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: 100g almond flour; 100g powdered sugar; 75g egg whites (aged for 24 hours); 50g granulated sugar; A pinch of salt; Red food coloring (optional); 100g fresh raspberries; 50g unsalted butter, softened; 150g powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Highlighted under: Classic Kitchen

I absolutely adore making macarons, especially for Valentine’s Day! With their delicate shells and vibrant raspberry filling, these treats are not only beautiful but also packed with flavor. The sweet-and-tart raspberry complements the almond meringue perfectly, creating a delightful contrast. Every bite is a reminder of why I love baking them. It’s a fun process, and there's something so satisfying about mastering the art of macarons. Trust me, these will impress your loved ones and brighten anyone's day!

Created by

Vanessa Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:42:36.077Z

When I first attempted making macarons, I was both excited and intimidated. It took a few tries to get the perfect texture, but the satisfaction of pulling those beautiful, airy shells from the oven made it all worth it. I recommend using a kitchen scale for precision in your measurements—this little tip changed the game for me!

For the raspberry filling, I love to use fresh raspberries combined with a touch of cream to balance the tartness. It brings a fresh burst of flavor that elevates the macarons beyond your typical sweets. Just be sure to let the macarons rest after filling; this helps the flavors meld beautifully!

        Why You Will Love These Macarons
        Delicate, chewy texture that melts in your mouth
Bright and tangy raspberry flavor that shines through
Perfectly elegant for any Valentine's Day celebration

      

Mastering the Macaron Shell

Creating the perfect macaron shell is an art that requires precision. The key is to age the egg whites for at least 24 hours; this process helps reduce moisture, allowing for a firmer meringue that results in a better texture. When whisking the egg whites, watch for soft peaks, which indicate that the sugar has been fully incorporated. To test the mixture, turn the bowl upside down—if it stays put, you’re good to go!

Folding the dry ingredients into the meringue is another crucial step. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them, being careful not to deflate the meringue too much. Aim for a 'lava-like' consistency; when you lift your spatula, the batter should slowly ribbon down. If it’s too thick, your macarons might not develop the coveted ‘feet’ during baking. Practicing this technique will make you more confident in achieving that delicate balance.

The Raspberry Filling: Essential Tips

For the raspberry filling, selecting truly ripe raspberries is essential, as their sweetness and flavor will elevate your macarons. If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before mashing. Straining the mixture helps ensure a smooth filling, keeping unexpected seeds from interrupting the creamy texture. This extra step is worth it for a luxurious bite!

Balancing the sweetness of the filling is also essential. The addition of heavy cream not only provides a velvety consistency but also helps mellow the tartness of the raspberries. If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar. Remember, letting the filling rest for a short time after preparation can enhance the flavors, allowing them to meld together beautifully.

Tips for Storing and Serving

Storing your macarons correctly will help maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Macarons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I recommend enjoying them within the first few days for the best taste experience. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When it comes to serving, presentation matters! Arrange your macarons in a beautiful box or on a decorative plate for gifting. You can also pair them with tea or coffee, as the flavors harmonize wonderfully. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider drizzling some chocolate over the assembled macarons or garnishing with a fresh raspberry for an added touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Macaron Shells

100g almond flour
100g powdered sugar
75g egg whites (aged for 24 hours)
50g granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
Red food coloring (optional)

Raspberry Filling

100g fresh raspberries
50g unsalted butter, softened
150g powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Macaron Shells

In a bowl, sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to remove lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk the aged egg whites until frothy, then gradually add the granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites, adding food coloring if desired. Pipe circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then let them rest for 30 minutes before baking.

Bake the Macaron Shells

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, turning the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. Allow the shells to cool completely before removing them from the parchment.

Make the Raspberry Filling

In a bowl, mash the fresh raspberries and strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, then mix in the raspberry puree and heavy cream until smooth.

Assemble the Macarons

Pair up the macaron shells of similar sizes. Pipe a small amount of the raspberry filling onto the flat side of one shell and top with another shell. Gently press together to sandwich the filling. Let them rest for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted raspberry macarons!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use aged egg whites for the best results. Aging helps improve the texture of the macarons. Additionally, ensure all equipment is grease-free to avoid any problems with the macaron consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your macarons crack during baking, it’s likely due to either an oven that’s too hot or under-mixed batter. Invest in an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven's temperature; it should maintain around 150°C (300°F) without any fluctuation. If you suspect your batter isn’t mixed enough, perform the ‘figure-eight’ test: the batter should flow easily in a ribbon without breaking.

Overmixing is another common problem; this can lead to thin shells and flat macarons. Take care when folding the batter, and consider doing the 'test pipe' on a baking sheet. Pipe a small circle and observe if it holds shape—if it spreads too much, you’ve overmixed. This trial helps you gauge your batter’s consistency before committing to the full batch on the baking sheet.

Variations to Try

Experimenting with flavors can make your macarons even more delightful! Besides raspberries, consider using purees from strawberries, blue, or even exotic fruits like passionfruit or mango. Just keep the same ratio to ensure the filling remains smooth and doesn’t become too runny. Adding a touch of zest from lemons or limes can provide a refreshing twist that pairs well with the sweetness of the shells.

You can also add extracts to your macaron shells for an additional layer of flavor; almond or vanilla extract are popular choices. If you want to get creative, try incorporating finely ground matcha powder into the shells for a unique taste and color that will wow your guests while retaining that chewy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I flavor the macarons differently?

Absolutely! You can substitute raspberry with other purees or flavor extracts as desired.

→ How do I store the macarons?

Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Why did my macarons crack?

Cracked macarons can be due to over-mixing the batter or baking at a temperature that is too high.

→ What should I do if my filling is too runny?

If your filling is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up until you reach the desired consistency.