Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting
Red velvet macarons with mascarpone frosting are a delightful twist on the classic French treat. With their vibrant color and rich flavor, these delicate cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is both fun and rewarding to make.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of red velvet macarons with mascarpone frosting. For one, they bring a splash of color to any dessert table, making them perfect for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or holidays. The combination of the sweet, creamy mascarpone filling and the subtly chocolatey macaron shell creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
Additionally, making macarons can be a wonderfully satisfying challenge! With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll learn valuable baking skills that can be applied to many other recipes. Plus, once you master the art of macarons, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different colors, flavors, and fillings, making each batch a unique creation.
How to Make Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting
Ready to start baking? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of stunning red velvet macarons with mascarpone frosting.
Ingredients
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 120 g almond flour
- 7 g cocoa powder
- 105 g egg whites
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- 1/2 tsp red food gel
- 113 g heavy cream (cold)
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 113 g mascarpone (cold)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla paste
Directions
For the Macaron Shells:
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Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, finely process the powdered sugar, almond flour, and cocoa powder. Sift the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps.
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Whip the Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Flavorings and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla paste and red food gel into the beaten egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry mixture to the egg whites, folding carefully until the batter has a smooth, lava-like consistency. This process should be gentle yet thorough.
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Pipe the Macarons: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the lined baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron. Tap the baking sheets against the counter to release any air bubbles.
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Rest the Macarons: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes or until a thin skin forms on top. This step is crucial for getting that coveted macaron "foot."
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Bake: Place the macarons in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment.
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
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Whip Heavy Cream: In a mixing bowl, begin by whipping the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
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Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue whipping. Once incorporated, gently fold in the cold mascarpone cheese and the vanilla paste until smooth.
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Chill the Frosting: Keep the frosting in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the macarons.
For Assembly:
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Pair Shells: Match the macaron shells in pairs of similar size for a uniform look.
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Fill the Frosting: Pipe a dollop of mascarpone frosting onto the flat side of one macaron shell and gently press another shell on top to create a sandwich.
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Repeat: Continue the process until all macarons are filled.
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Chill Before Serving: Allow the assembled macarons to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the shells soften slightly.
Pro Tips for Success with Red Velvet Macarons
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Measure Ingredients by Weight: Accurate measurements are crucial when making macarons. Use a kitchen scale for precise results.
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Sift Thoroughly: Sifting your dry ingredients helps to prevent lumps and promotes a smoother batter, essential for the macaron’s texture.
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Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Allow the macarons to rest until a skin forms on the surface. This is essential for achieving the right texture when baking.
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Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: If your egg whites are at room temperature, they will whip better and help create the perfect meringue.
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Experiment with Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works better than liquid food coloring for macarons, as it won’t affect the consistency of the batter as much.
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Store Properly: Keep baked macarons in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness.
Flavor Variations for Red Velvet Macarons
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Cream Cheese Filling: For a more traditional red velvet flavor, swap the mascarpone frosting with cream cheese frosting.
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Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the sweetness.
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Chocolate Ganache: For a richer taste, fill the macarons with dark chocolate ganache instead of the mascarpone frosting.
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Coffee Flavor: Introduce a coffee element by mixing espresso powder into the mascarpone frosting for a mocha-inspired macaron.
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Coconut Cream: Try coconut-flavored frosting by adding coconut extract to the mascarpone filling for a tropical variation.
Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Macarons
Red velvet macarons can be served elegantly on a dessert platter at parties or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For an added touch, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or drizzling a little chocolate sauce on the plate for decoration. They also make a delightful gift when packaged in a beautiful box or tin!
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Red Velvet Macarons
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Short-term Storage: Keep assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This allows the flavors to meld while preserving their texture.
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Long-term Freezing: If you want to make macarons ahead of time, you can freeze the shells before filling them. Store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and fill them with the mascarpone frosting.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|———-|———|——-|——|——-|——–|
| 120 | 2 g | 16 g | 6 g | 0 g | 30 mg |
FAQ About Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour for this recipe?
Using regular flour instead of almond flour is not recommended for macarons. Almond flour gives the shells their characteristic texture and flavor. If you have a nut allergy, consider using a nut-free alternative designed for macarons.
What can I do if my macaron batter is too runny?
If your macaron batter is too runny, you may have overmixed it. It’s crucial to fold the dry ingredients into the meringue until just combined. If it’s too runny, you may need to start over with a new batch.
How long should I let the macarons rest before baking?
Resting time can vary depending on humidity and temperature, but typically, letting them sit for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on top is essential. This helps them develop the characteristic "foot" during baking.
Can I make the macarons ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the macaron shells ahead of time and freeze them without the filling. When you’re ready to serve, defrost them at room temperature and fill them with the mascarpone frosting.
Are red velvet macarons gluten-free?
Yes, red velvet macarons are naturally gluten-free because they are made with almond flour instead of wheat flour. Just be cautious with any cross-contamination if you’re serving individuals with gluten sensitivities.
What can I do if my macarons crack?
Cracking in macarons is often caused by too high of an oven temperature or not allowing them to rest long enough before baking. Ensure your oven is accurate and allow sufficient resting time to avoid this issue.
Final Thoughts
Making red velvet macarons with mascarpone frosting is a delightful journey filled with flavor, color, and creativity. This recipe not only produces stunning treats but also a wonderful learning experience in the world of baking. With the right tips and a little practice, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with these elegant cookies. So don your apron, get your ingredients ready, and dive into the art of creating these charming little masterpieces! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Red Velvet Macarons with Mascarpone Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 macarons
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful twist on the classic French treat, these red velvet macarons filled with creamy mascarpone frosting are perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 120 g almond flour
- 7 g cocoa powder
- 105 g egg whites
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- 1/2 tsp red food gel
- 113 g heavy cream (cold)
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 113 g mascarpone (cold)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla paste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, finely process the powdered sugar, almond flour, and cocoa powder. Sift the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps.
- Whip the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
- Gently fold in vanilla paste and red food gel into the beaten egg whites.
- Gradually add the sifted dry mixture to the egg whites, folding until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles on the lined baking sheets.
- Let the piped macarons rest until a thin skin forms (30-60 minutes).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then cool completely.
- For frosting, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar. Fold in mascarpone cheese and vanilla paste until smooth.
- Pipe mascarpone frosting between paired macaron shells, and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Measure ingredients by weight for accuracy and ensure to rest the macarons for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French