Macarons with Raspberry Filling

Name: Macarons with Raspberry Filling
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 macarons
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1¾ cups powdered sugar; 4 large egg whites, aged; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; Red food coloring (optional); ½ cup fresh raspberries; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore making macarons, and this Raspberry Filling variation is one of my favorites. The process can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's incredibly rewarding. The balance of the sweet almond shell and the tart raspberry filling creates a delightful treat that impresses everyone. With a little practice, you'll find making these elegant desserts to be a fun and satisfying experience. Whether for a special occasion or a personal indulgence, these macarons are sure to delight!

Created by

Abigail Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:25:41.123Z

Making macarons has always been a cherished culinary adventure for me. I vividly remember my first attempt, which ended in a chaotic mess but taught me valuable lessons on precision and technique. This Raspberry Filling version is a spectacular way to combine the nutty flavor of almond with the refreshing and slightly tart essence of raspberries. It's all about achieving that perfect texture and using fresh ingredients to make the filling pop.

The most crucial tip I learned is to ensure that your meringue and almond mixture are combined just right—not overmixing, so you retain those signature feet. Also, aging your egg whites can make a tremendous difference in the overall texture. Trust me, once you nail the technique, you’ll be hooked on making macarons!

Why You'll Love These Macarons
The balance of sweet and tart flavors
Texture that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with a cup of tea

Mastering the Macaron Technique

To achieve the perfect macaron, it's crucial to understand the importance of aged egg whites. By allowing the egg whites to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using them, you promote the evaporation of water content. This not only helps create more stable meringue but also contributes to the ideal texture where the outside is crispy and the inside is chewy.

The process of folding the dry ingredients into the meringue is where many people struggle. The key here is to do it gently and avoid over-mixing, which can result in flat macaron shells. You’re aiming for a batter that flows like lava and holds a figure eight when you lift the spatula. This ensures that your shells will rise beautifully in the oven.

When piping your macaron shells, use a round tip and maintain an even pressure to achieve uniform sizes. Keeping a consistent distance from the baking sheet helps create even rounds. If you notice that your macarons have uneven shapes after baking, it could be due to inconsistent piping or improperly balanced wet and dry ingredients.

Creating the Raspberry Filling

For the raspberry filling, using fresh raspberries is essential for vibrant flavor. If fresh raspberries are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen ones. Just ensure they're thawed and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make your filling too runny. This filling is not just sweet; the tartness of the raspberries beautifully complements the sweet almond macaron shells.

Incorporating lemon juice into the raspberry filling not only enhances the berry flavor but also gives the filling a light and refreshing brightness. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference; a little extra can give your filling a delightful zing, balancing out the sweetness.

Be mindful when creaming your butter. Aim for it to be at room temperature—soft enough to incorporate well but not melted. Over-creaming can lead to a filling that's too airy, while under-creaming can result in a dense texture. The goal is to achieve a creamy, smooth consistency that spreads beautifully between the macaron shells.

Storing and Serving Tips

Macarons taste best when they have time to mature. After assembling, refrigerate them for at least an hour; this allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer taste experience. Ideally, you should let them sit overnight. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and preserve their delicate texture.

If you have leftovers, macarons can be frozen for up to three months. Place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. To enjoy them, simply let them come to room temperature after taking them out of the freezer. Refrain from microwaving them, as this can alter their textural quality.

For an elegant presentation, serve these macarons on a tiered stand or alongside a cup of tea. You can also pair them with additional raspberry sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a visually appealing touch. These delightful treats not only taste amazing but also make for an impressive dessert at any gathering!

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients before you start:

For the Macarons

1 cup almond flour
1¾ cups powdered sugar
4 large egg whites, aged
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Red food coloring (optional)

For the Raspberry Filling

½ cup fresh raspberries
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ensure everything is weighed accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your macarons:

Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make the Macaron Batter

In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue gently, adding a few drops of food coloring if desired.

Pipe the Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Tap the baking sheets gently to release any air bubbles.

Bake the Macarons

Let the macaron shells sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake for 15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.

Make the Raspberry Filling

In a bowl, mash the fresh raspberries. Cream the softened butter, then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in the raspberries.

Assemble the Macarons

Once the macaron shells are cool, pipe a dollop of raspberry filling onto half of the shells, then top with the remaining shells. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.

Enjoy your homemade macarons as a delightful treat!

Pro Tips

Practice makes perfect! Don't get discouraged if they don't turn out perfectly at first. Also, consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

Variations on Raspberry Filling

While the raspberry filling is delicious on its own, consider experimenting with different fruit combinations. A mixture of raspberries and strawberries can create a beautiful, colorful filling. You might also try adding a hint of mint or basil for an herbal twist, or even incorporating a splash of liqueur for adults to elevate the flavor profile.

You can also swap the raspberry filling for different flavors entirely! Classic chocolate ganache, salted caramel, or lemon curd can also be delicious alternatives. Just remember that the consistency of your filling is key; it shouldn't be too runny, as it will make the macarons messy to eat.

Troubleshooting Common Macaron Issues

If your macaron shells crack during baking, it might be due to the oven temperature being too high or not letting the shells rest long enough before baking. Aim for a consistent 300°F (150°C) and allow the piped shells to form a skin for at least 30 minutes before putting them in the oven. This will help them rise properly and form that signature 'foot.'

Another common issue is hollow shells, which often result from under-mixing the batter or inadequate baking time. If your macarons have a dome shape but are hollow inside, make sure you’re mixing enough to incorporate air properly. It may also help to increase your baking time by a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Questions About Recipes

→ What if my macarons don't have feet?

Feet can be affected by overmixing or underbaking. Make sure to follow the steps closely and check your oven temperature.

→ Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?

Yes, but be sure to drain excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy filling.

→ How do I store the macarons?

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

→ Why are my macaron shells cracking?

Cracking can occur if the batter is too runny or if there's too much humidity in the air when baking.