Making Strawberry Macarons can be straightforward when you follow these steps:

1. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Consider marking circles with a pencil to help shape your macarons evenly.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This ensures a fine texture.

3. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.

4. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This can take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Flavoring and Coloring: Once the egg whites are whipped, gently fold in the vanilla extract and food coloring if desired.

6. Incorporate Dry Mixture: Carefully add the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture to the egg whites. Fold until just combined, ensuring not to deflate the egg whites.

7. Pipe Macarons: Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, using the marked templates for guidance.

8. Rest the Macarons: Allow the piped macarons to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until they form a skin. This step is crucial for getting that signature macaron “foot.”

9. Preheat Oven: While the macarons rest, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

10. Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures may vary.

11. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.

12. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Finally, fold in the strawberry puree.

13. Assemble the Macarons: Pair your macaron shells. Pipe a dollop of strawberry filling onto the flat side of one shell and gently press another shell on top.

14. Chill: Allow the assembled macarons to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

15. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the macarons at room temperature, and enjoy the amazing burst of strawberry flavor.