Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 pieces
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; Red gel food coloring (optional); 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love creating special treats for Valentine's Day, and these Raspberry Macarons are a true standout. With their delicate shells and luscious raspberry filling, every bite is a perfect harmony of sweetness and tartness. I remember the first time I made these; the vibrant color and exquisite flavor wowed not only my partner but everyone who tried them. Whether you're celebrating with someone special or simply indulging yourself, these macarons add a touch of elegance and joy to any occasion.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:28:11.952Z

When I first attempted making macarons, I was intimidated by their reputation for being finicky. However, after a few trials, I discovered that the key lies in beating the egg whites to the right consistency and allowing the shells to rest before baking. This patience pays off with beautiful, smooth tops and those signature feet that every macaron lover adores!

For the raspberry filling, I like to use fresh or frozen raspberries, along with a touch of cream and butter to achieve the dreamy texture. It’s important to balance the sweetness of the shell with the tartness of the filling, creating a truly irresistible treat perfect for Valentine's Day!

        Why You'll Love These Raspberry Macarons
        Delicate texture that offers a satisfying crunch
Vibrant raspberry flavor that dances on the palate
Elegant and impressive enough for special occasions

      

The Importance of Aging Macaron Shells

Aging the macaron shells is a crucial step that many novice bakers overlook. This process helps to stabilize the egg whites, allowing them to form the delicate structures you’re aiming for. After piping your macarons, let them rest until a shiny skin forms on the surface. This skin indicates that they are ready to bake, enhancing their signature chewy texture. If you skip this step, your macarons may spread and lose their classic shape.

For the best results, aim for a resting time of around 30-60 minutes in a humid environment. If you live in a dry area, they may dry out too quickly, leading to undesirable results. Use a timer and keep an eye on them; they should develop a glossy surface without becoming too hard.

Tips for the Perfect Raspberry Filling

The raspberry filling provides vibrant flavor and moisture, making it essential to balance sweetness with the tartness of the raspberries. When selecting raspberries, opt for the freshest ones you can find, as they will impart the most flavor. If fresh raspberries are unavailable, frozen raspberries are a great alternative – just ensure they are completely thawed and drained of excess liquid to avoid a soupy filling that won't hold its shape.

For a smoother texture, blend the raspberries before incorporating them into the buttercream. If you prefer more of a fruit-forward filling, consider mashing the raspberries while keeping some chunky pieces for added texture. Don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar in the filling based on the tartness of your berries; start with less and add more to taste.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Raspberry Macarons

Macaron Shells

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

Raspberry Filling

1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting your macaron-making journey.

Instructions

Prepare the Macaron Shells

In a bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar to remove any lumps. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. If desired, add red gel food coloring to achieve a lovely pink hue. Gently fold in the almond flour mixture until well incorporated.

Pipe and Rest

Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tap the baking sheet on the counter to release any air bubbles and let the shells rest at room temperature for 30 minutes until a skin forms.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15 minutes, or until they have formed feet and are no longer sticky to the touch. Allow to cool completely before removing from the parchment.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Add the raspberries, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.

Assemble

Pair up macaron shells of similar size and pipe a generous dollop of raspberry filling onto the flat side of one shell, then top with another shell to create a sandwich. Repeat until all macarons are assembled.

Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve these delightful treats on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh raspberries for a stunning presentation!

Pro Tips

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Humidity can affect macarons
try to make them on a dry day for perfect shells.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These raspberry macarons can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for parties or special occasions. You can prepare the macaron shells up to two days in advance. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble them. This can help develop their flavors further as they sit.

If you want to prepare the filling in advance as well, it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good stir before using, as it might thicken while refrigerated. Assembled macarons can be stored in the fridge, where they will keep for about 3-5 days; however, for the best texture and taste, enjoy them within 1-2 days of assembly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your macarons are sticking to the parchment paper, this might indicate that they were either undercooked or the oven temperature was too low. Ensure that your oven is properly calibrated; using an oven thermometer can help. Additionally, consider letting the macarons cool completely before attempting to peel them off the paper, as they may come off easier when fully set.

Another common issue is the formation of 'feet' on the macarons, which occurs when the batter has been mixed correctly and rests sufficiently. If you notice that your macarons don’t have feet, it could be due to improper folding techniques, or insufficient resting time before baking. Practice will certainly help you master these delicate cookies!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor instead of raspberry?

Absolutely! You can substitute raspberry with any fruit puree or flavor extract you love.

→ What should I do if my macarons crack during baking?

Cracked macarons are often a result of overmixing the batter. Make sure to fold gently until just combined.

→ How do I store leftover macarons?

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.

→ Can I freeze macarons?

Yes! Unfilled macaron shells can be frozen and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.