Name: Strawberry Macarons Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar; 3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground); 2 large egg whites (room temperature); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; pink gel food coloring (optional); 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling); 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder; 1–2 teaspoons heavy cream (as needed)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever admired a bakery case filled with jewel-like French cookies, you already know the irresistible charm of macarons—but nothing feels sweeter than making your own! This Strawberry Macarons Recipe takes you step by step through mixing, filling, and assembling these delicate treats, with a vibrant strawberry buttercream tucked between airy, almond meringue shells. There’s something magical about their crisp exterior, chewy center, and luscious filling, all tinted the prettiest pink—these are truly a show-stopper for birthdays, showers, or your next afternoon treat.

Strawberry Macarons Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of ingredients—some you may already have—come together to create these impressive Strawberry Macarons. Every item here has a special job, from lending structure to giving the macarons their signature flavor and blush-pink hue.

Powdered sugar (1 cup): This fine sugar blends seamlessly for that signature smooth shell and light sweetness.
Almond flour, finely ground (3/4 cup): Almonds give macarons their traditional nutty flavor and chewy texture—use extra-fine for best results!
Egg whites, room temperature (2 large): Room temperature whites whip up higher and more stable, crucial for meringue.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Stabilizes the meringue to ensure glossy, firm peaks.
Cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch helps your egg whites whip up sturdy and keeps them from deflating.
Pink gel food coloring (optional): Just a drop turns your macarons a playful shade; gel is best because it won’t water down your batter.
Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Packs a punch of strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): The base of a lush, creamy buttercream filling.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, for filling): Sweetens and thickens the strawberry buttercream to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Freeze-dried strawberry powder (2 tablespoons): The secret to a true, intense berry flavor and color in the filling.
Heavy cream (1–2 teaspoons, as needed): Just a splash for the dreamiest buttercream texture—add only as much as required.

How to Make Strawberry Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step keeps the macarons from sticking and ensures you get perfect, shiny-bottomed cookies every time. Having everything ready means you can move quickly once the batter is mixed.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sift together your powdered sugar and almond flour, catching any large bits and discarding them. This makes an ultra-fine, lump-free mix—crucial for macarons’ smooth tops and dainty texture. A double-sift is not overkill here!

Step 3: Make the Meringue

In a sparkling-clean bowl, start whipping up your room-temperature egg whites with the cream of tartar. As soon as they’re foamy, slowly begin to sprinkle in your granulated sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. Now’s the time for a small splash of strawberry extract and the tiniest squeeze of pink gel food coloring for a pretty pastel finish.

Step 4: Fold the Batter

Carefully fold your sifted dry ingredients into the meringue in batches, being gentle but thorough. Keep mixing until the batter flows from your spatula in thick, lava-like ribbons and can make a figure 8 without breaking. This is the “macaronage” stage, and it’s key for perfectly formed cookies!

Step 5: Pipe the Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe neat 1 1/2-inch circles onto your prepared trays, leaving about an inch between each cookie. Tap each tray firmly on the counter several times to pop any air bubbles—this helps avoid cracked tops.

Step 6: Let the Shells Rest

Patience pays off here! Let your macarons sit uncovered at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. They’re ready to bake when the tops are no longer sticky to the touch—this helps create that classic, ruffled “foot” on each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Slide in the trays and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the shells are set and can be gently lifted from the parchment without sticking. Now, let them cool completely—this ensures easy removal and keeps those pretty tops intact!

Step 8: Whip Up the Strawberry Buttercream

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Blend in the powdered sugar until fluffy, then add the freeze-dried strawberry powder for that bold berry flavor and playful pink color. Adjust the consistency with a teaspoon or two of heavy cream until it’s perfectly pipeable.

Step 9: Fill and Assemble

Pipe the buttercream onto half of the cooled shells, then gently sandwich with the remaining halves. Voila—your Strawberry Macarons Recipe is coming to life! For bakery-level texture and flavor, chill the assembled macarons in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before serving. The reward? Chewy, tender, berry-filled perfection.

How to Serve Strawberry Macarons Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish works wonders! Top each macaron with a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter, a dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder, or even a sliver of fresh strawberry. It adds sophistication and lets everyone know what fruity flavor awaits inside.

Side Dishes

Serve your strawberry macarons alongside a pot of good tea, a crisp glass of sparkling wine, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These cookies pair beautifully with fresh berries or a fruit salad if you want to keep the berry theme going strong!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, stack your finished Strawberry Macarons Recipe in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand, or arrange them in delicate boxes as edible gifts. If you’re feeling playful, mix and match with other macaron flavors for a colorful display at your next celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry macarons store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They actually improve after a day or two as the shells and filling meld, becoming perfectly tender and chewy. You can enjoy them for up to five days—if they last that long!

Freezing

These dainty cookies freeze surprisingly well. Place the assembled macarons in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge so the Strawberry Macarons Recipe stays perfectly chewy.

Reheating

No need to reheat macarons—they’re best served cold or at room temperature. Simply set out what you need about 30 minutes before serving to bring out their flavors and let the buttercream soften to perfection.

FAQs

Why do my macaron shells crack or lack feet?

Cracked shells or missing “feet” are usually from under-mixing, skipping the resting step, or baking at the wrong temperature. Resting the piped batter and ensuring your oven temperature is spot-on are key for classic results.

Can I substitute regular flour for almond flour?

Almond flour is essential for authentic French macarons. Wheat flour won’t mimic the unique chewy texture or flavor, so stick with finely ground almond flour for this Strawberry Macarons Recipe.

How do I know when to stop folding the batter?

After each addition, fold gently until the batter flows in thick ribbons and you can make a figure-8 shape without the stream breaking—this is when your batter is ready to pipe.

Is the pink gel coloring required?

Not at all! The food coloring is optional and just adds that classic pastel look. If you’d rather skip artificial dyes, the macarons will still taste just as delicious.

What’s the best way to get strawberry flavor in the filling?

Freeze-dried strawberry powder gives both color and real strawberry punch without adding moisture, while the extract in the shells amps up the aroma—both are musts for the best Strawberry Macarons Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s seriously nothing like pulling off a batch of homemade macarons—they truly feel like magic. This Strawberry Macarons Recipe is as joyful to make as it is to eat, and I hope you’ll whip it up for a special occasion (or just to treat yourself). Give it a try, savor every little bite, and don’t forget to share the love!

Strawberry Macarons Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes resting time)
Yield: 20 macarons 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delicate and delightful flavors of homemade Strawberry Macarons. These French-inspired treats feature a crisp almond shell filled with a luscious strawberry buttercream, perfect for any special occasion or a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Macarons:

1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground)
2 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
pink gel food coloring (optional)
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
1–2 teaspoons heavy cream (as needed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Macarons: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift powdered sugar and almond flour. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar, add granulated sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in dry ingredients and pipe circles. Let rest, then bake.
Make the Filling: Beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar, strawberry powder, and cream. Pipe onto macaron shells and assemble sandwiches. Chill before serving.