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 around 90 grams, 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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Heart-shaped macarons are the perfect treat to elevate your Galentine’s brunch. These delicate, airy confections are tender to the bite and offer a satisfying crunch, making them a delightful addition to any celebration with your favorite gal pals. With their charming shape and sweet, buttery filling, these macarons not only look stunning but also taste incredible. The soft pink hue adds a festive touch, instantly brightening your brunch table and creating the perfect backdrop for laughter and memories.

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

I first discovered my love for making macarons during a cozy afternoon of baking with friends. We’d share stories, sip on some bubbly, and perfect our techniques together. The sweet aroma of vanilla wafting through the air was simply irresistible. Making these heart-shaped macarons became our beloved tradition, and they quickly turned into an essential element of every Galentine’s Day celebration. So grab your mixing bowl and piping bag; these sweet treats are not just fun to make but also an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up a batch in just over two hours, perfect for last-minute brunch plans.
Irresistible Flavor: The buttery filling complements the subtly sweet almond flavor of the shells for a delightful dessert.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These adorable heart-shaped macarons will be the star of your brunch, making them both fun and impressive.
Flexible Serving: Serve them as a sweet snack or as a light brunch option that pairs beautifully with coffee or mimosas.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and made with simple ingredients, these are perfect for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (100g) almond flour: This gives macarons their signature light texture. Make sure to use finely ground almond flour for the best results; if needed, you can substitute with finely ground hazelnut flour.
1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar: This sweetens the macarons and ensures they have that smooth, polished finish. You’ll want to use confectioner’s sugar.
3 large egg whites (around 90 grams), at room temperature: Fresh, room-temperature egg whites are essential for achieving those lovely stiff peaks in the meringue. If you only have egg whites from a carton, aim for about one-third cup for three eggs.
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar: This stabilizer helps the egg whites maintain their structure while whipping.
¼ cup granulated sugar: This is added gradually to sweeten the egg whites as they reach stiff peaks.
¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring: Just a touch of color to make your macarons visually pop without affecting the flavor. You can adjust according to your preference or use other colors if desired.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a classic flavor to the macarons. Use high-quality vanilla for the best taste.
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: For the buttercream filling, unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the treat.
1 cup powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to create a delightful filling.
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: This adds richness to the buttercream, providing a beautiful texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling): Brings that extra layer of flavor to the filling.

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

Print Templates: Before diving into the mixing bowl, print out four copies of a heart template to guide your piping. This will ensure your macarons maintain that adorable shape.

Sift Dry Ingredients: With a large sieve, sift together 1 cup almond flour and 1½ cups powdered sugar into a large bowl. This step is essential for creating a smooth and airy batter, so make sure to sift twice. Set aside as you prepare the egg whites.

Whip Egg Whites: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 large egg whites and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar. Beat on medium-low speed until you see soft peaks forming. You want that light, fluffy texture but not too stiff just yet.

Add Sugar: Gradually sprinkle in ¼ cup granulated sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Keep whipping until almost stiff peaks form. You want to achieve a glossy meringue that holds its shape well.

Color & Flavor: Add ¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring along with ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the whipped egg whites. Continue beating until you see stiff peaks; it should be so firm that if you tipped the bowl upside down, nothing falls out. This is essential for the perfect macaron structure.

Combine Mixtures: Gently fold in one-third of the sifted dry ingredients into the egg white mixture using a spatula until well combined. Then fold in the remaining dry ingredients until the batter flows off the spatula in a ribbon-like shape that resembles a “figure 8.” Be cautious not to overmix, as preserving air bubbles is crucial for those light and airy macarons.

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Place two heart templates side by side on one cookie sheet, then lay a piece of parchment paper on top. Now, scoop the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Pipe Batters onto Templates: With the piping bag, fill the heart shapes by piping the batter onto the parchment paper. After piping, use a toothpick to spread the batter to the edges and to create a tip at the bottom of the hearts.

Release Air Bubbles: Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter at least five times. This allows any air bubbles trapped in the batter to escape. If you see any bubbles on the surface, use a toothpick to pop them gently.

Let Rest: Allow the macarons to rest in a dry place for 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know they are ready when the tops are no longer tacky to the touch. This crucial resting time helps develop that beautiful “foot” during baking.

Preheat Oven: While the macarons are resting, preheat your oven to 315°F (160°C), creating just the right environment for a perfect bake.

Bake the Macarons: Place the macarons in the preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes, one sheet at a time. Keep an eye on them, as they should rise nicely and form beautiful feet at the bottom.

Cool Down: After 10 minutes, cool the macarons on a cooling rack, keeping them on the parchment paper for another 10 minutes until they are fully cool. They should peel off the parchment easily if baked correctly.

Make the Buttercream: In a large bowl, cream ¼ cup softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add in 1 cup powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Add Cream & Flavor: Pour in 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Stir until well combined; it should be rich and creamy.

Pipe the Filling: Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the buttercream onto the bottom of half of your macarons.

Assemble: Gently place another macaron shell on top of the buttercream, sandwiching them together. Press down lightly until the filling reaches the edges.

Chill for Best Flavor: For maximum flavor and texture, refrigerate the assembled macarons for 1-2 days before serving. This resting period will enhance their buttery filling and help the flavors meld beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store your heart-shaped macarons at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can refresh them by allowing them to sit out for a bit before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overdoing It: One of the most common mistakes is over-mixing the batter. Always be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to retain air in the egg whites.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature to whip better, and your butter should be softened but not melting for the ideal buttercream consistency.
Check Your Oven: Keep an eye on your macarons while they bake to prevent them from browning too much; every oven bakes differently, so adjust time as needed.
Don’t Rush Resting Time: The resting time is non-negotiable—ensure your shells dry out enough before baking to get that beautiful foot.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment! Swap vanilla buttercream for chocolate ganache or fruit-flavored fillings for a twist.

These heart-shaped macarons are more than just desserts; they’re a celebration of friendship, joy, and crafting moments that matter. Make them for your Galentine’s brunch, and you’ll see smiles all around as they take that first delectable bite. I hope you take the time to try out this fun recipe and create some lovely memories with your friends. Enjoy the sweet journey of baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different color for the macarons?

Absolutely! While red is perfect for a Galentine’s celebration, you can use any color of gel food coloring to match your theme or preference. Just ensure you are using gel and not liquid food coloring, as the latter can alter the batter’s consistency.

Why is my macaron batter too runny?

If your batter is too runny, you might have overmixed it. Make sure to follow the instructions closely when folding in the dry ingredients, aiming for the “figure 8” test. You should see a batter that flows but is still thick enough to hold its shape.

Can I make the macarons ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The finished macarons, once filled, taste best after resting for 1-2 days in the fridge, so they are perfect for preparing ahead of time.

How do I know when macarons are done baking?

You’ll know your macarons are done when they have risen slightly and formed a hard shell on top, and they will not wobble when you gently shake the pan. If they still feel soft after cooling for 10 minutes, they may need a few more minutes in the oven.