling. For example, you could add lemon zest to the macaron shells for a citrusy twist or flavor the buttercream with different extracts, such as almond, strawberry, or raspberry.

You could also drizzle some dark chocolate on top of the finished macarons for a bit of contrast, both in flavor and presentation. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider filling your macarons with fruit jams or whipped cream for a unique flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I make macarons without food coloring?
Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look or if you want to stick with classic white or pale-colored shells.

Can I freeze macarons?
Yes, macarons freeze very well. After assembling them, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Why did my macarons crack?
Cracked macarons are usually the result of overmixing the batter or not letting the shells rest long enough before baking. Make sure to fold the batter gently and allow the shells to rest before baking.

How to Serve

Serve these heart-shaped macarons on a beautiful plate, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat. They’re perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially for Valentine’s Day or other romantic occasions.