Name: Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3/4 Cup / 90g Almond Flour; 1 Cup / 125g Powdered Sugar; 2 Egg Whites; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 Cup / 50g White Sugar; 1 tsp Strawberry Essence; 1-2 Drops Gel Food Coloring; 1 Stick / 113g Butter; 1 1/2 Cups / 190g Powdered Sugar; 1 tsp Vanilla Essence; 1 Tbsp Milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 58 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for delicate, visually stunning treats, then the Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little delights combine the perfect crunchy-yet-chewy macaron shells infused with a subtle burst of strawberry essence, all sandwiched with a luxuriously smooth vanilla buttercream. Not only are they a feast for your taste buds, but their rosy pink color and elegant silhouette make them perfect for sharing at any celebration or a little personal indulgence. Once you get the hang of this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these gems whenever you want to impress or simply enjoy a piece of sweet happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two brown eggs placed together near the top left. To their right, a small white bowl holds a fine white powder, probably salt. Below these, a white bowl is filled with a light brown crumbly mixture. To the right of this bowl, another white bowl contains a white grainy substance, likely sugar. At the bottom left, a metal measuring cup holds a heap of white powder, possibly powdered sugar or flour. A small bottle of red food coloring labeled

Getting the ingredients right is key, and the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each component plays a crucial role — from the ground almonds contributing to the tender texture to the strawberry essence and gel coloring infusing flavor and that irresistible pink hue, and finally, the buttercream that brings everything together in creamy harmony.

3/4 Cup / 90g Almond Flour: Finely ground almonds provide the distinct nutty flavor and light texture essential for macarons.
1 Cup / 125g Powdered Sugar: Gives sweetness and ensures a smooth texture in the shells.
2 Egg Whites: Whipped to form the delicate meringue that lends macarons their signature chew.
1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/4 Cup / 50g White Sugar: Stabilizes the meringue and adds sparkle to the shells.
1 tsp Strawberry Essence: Infuses the macarons with that unmistakable fresh strawberry flavor.
1-2 Drops Gel Food Coloring: Provides a vibrant pink color without altering the texture.
1 Stick / 113g Butter: The base for the buttercream frosting, adding richness and creaminess.
1 1/2 Cups / 190g Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the buttercream, creating a smooth finish.
1 tsp Vanilla Essence: Gives a warm, comforting flavor to the buttercream.
1 Tbsp Milk: Adds a bit of moisture for perfect buttercream consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by pulsing the almond flour and powdered sugar together in a food processor about 5 to 6 times. This step is crucial to achieve an even, fine blend that eliminates lumps, giving your macaron shells that smooth, beautiful finish. Transfer this mixture into a medium-sized bowl to get ready for the meringue.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Separate your eggs carefully, keeping only the egg whites as these will make the meringue. Add them along with the salt into a clean bowl and begin whipping until they turn foamy. Gradually add the white sugar while whipping on high until soft peaks form. Then add the strawberry essence and food coloring, continuing to whip until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape perfectly.

Step 3: Fold the Mixtures Together

Gently fold half of the whipped egg whites into the dry almond mixture. This initial fold lightens the batter. Then fold in the remaining egg whites carefully, aiming to create a smooth, flowing batter that can form a ribbon or figure-eight without breaking. This stage is key to achieving the right macaron texture — neither too runny nor too stiff.

Step 4: Pipe and Rest the Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag with a small round tip and pipe small 1-inch circles onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. To release any trapped air bubbles in the batter, firmly tap the baking sheet on your work surface several times. Let the piped macarons sit for about 30 minutes until they form a slight skin on the surface — you can lightly touch them without smudging.

Step 5: Bake the Macarons

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and bake the rested macarons for 15 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on the tray before attempting to remove or fill them. This cooling is vital to prevent cracking and preserve the delicate structure.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

While the shells cool, whip your butter on medium speed for about 5 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and has doubled in volume. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between additions to maintain smoothness. Incorporate the vanilla essence and milk, mixing one last time to achieve silky, dreamy buttercream perfect for sandwiching your macarons.

Step 7: Assemble Your Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Pipe a tablespoon of vanilla buttercream onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then gently press another shell on top to create a perfect sandwich. Repeat until all macarons are filled. Each bite will melt in your mouth, with a perfect balance of fruity and creamy flavors wrapped in a light, chewy shell.

How to Serve Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

A close-up image of a pink macaron being assembled by a woman's hand, showing two round, smooth pink shells with a slightly ruffled edge, sandwiching a thick, creamy white filling in the middle. The macaron sits on a light wooden surface with more pink macarons blurred in the background. The colors are soft and the texture of the shells looks smooth and delicate, with the creamy filling looking rich and soft. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, dust your finished macarons lightly with powdered sugar or edible glitter. You could also garnish with a tiny fresh strawberry slice or a few crushed freeze-dried strawberry bits on top to enhance the strawberry vibe visually and texturally.

Side Dishes

Macarons are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a fresh berry salad or a cup of high-quality loose leaf tea. A creamy latte or a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé can also elevate your macaron experience, making for an elegant tea-time or dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking your strawberry macarons in a pretty tower on a tiered serving plate for a festive look. You can also box them individually in small clear containers or wrap them with a pretty ribbon as thoughtful homemade gifts. Both presentation styles will surely delight your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover macarons should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and retain their delightful texture for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full, rich flavors of the buttercream and shells.

Freezing

To keep your Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe longer, freeze them in a single layer inside an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then let them come to room temperature. This method preserves their texture remarkably well.

Reheating

Since these macarons are delicate, avoid using a microwave or oven to reheat. Instead, simply allow them to warm at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften the buttercream naturally without compromising the shell’s crispness.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors instead of strawberry essence?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility — you can substitute strawberry essence with flavors like raspberry, lemon, or even rose to suit your mood or occasion.

What if my macaron shells crack during baking?

Cracking usually happens if the oven temperature is too high or the shells were not rested properly before baking. Make sure to let the piped macarons rest until a skin forms and double-check your oven temperature with a thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make the shells without food coloring?

Definitely. The food coloring is optional and mainly for that pretty pink hue. Your macarons will still taste fantastic and have the right texture without it.

How do I know when the meringue is at stiff peaks?

When you lift your whisk or beater, the meringue should stand up straight without drooping. The peaks will be glossy and hold their shape firmly.

Can I prepare the macarons the day before my event?

Yes, making them a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more. Just store them properly in an airtight container in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

There truly is something magical about the Strawberry Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe. They bring together a touch of sophistication, a burst of fruitiness, and comforting creaminess in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these macarons are guaranteed to brighten any day. So don your apron, grab your ingredients, and dive into the wonderful world of macaron making – I promise it’s as rewarding as it is delicious!