Why Make This Recipe
French Heart Shaped Macarons are not just visually appealing; they are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. These sweet, almond-flavored cookies are perfect for special occasions, gifts, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Making macarons also allows you to explore your baking skills while creating a beautiful dessert.
How to Make French Heart Shaped Macarons
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Buttercream or ganache for filling
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add the cream of tartar. Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. If desired, add food coloring to tint the meringue.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue until well combined. The batter should flow like lava.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let the piped macarons rest for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shells lift easily off the parchment paper.
- Let them cool completely before removing from the parchment.
- Fill with your choice of buttercream or ganache, and sandwich the shells together.
How to Serve French Heart Shaped Macarons
Serve these lovely macarons on a decorative plate. They can be enjoyed alone or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. They make excellent gifts for Valentine’s Day, weddings, or any celebration where you want to add a sweet touch.
How to Store French Heart Shaped Macarons
Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make French Heart Shaped Macarons
- Ensure that your mixing bowls and utensils are clean and free from grease.
- Age your egg whites in the fridge overnight for better stability when whipping.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
- If your macarons crack, try adjusting the oven temperature or baking time next time.
Variation
You can change the flavor and color of your macarons by adding different food flavorings or extracts. Some popular variations include chocolate, raspberry, or pistachio.
FAQs
1. Why did my macarons crack?
Macarons can crack due to too high of an oven temperature or not letting them rest long enough before baking.
2. Can I make macarons without almond flour?
Almond flour is essential for macarons. However, you can experiment with hazelnut flour for a different flavor.
3. How can I tell when my macarons are done baking?
The macarons should lift easily off the parchment paper and have a smooth, shiny surface when baked. They should not be soft or sticky.
French Heart Shaped Macarons
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add the cream of tartar.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. If desired, add food coloring to tint the meringue.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue until well combined. The batter should flow like lava.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let the piped macarons rest for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shells lift easily off the parchment paper.
- Let them cool completely before removing from the parchment.
- Fill with your choice of buttercream or ganache, and sandwich the shells together.