If you have a sweet tooth and a penchant for delicate French pastries, you absolutely must try this French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe. These macarons are the perfect marriage of crisp, airy shells and luscious, creamy buttercream bursting with vibrant raspberry flavor. With a hint of vanilla and an optional twist of coconut, these treats are as beautiful to look at as they are irresistible to taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe brings the magic of Paris right into your kitchen with ingredients that feel both approachable and a touch sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every truly memorable treat starts with ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each element here plays a starring role in creating macarons that are perfectly textured, balanced in sweetness, and vibrant in flavor.
- 2 Cups confectioners’ sugar: Provides the delicate sweetness and helps create the smooth surface of the shells.
- 6 oz Raspberries: Fresh raspberries bring a natural tang and vivid color to the buttercream filling.
- 1 Tsp. vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/2 Tsp. coconut extract (optional): A subtle tropical hint that complements the berries beautifully.
- 2 Tablespoons coconut milk: This adds moisture and a creamy texture to the buttercream.
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened: The foundation of luxuriously smooth buttercream with just the right salt balance to enhance sweetness.
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out: Pure vanilla seeds provide an irresistible aroma and flecks of beauty in the buttercream.
- 1 3/4 Cups confectioners’ sugar (additional): For sweetening the macaron shells, ensuring they’re perfectly tender and lightly sweet.
- 1 1/4 Cups almond flour: The signature nutty flavor and texture essential to a macaron’s delicate structure.
- 1/4 Cup coconut flour: Adds a subtle texture twist and naturally enhances the coconut undertone.
- 2/3 Cup egg whites: The secret to that perfect lofty and airy shell.
- 3 T granulated sugar: Stabilizes the egg whites during meringue formation to create that iconic glossy finish.
- 1-3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional): For that stunning, picture-perfect macaron color that matches the raspberry filling.
How to Make French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Macaron Shells
Start by sifting together the almond flour, coconut flour, and confectioners’ sugar to eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth batter. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites until they hold soft peaks, then gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to whip until you reach stiff, glossy peaks. This meringue is the heart of your shells, giving them their airy structure and signature shine. Gently fold the dry mixture into the meringue, using the macaronage technique—the key to perfect texture where the batter flows like lava but holds its shape. If you’re adding food coloring, fold it in at this stage. Pipe uniform rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, allow them to rest until a skin forms on top, then bake until beautifully crisp on the outside yet tender inside.
Step 2: Crafting the French Buttercream Raspberry Filling
Create a luscious buttercream by beating the softened salted butter until silky and light. In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh raspberries until smooth; strain to remove seeds for an ultra-smooth filling. Combine the puree with vanilla extract, coconut extract if using, and coconut milk for creaminess. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla bean seeds while mixing until the buttercream is thick, creamy, and bursting with natural raspberry flavor. This filling will be the jewel that brings the macaron halves together in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Assembling Your French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe
Once both the shells and buttercream have cooled and set, pair shells of similar size and pipe a generous dollop of raspberry buttercream onto one half. Gently sandwich with the matching shell, pressing just enough to spread the filling evenly to the edges without cracking the delicate shells. Refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to soften slightly—this resting period truly elevates them from delightful to divine.
How to Serve French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe
Garnishes
To impress your guests, consider topping each macaron with a tiny edible flower or a fresh raspberry. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few decorative silver dragees can add sparkle and elegance without overpowering the delicate flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these petite delights alongside a cup of rich espresso or a delicate cup of chamomile tea to balance their sweetness. Fresh summer berries or a light sorbet on the side make for a refreshing complement that keeps the palate dancing happily.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine arranging your macarons on a tiered stand for an elegant tea party or packing them in a clear gift box tied with a satin ribbon to delight friends and family. For a modern twist, present them on a slate board with scattered edible rose petals and small bowls of fresh berries for a stunning visual feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep unused macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. The buttercream filling helps preserve moisture, but the shells remain tender only for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
Macarons freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you want to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since macarons are best served cool, you don’t want to heat them directly. Instead, bring frozen or refrigerated macarons to room temperature before enjoying, allowing the buttercream filling to soften and flavors to bloom.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for the buttercream?
Absolutely! Just thaw and strain them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in your buttercream, which can affect the texture.
What if I don’t have coconut flour? Can I skip it?
You can omit the coconut flour if it’s not available, but it does add a unique texture and flavor layer that enhances the macarons’ overall profile.
How do I know when the macaron shells are done baking?
The shells should be firm to the touch and easily peel off the parchment paper with a smooth, glossy top and no stickiness underneath.
Can I make the French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on egg whites and butter, so making it fully vegan would require substitutions like aquafaba and vegan butter, which might require some experimentation for best results.
What causes hollow shells, and how can I prevent them?
Hollow shells usually result from over or under-mixing the batter or incorrect oven temperature. Practice and precise measurements help, as does tapping the baking sheet to release air bubbles before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about crafting these French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe from scratch. The blend of crisp shells, creamy raspberry buttercream, and the subtle hints of vanilla and coconut make each bite a celebration. I encourage you to dive in, embrace the process, and share these beautiful treats with loved ones—they are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories.
Print
French Buttercream Raspberry Macarons Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes plus 24 hours resting
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Delight in the delicate sweetness of French Buttercream Macarons, featuring a tender almond-coconut shell filled with a rich raspberry buttercream. This recipe blends traditional French techniques with a tropical twist through the use of coconut milk and extract, making for an elegant and flavorful treat perfect for special occasions or gourmet snacking.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2/3 cup egg whites
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1–3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
French Buttercream Filling
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 6 oz raspberries
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Macaron Shells: Whip the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks are achieved. Gently fold together almond flour, coconut flour, and confectioners’ sugar in a separate bowl. Add the dry mixture to the egg whites, folding carefully to maintain airiness, adding red or pink food coloring if desired to achieve the classic macaron hue.
- Pipe and Bake the Shells: Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Tap the baking sheets gently to release air bubbles and let the shells rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to form a skin. Preheat the oven and bake the shells at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 15-18 minutes, until feet form and tops are firm. Allow shells to cool completely before removing from parchment.
- Make the Raspberry Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add vanilla bean seeds, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and confectioners’ sugar gradually, beating until smooth and fluffy. Puree the raspberries and strain to remove seeds, then fold the raspberry puree and coconut milk into the buttercream until fully incorporated. Adjust sweetness and consistency as needed.
- Assemble the Macarons: Pair up macaron shells of similar size. Pipe a generous amount of raspberry buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then gently sandwich with the matching shell. Repeat for all shells.
- Mature and Serve: Refrigerate assembled macarons for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to improve. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and consistency.
Notes
- Room temperature egg whites will whip better for the shells.
- Letting the piped shells rest before baking helps prevent cracks and creates the signature feet.
- Straining raspberry puree removes seeds and ensures a smooth buttercream texture.
- Buttercream can be adjusted in sweetness or coconut flavor to personal preference.
- Macarons are best enjoyed within 2-3 days but can be frozen for longer storage.
