Name: Galentine’s Brunch Foods : Heart-Shaped Macarons
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 43 min
Yield: 30
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup (100g) almond flour; 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites, at room temperature; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Nothing says “I appreciate you” like a delicious homemade treat, especially when that treat is a stunning heart-shaped macaron. These delightful confections are perfect for celebrating your closest friends during a Galentine’s brunch! With their light, airy texture and slightly crisp exterior paired with a rich buttercream filling, heart-shaped macarons are sure to impress. Whether you savor them with a cup of coffee or present them as a sweet surprise for a brunch gathering, they add a festive touch to any occasion.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Galentine’s Brunch Foods : Heart-Shaped Macarons
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Galentine’s Brunch Foods : Heart-Shaped Macarons

Galentine’s Brunch Foods : Heart-Shaped Macarons

When I first discovered the magic of making macarons, I was captivated not only by their beauty but also by the endless flavor possibilities. After a few attempts, my heart-shaped macarons became a beloved staple for gatherings, especially on Galentine’s Day. The delicate crunch followed by the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess is simply irresistible. It’s amazing how a little effort can transform your table into something extraordinary! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and witness the delight on your friends’ faces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 90 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these irresistibly cute treats ready for your brunch in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet almond and buttery vanilla cream creates a taste that’s simply delectable.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These heart-shaped macarons are not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, gifts, or just an afternoon snack with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Macarons can be made gluten-free by using almond flour, making them accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (100g) almond flour: This nutty flour gives macarons their signature texture. Look for finely ground almond flour for the best results.
1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar: Sweetness is key! The powdered sugar adds sweetness while contributing to the macarons’ delicate consistency.
3 large egg whites (around 90 grams), at room temperature: Room temperature egg whites beat better and help create the perfect meringue.
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar: This stabilizes the egg whites as you whip them into a fluffy meringue, ensuring a wonderful macaron texture.
¼ cup granulated sugar: This will help tighten the meringue as you whip it; add it gradually for optimal results.
¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring: For those iconic heart shapes, this food coloring brightens the macarons and fits the occasion perfectly.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and almond notes.
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: A key ingredient for a rich buttercream filling that will entice your taste buds.
1 cup powdered sugar: This will sweeten the buttercream to match the macarons perfectly.
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: This adds a smooth texture to your buttercream, making it even more luscious.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhancing the flavor in your buttercream will elevate the overall taste of your macarons.

How to Make Galentine’s Brunch Foods : Heart-Shaped Macarons

Prepare Templates: Start by printing out four copies of the heart template. This will ensure your macarons are uniformly shaped, looking adorable for your special brunch.

Sift Mixtures: In a large bowl, sift the 1 cup of almond flour and 1½ cups of powdered sugar together twice. This step is crucial to eliminate lumps and incorporates air, leading to those lovely, light macarons.

Beat Egg Whites: In your mixing bowl, add the 3 large egg whites and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar. Beat on medium-low speed until soft peaks start to form, creating a cloud of fluffy egg whites.

Add Sugar: Gradually add ¼ cup granulated sugar while beating at a higher speed. Continue until you reach almost stiff peaks; the mixture should hold its shape beautifully, giving you a good base for your macarons.

Color and Flavor: Gently mix in the ¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Beat until you achieve stiff peaks, at which point the mixture will dramatically hold its shape even when the bowl is turned upside down.

Fold in Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold in one-third of the dry mixture into your egg white meringue using a spatula. Continue folding in the remaining dry ingredients until the batter runs off the spatula in a “figure 8” motion without breaking. Be gentle to retain those essential air bubbles.

Pipe the Batter: Place two heart templates on your cookie sheet and cover them with parchment paper. Scoop your macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, then fill the hearts with the batter, using a toothpick to adjust the edges.

Tap and Rest: After piping, tap the baking sheet on the counter several times to release air bubbles. Then, allow the macarons to rest in a dry area for 45 minutes to an hour until the tops are no longer sticky to the touch.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 315°F (160°C) during the resting period.

Bake: Once rested, bake the macarons one sheet at a time for 13 minutes each. You should see them rise and form those lovely “feet” characteristic of macarons.

Cool Down: Let the macarons cool on the cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully peel them from the parchment; they should come off easily, leaving little to no residue behind.

Prepare Buttercream: In a large bowl, cream the ¼ cup softened unsalted butter until it’s fluffy with an electric mixer set to medium speed. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.

Finish Buttercream: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Assemble: Use a spatula to transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the buttercream onto the bottom of half of the macaron cookies and sandwich them with the remaining halves.

Chill to Enjoy: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate your assembled macarons for 1-2 days. This waiting game will be worth it when you take that first bite!

Storing & Reheating

To store your heart-shaped macarons, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze them individually in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To refresh frozen macarons, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving; this will help restore some of their exciting texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the dry ingredients, as this can lead to flat macarons. Keep it gentle and fold until just combined.
Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature; this step significantly helps in achieving the right consistency for your meringue.
Timing is essential in baking. Check your macarons after 11 minutes to prevent overbaking.
If you notice fragile shells cracking, ensure you’re letting the macarons rest enough before baking, as this helps form a solid exterior.
Try incorporating various flavors into your buttercream, such as citrus zest or different extracts to create unique fillings every time!
You can make the shells ahead of time and freeze them separately if you want to spread out your baking sessions.

These heart-shaped macarons are bound to spread joy not only because of their tender, sweet flavor but also due to the love you’ve put into creating them. The colorful and cute appearance will make them a hit at your Galentine’s brunch or any celebration. Don’t forget to have fun experimenting with different flavors in both the cookies and the fillings. Enjoy every bite and cherish those moments with your friends!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make macarons in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the macarons and the filling ahead of time. The shells can be made a day before and stored in an airtight container. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to fill them just a few hours before serving. The buttercream filling may be stored in the fridge for up to a week as well.

What do I do if my macarons crack while baking?

Cracking usually happens if the macarons are not rested enough before they go into the oven or if the oven temperature is too high. After piping the macarons, ensure they rest until the tops are dry and not tacky. Double-check your oven temperature using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Can I use other colors for these macarons?

Of course! While red food coloring sets the romantic tone for your heart-shaped macarons, feel free to experiment with pink, white, or other colors. Just ensure that you use gel food coloring for the best results to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.

How do I know when my macarons are done baking?

Macarons are done when they have firmed up and you can gently touch the tops without them sticking to your finger. They should have formed their characteristic “feet,” and their tops should look smooth and shiny. If they wiggle when you touch them, they probably need a minute or two more.