Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 macarons
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup almond flour; 3 egg whites, room temperature; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pink food coloring (optional); 1 cup fresh raspberries (mashed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration

When it comes to making treats for Valentine's Day, I love crafting these delightful raspberry macarons. These delicate confections capture the essence of romance with their gorgeous colors and irresistible flavor. I still remember the first time I attempted to make them. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of achieving those perfect little feet and a luscious filling was worth every minute spent in the kitchen. I can't wait to share this recipe with you and bring a little sweetness to your celebrations!

Created by

Kerensa Trelawney

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:41:35.556Z

Creating raspberry macarons for Valentine's Day has become my little tradition. I always look forward to the challenge of mastering the meringue and getting the texture just right. Last year, I experimented with adding fresh raspberry puree to the filling, which truly elevated the flavor profile. The tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the shells.

One tip I can't stress enough is to let the macarons rest before baking. This helps form a skin that gives them those signature feet, making them not only beautiful but also delightful to eat. Trust me, it's a game changer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The luscious raspberry filling adds a refreshing taste that's perfect for romance.
Their delicate texture creates a delightful contrast with the creamy filling.
Impress your loved ones with these elegant, homemade treats.

Mastering the Macaron Technique

Creating the perfect macarons requires precision and attention to detail, especially in the folding technique. When combining the almond flour mixture with the whipped egg whites, aim for a smooth and glossy batter that flows like lava. If you overfold, your macarons will lose structure and not rise properly; if underfolded, they won’t spread enough to develop the signature 'foot'. A good test is to let a small dollop of batter sit for 10 seconds—if it slowly returns to its original shape, you’re ready to pipe.

One key to beautiful, successful macarons is the resting period before baking. Allowing the piped shells to sit for 20-30 minutes creates a skin that prevents cracking during oven time. This step ensures that you achieve the lovely, raised feet characteristic of macarons. If your kitchen is overly humid, consider resting them for slightly longer, checking for a dry outer shell before you place them in the oven.

Choosing Fresh Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor of your raspberry macarons. Fresh raspberries are essential for the filling to ensure a vibrant taste that balances the sweetness of the buttercream. Look for berries that are bright in color and firm to the touch, as mushy or overly ripe raspberries may cause a watery filling that isn't structurally sound.

For the macarons themselves, don’t skimp on the almond flour. It’s important because it provides the delicate flavor and texture that sets macarons apart. If you're allergic to almonds or need a nut-free option, try substituting with sunflower seed flour, but note that the color will turn green when baked due to the reaction with baking soda.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a perfect batch of raspberry macarons:

Macaron Shells

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour
3 egg whites, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional)

Raspberry Filling

1 cup fresh raspberries (mashed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to assembling our scrumptious macarons!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your raspberry macarons like a pro:

Make the Macaron Shells

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and gradually add granulated sugar while whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the sifted almond flour mixture and vanilla extract. Add pink food coloring if desired. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Let them rest for 20 minutes before baking.

Bake the Shells

Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they have risen and formed feet. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prepare Raspberry Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the mashed raspberries and vanilla extract; blend until smooth.

Assemble the Macarons

Pair up the cooled macaron shells by size. Pipe the raspberry filling onto the flat side of one shell and gently press another shell on top to create a sandwich. Repeat until all macarons are filled.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the assembled macarons to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period enhances their flavor and texture. Enjoy these sweet treats with your loved ones!

Now that you've crafted your raspberry macarons, share them with someone special, or treat yourself!

Pro Tips

Make sure to weigh your ingredients for the most accurate results. If the weather is humid, it might be beneficial to let your macarons dry longer before baking them.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Macarons can be made ahead of time, which is great for party planning. Once assembled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain their texture, allow them to come to room temperature before serving, as they taste best slightly chilled but not cold. If you notice they begin to dry out, adding a slice of bread to the container can help retain moisture.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the macarons before filling. Arrange the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, fill them fresh and let them rest a bit before serving to regain their ideal texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These raspberry macarons not only taste fabulous but also make a stunning presentation, perfect for gifts or party platters. Consider pairing them with a glass of champagne or a berry-infused iced tea for a romantic setting. You can even decorate them with edible glitter or drizzle melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Feel free to play around with the filling by adding different flavor extracts or infusing the raspberry puree with mint or lemon zest for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, swap out the raspberries for other berries like strawberries or blackberries to create a colorful assortment. Just remember to adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

→ What can I do if my macarons do not develop feet?

Ensure your egg whites are properly whipped and that you let the shells rest before baking.

→ How can I store leftover macarons?

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

→ Can I color my macarons with other colors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any gel food coloring you like.