Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the rich flavor of red velvet cake combined with the delicate, crisp texture of a macaron. These vibrant macarons are filled with a velvety, creamy mascarpone frosting that complements the subtle cocoa flavor of the shells. The combination of the deep red hue, the light and airy macaron shells, and the rich mascarpone filling creates an elegant treat that’s perfect for any special occasion, from Valentine’s Day to birthdays or even just a luxurious dessert for yourself.
This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of making these stunning and delicious macarons. While they require a bit of patience and precision, the results are totally worth it. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice looking to try something new, these Red Velvet Macarons are guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Visually Striking
The deep red color of these macarons makes them a showstopper at any event. Their vibrant appearance will make your dessert table look spectacular.
2. Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of the subtle cocoa flavor in the macaron shells and the creamy, tangy mascarpone filling is irresistible and gives a true red velvet cake experience.
3. Elegant and Fancy
Macarons are the epitome of elegance. These red velvet macarons are not only delicious but will elevate any occasion with their refined and sophisticated look.
4. Customizable Filling
While the mascarpone filling is luxurious on its own, you can experiment with different flavor variations like chocolate ganache, fruit curds, or whipped cream.
5. Impressive to Make and Share
Macarons are known to be a bit tricky, so making these red velvet macarons will surely impress your friends, family, or anyone you share them with!
Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells:
- Almond flour
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Egg whites
- Cream of tartar
- Red food coloring (gel is recommended)
- Vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- Mascarpone cheese
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Variations
- Flavor the Shells: Add different flavorings such as a hint of almond extract or espresso to the macaron shells for a creative twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) and use plant-based mascarpone for a dairy-free version.
- Fruit-Flavored Filling: Instead of mascarpone, use fruit curds (like lemon, raspberry, or strawberry) for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the shells.
- Chocolate Ganache: If you want a richer, more decadent filling, use chocolate ganache instead of mascarpone frosting.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder into a medium-sized bowl to ensure there are no lumps. This step is essential for smooth macaron shells. Set aside.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at medium speed. Once the egg whites start to foam, gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue whipping on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Step 3: Add Food Coloring and Flavor
Once your egg whites are whipped, add the red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color) and the vanilla extract. Mix until the color is even throughout the meringue.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites. Be sure to fold carefully to preserve the air in the meringue. Continue folding until the batter has a smooth, shiny consistency that flows like lava when lifted with a spatula.
Step 5: Pipe the Macaron Shells
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles of batter (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Step 6: Tap and Rest the Macarons
Gently tap the baking sheets on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles and smooth out the tops of the macarons. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the tops are dry to the touch and form a skin.
Step 7: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for about 12-15 minutes, or until they have risen and formed feet (the ruffled edge around the base). Let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper.
Step 8: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
While the shells are cooling, prepare the mascarpone frosting. In a mixing bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You should have a thick, spreadable consistency.
Step 9: Assemble the Macarons
Once the macaron shells have cooled, match them up by size. Pipe a generous amount of mascarpone frosting onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then sandwich it with another shell. Press gently to spread the frosting evenly.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Allow the assembled macarons to sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the shells to soften slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the rich and flavorful red velvet macarons!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Macarons are very sensitive to ingredient proportions.
- Aged Egg Whites: For the best results, use egg whites that have been aged in the fridge for at least 1-2 days.
- Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting step. Let the piped macarons rest until they form a skin before baking to ensure the perfect texture.
- Macaronage: The folding process (macaronage) is crucial for getting the right texture. You should aim for a consistency where the batter flows off the spatula in a ribbon without being runny.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as macarons can easily overcook or undercook. Consider using an oven thermometer for precise temperature control.
How to Serve
Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting are perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday, or a romantic evening. Serve them as a standalone dessert or alongside coffee, tea, or a glass of champagne. These macarons also make a beautiful gift when packaged in a decorative box or jar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will continue to soften slightly as they sit, which enhances their flavor and texture.
Freezing
Macarons can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the assembled macarons on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Macarons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, and there’s no need to reheat them.
FAQs
1. Why are my macarons cracking?
Macarons may crack if the oven temperature is too high or if they haven’t rested long enough before baking. Ensure the oven is at the correct temperature and let the piped batter rest until a skin forms.
2. Can I use a different filling?
Yes, feel free to experiment with fillings like chocolate ganache, fruit curd, or whipped cream if mascarpone isn’t your preference.
3. Can I make these macarons without a piping bag?
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off. However, a piping bag provides more control over the shape and size of the shells.
4. How do I know when my macarons are done baking?
Macarons are done when they easily lift off the parchment paper and have a smooth, firm base. They should not be sticky.
5. Can I make the macarons ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the macaron shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before assembling them with the mascarpone filling.
6. Why do my macarons have feet?
Feet are the signature ruffled edges that form when the macarons rise during baking. If your macarons don’t have feet, it’s usually due to under-mixing the batter or incorrect oven temperature.
7. Can I use powdered food coloring?
Gel food coloring is preferred as it provides a more vibrant color without affecting the texture of the macarons. If using powdered food coloring, make sure it’s well mixed.
8. How can I prevent my macarons from being too soft or too hard?
The perfect macaron texture is a balance between chewy and crisp. Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure the shells are baked at a consistent temperature.
9. Can I make a vegan version of these macarons?
Yes! Replace the egg whites with aquafaba and use a dairy-free mascarpone substitute for the frosting to make a vegan version of these macarons.
10. How do I get my macarons to be the same size?
Use a template or guide under the parchment paper to pipe uniform circles. Alternatively, you can use a small cookie cutter to ensure consistent sizes.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting are an elegant, indulgent treat that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them. With their perfect balance of flavor, texture, and stunning red color, these macarons are sure to become a favorite for any special occasion or dessert table. Take your time, follow the steps, and you’ll have an unforgettable dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
PrintRed Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus resting and cooling time)
- Yield: 20–24 macarons (depending on size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting are a luxurious twist on a classic French treat. With their vibrant red color and delicate, chewy texture, these macarons are filled with a creamy mascarpone frosting that perfectly complements their light cocoa flavor. They’re an elegant, irresistible dessert for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or any time you want to impress!
Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Macaron Shells:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together powdered sugar, almond flour, and cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar (if using) until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the egg whites, being careful not to deflate the batter. Add the red food coloring and fold until evenly incorporated.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tap the baking sheets on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Let the macarons rest at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes or until a skin forms on top (they should be touchable without sticking to your finger).
Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, or until they easily lift off the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. - Make the Mascarpone Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and holds stiff peaks. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to adjust the consistency. - Assemble the Macarons:
Once the macaron shells are completely cooled, pair them up by size.
Pipe a generous amount of mascarpone frosting onto the flat side of one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell, pressing gently to adhere.
Store the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For a more intense red color, you can adjust the amount of food coloring.
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature to help achieve the perfect meringue.
- Macarons can be tricky, so if you’re new to making them, be patient and precise with the folding technique and resting time.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Red Velvet Macarons, Macarons, Mascarpone Frosting, Red Velvet, Valentine’s Day, French Macarons, Elegant Desserts