Macaron Towers in Valentine Colors

Name: Macaron Towers in Valentine Colors
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 macarons
Ingredients: 100g almond flour; 100g powdered sugar; 75g egg whites (aged); 100g granulated sugar; Food coloring (red and pink); 150g unsalted butter, softened; 200g powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp heavy cream; Optional: fruit puree or flavored extracts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Macaron Towers in Valentine colors because they not only taste divine but also look stunning on any dessert table. The delicate almond meringue shells paired with a luscious filling create a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Preparing these treats allows me to explore my creative side, mixing and matching colors and flavors. The joy of seeing friends' expressions when they take the first bite makes all the effort worthwhile. It's a perfect way to celebrate love or just indulge in a beautiful dessert.

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:22:09.923Z

Making Macaron Towers is a delightful experience that combines precision and creativity. I began by experimenting with different color combinations and flavors, which led to some surprisingly delicious results. The key is to achieve the perfect meringue consistency; I've found that aging the egg whites overnight greatly improves the structure of the macarons.

After numerous trials, I discovered that allowing the macarons to rest before baking helps develop that beautiful 'foot' that we all crave. This process not only enhances the texture but also ensures an even bake. Each layer in the tower tells a story of flavor, color, and love!

        Why You'll Love These Macarons
        Vibrant colors that elevate your celebrations
Delicate and crisp texture with a melt-in-your-mouth filling
Customizable flavors to suit any palate

      

Mastering the Macaron Technique

Creating perfect macarons requires precision and attention to detail. The aging of your egg whites is crucial — ideally, do this 24 hours in advance by separating the egg whites and leaving them in the fridge uncovered. This process helps reduce moisture, making for stronger meringue with a better structure. As you whip your egg whites, be careful not to over-whip past stiff peaks, which can lead to cracking shells during baking.

When mixing your dry ingredients, it's essential to sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to eliminate lumps. This contributes to the macarons' smooth surfaces and helps ensure they rise properly. For the food coloring, use gel-based options for a vibrant hue without adding moisture, which can alter the batter's consistency. If you're experimenting with multiple colors, consider dividing the batter and adding different shades to create an eye-catching swirl effect.

Filling Flavor Combinations

The filling can make or break your macaron experience. While the buttercream base is delightful, don’t hesitate to customize it to match the occasion or your palate. For a fruity twist, I love incorporating purees from strawberries or raspberries, which not only enhance flavor but can also provide a beautiful color contrast. When adding additional ingredients, start small — about 1 tablespoon of puree or extract at a time — to maintain the filling's structure while achieving the desired taste.

If you're keen on experimenting with textures, consider adding finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips to your buttercream for added crunch. Remember to adjust the heavy cream slightly if your mix thickens too much after adding these ingredients. Chilling the filling for about 15-20 minutes before piping can make it easier to handle and ensure a neat application.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Macarons are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully; just ensure to place them in a single layer to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture. This waiting period helps restore their delightful chewiness while still keeping the shell crisp.

For a stunning presentation at your next gathering, consider decorating your macaron towers with fresh flowers or edible glitter. These additional touches can elevate your dessert's visual appeal and make it truly memorable. If you want to create a themed presentation, coordinate your colors and arrangements according to events, using pastel shades for spring or rich hues for a winter celebration.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients listed below to start creating your Macaron Towers!

Macaron Shells

100g almond flour
100g powdered sugar
75g egg whites (aged)
100g granulated sugar
Food coloring (red and pink)

Filling

150g unsalted butter, softened
200g powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream
Optional: fruit puree or flavored extracts

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to start making your delicious Macaron Towers!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your stunning Macaron Towers.

Prepare the Meringue

In a clean bowl, mix the almond flour and powdered sugar. In another bowl, whip the aged egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the almond mixture and food coloring until well combined.

Pipe the Shells

Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure to leave space between each one. Tap the sheets gently to remove any air bubbles.

Bake the Macarons

Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until a skin forms. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the macarons lift easily from the parchment.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy, adding heavy cream to achieve a smooth consistency. Customize with fruit puree or extracts if desired.

Assemble the Towers

Pair the macaron shells with similar-sized matches. Pipe a dollop of filling onto one shell and sandwich it with another. Repeat until all are assembled, then stack them in a decorative tower.

Your Macaron Towers are now ready to impress! Enjoy them fresh, or store them in an airtight container for later.

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature and aged for at least 24 hours. Experiment with different color combinations to match your theme!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your macarons have cracked tops, it likely means they didn't rest long enough before baking or the oven temperature was too high. Ensure you allow the piped shells to sit at room temperature until they develop a skin — often 30 to 60 minutes depending on humidity. An oven thermometer can be a valuable tool to confirm accurate baking temperatures, especially in older ovens.

Uneven macarons can result from inconsistent piping; practice straight, even pressure when squeezing the piping bag. Using a template beneath the parchment can help maintain uniform sizes. If your macarons spread too much during baking, try reducing the size of your egg whites next time or adjusting the oven temperature slightly cooler to change the baking dynamics.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling the macaron recipe can be done easily by maintaining the same ratio of ingredients. For double batches, simply multiply the quantities, keeping in mind that you may need to bake them in multiple rounds to avoid overcrowding in the oven. Splitting the baking process also ensures each batch achieves that golden edge without overbaking the others.

If you're looking to make mini macarons for a bite-sized treat, reduce the size of your piped circles and adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Always watch for that telltale feet formation and gently touch the tops to ensure they feel firm before removing them from the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different flavors for the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruit purees, chocolate ganache, or any extract that you enjoy.

→ Why do my macarons crack?

Macarons can crack if the oven temperature is too high or if the batter was overmixed. Make sure to use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

→ Can I freeze macarons?

Yes, you can freeze assembled macarons. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

→ What’s the best way to store macarons?

Store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.