Red Velvet Macarons With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The Perfect Red Velvet Macarons with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking these delightful red velvet macarons with cream cheese frosting can transport you to a world of sweet, elegant indulgence.

Delicate almond flour shells blend perfectly with rich cocoa undertones.

Vibrant crimson colors peek through crisp, glossy surfaces.

Whispers of vanilla dance alongside velvety smooth cream cheese filling.

Meticulous techniques ensure each macaron emerges as a miniature work of culinary art.

Gentle patience and precise measurements become your trusted companions in crafting these exquisite French-inspired treats.

You’ll fall in love with every delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

What Makes Red Velvet Macarons with Cream Cheese Frosting Shine

  • Simplify Sweet Elegance: Craft these stunning red velvet macarons with straightforward steps that make you feel like a professional pastry chef without complex techniques.
  • Customize Color Magic: Easily adjust the vibrant red color intensity using food coloring, allowing personalization for special occasions like Valentine's Day, birthdays, or holiday celebrations.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Gourmet Treat: Impress friends and family with a fancy dessert that combines classic red velvet flavor with delicate French macaron texture, elevating your baking skills.
  • Quick Impressive Dessert: Prepare these elegant treats in under an hour, perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want to surprise loved ones with a sophisticated homemade dessert.

Red Velvet Macarons with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Core Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour: Fine ground almonds for macaron texture.
  • Egg Whites: Essential for creating light and airy macaron shells.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and color.
Coloring and Flavor:
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates classic red velvet appearance.
  • Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg white meringue.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps create stiff meringue peaks.
Cream Cheese Frosting Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.

How to Bake Red Velvet Macarons

Step 1: Sift Dry Ingredients

Grab a large sifter and combine almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Gently sift these ingredients together to remove any lumps and create a super fine, smooth mixture that will give your macarons a delicate texture.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, start beating egg whites with cream of tartar until they become foamy and soft. Gradually sprinkle in granulated sugar while continuing to whip until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. Add a few drops of red food coloring to create that classic red velvet look.

Step 3: Blend Batter

Carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites in small batches. Use a gentle folding motion to maintain the airiness of the egg whites. The final batter should flow like thick ribbon when lifted.

Step 4: Shape Macaron Shells

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe uniform circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Rest Macaron Shells

Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This crucial resting period allows a thin skin to form on top, which helps create the signature macaron “feet” during baking.

Step 6: Bake Shells

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Bake the macaron shells for 14-16 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. The shells should develop a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Macarons

Once shells are completely cooled, match similar-sized shells together. Pipe cream cheese frosting onto one shell and gently sandwich with its partner. Refrigerate to help set the filling.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow macarons to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours to develop optimal flavor and texture. Bring to room temperature before serving for the most delightful red velvet macaron experience.

Macaron Tips for Red Velvet with Cream Cheese

  • Master Ingredient Sifting: Ensure a smooth, lump-free macaron shell by triple-sifting almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder through a fine-mesh sieve.
  • Perfect Meringue Technique: Whip egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume, stopping when stiff, glossy peaks form and meringue looks silky smooth.
  • Color Control: Add gel food coloring sparingly during meringue stage to maintain proper egg white structure and achieve vibrant red velvet hue.
  • Rest for Success: Allow piped macaron shells to develop a slight skin before baking, creating those signature crisp exterior and soft interior textures.
  • Frosting Balance: Keep cream cheese frosting slightly chilled to prevent spreading and ensure clean, precise piping between macaron shells.

Storing Red Velvet Macarons With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Store macarons in an airtight container between parchment layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual macarons in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Let frozen or refrigerated macarons sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. This helps restore their soft, delicate texture.
  • Avoid direct microwave heating. Gently warm in a low-temperature oven at 90°C (195°F) for 2-3 minutes to prevent shell cracking or filling melting.

Red Velvet Macarons Go Great With

  • Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a sweet moscato d'asti with light bubbles that complement the macaron's delicate texture and enhance the red velvet's rich chocolate undertones.
  • Contrasting Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth cold brew or creamy cappuccino to cut through the sweetness and provide a robust counterpoint to the cream cheese frosting's richness.
  • Flavor-Boosting Beverage Match: Mix a raspberry liqueur cocktail that echoes the red velvet's deep color and introduces a tangy fruit note that brightens the macaron's overall profile.
  • Palate-Cleansing Accompaniment: Prepare a sparkling water with fresh mint leaves to refresh the taste buds between delicate macaron bites and cleanse the palate with a light, crisp finish.

New Looks for Red Velvet Macarons

  • Gluten-Free Macarons: Replace almond flour with gluten-free ground almonds or use a blend of rice flour and almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Red Velvet Version: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in both shells and frosting, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly treats.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Adaptation: Add extra cocoa powder to the shells, incorporate melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese frosting for an intensified chocolate experience.

FAQs

  • What makes red velvet macarons different from regular macarons?

Red velvet macarons incorporate cocoa powder and red food coloring, giving them a distinct reddish-brown color and subtle chocolate flavor compared to traditional almond-based macarons.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these macarons?

While a stand mixer helps, you can use a hand mixer or whisk. A piping bag with a round tip is essential for creating uniform macaron shells, and a kitchen scale ensures precise ingredient measurements.

  • Why do macarons sometimes crack or have no feet?

Cracking or lack of feet often results from overmixing the batter, not letting shells rest before baking, or incorrect oven temperature. Precise technique and following the recipe closely helps achieve perfect macaron texture.

  • How difficult are red velvet macarons for beginners?

Macarons can be challenging for first-time bakers. They require precise technique, careful mixing, and specific baking conditions. Practice and patience are key to mastering the delicate macaron-making process.

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Red Velvet Macarons With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Red Velvet Macarons With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red velvet macarons with cream cheese frosting deliver a luxurious French-inspired dessert that melts hearts with its elegant crimson shells and silky filling. Delicate macaron technique meets Southern charm, creating an irresistible sweet treat you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) almond flour
  • 75 grams (2.6 ounces) egg whites (room temperature)
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
  • 75 grams (2.6 ounces) granulated sugar

Flavor and Coloring Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • Red gel food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Meticulously sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth macaron texture.
  2. Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they become frothy, then gradually introduce granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture develops glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape distinctly.
  3. Gently introduce vibrant red food coloring, folding it carefully to create an even, rich crimson hue throughout the meringue mixture.
  4. Delicately fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue using precise, circular motions to maintain the airiness of the mixture, stopping when the batter flows like molten lava.
  5. Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe uniform circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining consistent size and spacing.
  6. Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature, developing a slight skin that will create the signature macaron “feet” during baking.
  7. Preheat the oven and bake the macarons at a precise temperature, rotating the tray midway to ensure even coloration and crisp exterior.
  8. For the cream cheese frosting, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fully integrated, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  9. Once the macaron shells have completely cooled, match them by size and carefully pipe the cream cheese frosting on one shell.
  10. Gently sandwich the matched shells together, creating a delicate, elegant red velvet macaron with a creamy, tangy filling.

Notes

  • Rest macarons at room temperature before baking to develop a smooth, glossy skin that prevents cracking.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without disrupting macaron batter consistency.
  • Gently tap baking sheet after piping to release air bubbles and create perfect smooth macaron shells.
  • Ensure all utensils are completely grease-free to help egg whites whip properly and maintain stable meringue structure.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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