Red Velvet Macaron

Introduction

Red Velvet Macaron is a stunning dessert that combines the classic elegance of macarons with the rich, luxurious flavor of red velvet cake. These delicate French cookies have a subtle cocoa flavor and a signature red hue, making them a perfect treat for special occasions or to indulge in any time. Filled with a smooth, cream cheese buttercream, these macarons offer a perfect balance of crispy shells and creamy filling.

I remember the first time I made these for a special celebration. The vibrant red color and the smooth texture of the cream cheese buttercream made them a showstopper, and the compliments kept coming. What’s great about Red Velvet Macarons is how they blend the light, airy texture of macarons with the indulgent, velvety taste of red velvet cake. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, Red Velvet Macarons are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Dessert tables
• Holiday treats
• Tea parties
• Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Macaron will become your new favorite dessert:

• Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa and a hint of vanilla in the macaron shells pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy cream cheese filling.
• Beautiful Color: The vibrant red color makes these macarons visually striking, adding an elegant touch to any dessert spread.
• Perfect Texture: These macarons have the perfect balance of a crisp outer shell with a soft, chewy interior, complemented by a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling.
• Elegant and Impressive: Red Velvet Macarons are impressive yet surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for special occasions or as a homemade gift.
• Versatile: They can be made ahead of time and stored, making them perfect for planning events or indulging in a sweet treat whenever you like.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 20-25 macarons
• Calories per macaron: Approximately 90-110 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 16g, Fat: 4g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Macarons:

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp red food coloring (gel-based preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Almond Flour: The key ingredient for the smooth texture and delicate crunch of the macaron shells.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the macaron shells their signature deep red color.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor to complement the cream cheese filling.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, smooth filling that balances the sweetness of the shells.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of both the macaron shells and the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Macaron:

Prepare the Macaron Shells:

1. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, almond flour, and cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
2. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
3. Add Food Coloring and Vanilla: Add the red food coloring and vanilla extract to the egg whites, mixing gently until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Fold the Dry Ingredients into the Meringue: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue in batches using a spatula. Fold until the mixture flows like lava and forms a ribbon when lifted.
5. Pipe the Macaron Shells: Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, round discs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tap the baking sheet gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
6. Rest the Macarons: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin on top and are no longer sticky to the touch.

Bake the Macaron Shells:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
8. Bake the Shells: Bake the macarons for 12-15 minutes, or until they have formed a “foot” (the ruffled bottom) and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper.
9. Cool the Shells: Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

10. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
12. Chill the Filling: Chill the filling for 30 minutes to make it easier to pipe.

Assemble the Macarons:

13. Pair the Shells: Match up similar-sized macaron shells to pair for filling.
14. Pipe the Filling: Transfer the cream cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe a dollop of filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell.
15. Sandwich the Shells Together: Gently press the other macaron shell on top of the filling to form a sandwich.
16. Let the Macarons Rest: Let the assembled macarons sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve

• Perfect for Tea Time: Serve these elegant macarons with your favorite tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• On Special Occasions: Red Velvet Macarons are perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any occasion that calls for something special.
• As a Gift: Package these macarons in a beautiful box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Garnish with Edible Gold Dust: For a touch of luxury, sprinkle edible gold dust on top of the macaron shells before serving.
• Serve at Dessert Buffets: They’re a beautiful addition to dessert tables at weddings, parties, or showers.

Additional Tips

• Rest the Shells Well: Be sure to let the piped shells rest until they form a skin to achieve that perfect macaron texture.
• Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for the best results.
• Sift the Dry Ingredients: This is crucial to avoid lumps and ensure smooth shells.
• Don’t Overmix the Meringue: When folding in the dry ingredients, don’t overmix the batter, or you’ll lose the delicate texture of the macaron.

Recipe Variations

1. Red Velvet Macaron with White Chocolate Ganache
2. Red Velvet Macaron with Raspberry Jam
3. Chocolate Red Velvet Macaron
4. Red Velvet Macaron with Almond Cream Filling
5. Lemon Red Velvet Macaron
6. Red Velvet Macaron with Nutella Filling
7. Caramel Red Velvet Macaron
8. Mocha Red Velvet Macaron
9. Coconut Red Velvet Macaron
10. Strawberry Red Velvet Macaron

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the unfilled macaron shells for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.
• Storage: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Piping bags and tips
• Sifter for dry ingredients
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie sheets

FAQ Section

1. Can I use liquid food coloring? It’s best to use gel-based food coloring for a more vibrant red color.
2. Can I make these in advance? Yes, they can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
3. How can I fix hollow macarons? Check that the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and that you’ve folded the dry ingredients properly to avoid overmixing.
4. Can I use a different filling? Yes, feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate ganache or buttercream.
5. Can I make these without almond flour? Almond flour is key for the macaron texture, but if you have a nut allergy, you can try a seed-based flour as a substitute.

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Conclusion

Indulge in the luxurious combination of smooth cream cheese filling and soft, chewy red velvet macaron shells with this simple yet impressive recipe. These macarons will undoubtedly add a touch of elegance and indulgence to any event or dessert table, leaving your guests in awe of both their flavor and beauty.

With their vibrant red color and delicate texture, these red velvet macarons are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The sweet, tangy cream cheese filling perfectly complements the rich cocoa flavor of the red velvet shells, making them a memorable treat for any occasion.

This recipe is easy to follow and will result in macarons that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or a sweet treat just for yourself, these red velvet macarons are sure to be a hit.

I’d love to see your Red Velvet Macaron creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your beautiful work. Happy baking!