Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Macarons are a delightful twist on the classic macaron, inspired by the flavors of strawberry shortcake. These elegant treats feature light and airy almond shells filled with a luscious strawberry jam and vanilla cream cheese frosting. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy vanilla will transport you straight to a summer picnic with every bite.

I made these for a special occasion, and they were a hit with everyone. The kitchen filled with the comforting scent of fresh strawberries and vanilla, making it feel like summer had arrived early. What I love most about these macarons is how they balance the delicate crunch of the almond shells with the rich, creamy filling. They’re perfect for celebrations, gifts, or just when you want to treat yourself to something truly special. Each bite is like a mini vacation, and they’re as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Afternoon tea
• Birthday parties
• Bridal showers
• Macaron and fruit lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

Here’s why Strawberry Shortcake Macarons will steal your heart:

• Crispy and Chewy Shells: The perfect macaron texture—crispy on the outside with a soft, chewy interior.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The strawberry jam filling adds a vibrant fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy vanilla.
• Decadent and Elegant: These macarons are stunning and taste just as good as they look, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions.
• Customizable Fillings: The filling can be customized to include fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a strawberry buttercream.
• Great for Practicing Macaron Skills: If you’re a fan of making macarons, this recipe is a fun way to expand your flavor repertoire.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including resting time)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes per batch
• Servings: 20 macarons (40 shells)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Shortcake Macarons:

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 ¾ cups (175 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (110 g) almond flour
• 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)

For the Fillings:

Strawberry Jam Filling:

• ½ cup strawberry jam
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling:

• ½ cup (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar

Ingredient Highlights

• Almond Flour: Provides the base for the macaron shells, giving them a light, nutty flavor and a smooth texture.
• Strawberry Jam: Adds a sweet, fruity filling that complements the creamy frosting and delicate shells.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberry filling, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Shortcake Macarons:

Prepare the Macaron Shells:

1. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together to remove lumps and ensure a smooth shell. Set aside.
2. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and a few drops of pink food coloring, if using.
3. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites in batches. Use a folding motion, scraping around the bowl and cutting through the center. The batter should be smooth and flow like thick lava.
4. Pipe the Macarons: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, even circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
5. Rest the Macarons: Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or until they form a skin and are no longer sticky to the touch.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The macarons are done when they have risen with a visible “foot” and don’t jiggle when touched.
7. Cool: Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.

Prepare the Fillings:

1. Make the Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and pipeable.
2. Assemble the Macarons: Pair the macaron shells by size. Pipe a small ring of vanilla cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one shell, leaving a small space in the center. Fill the center with a dollop of strawberry jam. Top with another shell to create a sandwich.
3. Mature the Macarons: Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to soften to perfection.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

Strawberry Shortcake Macarons are best served at room temperature:

• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoy with your favorite tea or a cup of rich coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert Plate: Arrange the macarons on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation.
• For Special Occasions: These make a stunning addition to bridal showers, birthday parties, and other celebrations.
• As a Gift: Package the macarons in a decorative box for a beautiful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

• Use Room-Temperature Egg Whites: This helps create the perfect meringue consistency.
• Don’t Overmix or Undermix the Batter: Proper macaronage (batter mixing) is key. Aim for a batter that flows like thick lava and creates a ribbon when dropped from the spatula.
• Use a Kitchen Scale: For accuracy, measure your ingredients by weight instead of volume.
• Let the Shells Rest: Resting the piped shells is crucial for creating the signature macaron “foot.”
• Refrigerate for Best Flavor: Allow the filled macarons to mature for 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
• Store Properly: Keep macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

Try these fun variations for Strawberry Shortcake Macarons:

1. Chocolate Strawberry Macarons: Add cocoa powder to the shells for a chocolate twist.
2. Lemon Strawberry Macarons: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a zesty flavor boost.
3. Strawberry Whipped Cream Macarons: Fill with fresh whipped cream and strawberry slices for a light, summery treat.
4. White Chocolate Strawberry Macarons: Use white chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese filling.
5. Almond Strawberry Macarons: Add almond extract to the shells for a nutty twist.
6. Strawberry Basil Macarons: Mix fresh basil into the strawberry jam for a unique herbaceous flavor.
7. Rose Strawberry Macarons: Add a drop of rosewater to the filling for an exotic floral note.
8. Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Macarons: The recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure your almond flour and powdered sugar are certified gluten-free.
9. Vegan Strawberry Macarons: Use aquafaba (chickpea water) as an egg white substitute and dairy-free fillings.
10. Mini Macarons: Make bite-sized macarons for easier snacking.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

• Freezing: Macaron shells freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Fill and thaw them when ready to serve.
• Storage: Keep filled macarons in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

Here’s what you’ll need to create Strawberry Shortcake Macarons:

• Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Sifter: Helps ensure smooth, lump-free shells.
• Piping Bag and Round Tip: For precise piping of macaron shells.
• Silicone Baking Mats or Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Kitchen Scale: For accurate measurements.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
• Oven Thermometer: Ensures accurate oven temperature.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling macaron shells evenly.
• Airtight Containers: For storing and maturing macarons.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

1. Can I make these without food coloring?
   Absolutely! The macarons will still be delicious without the pink color.
2. Why are my macarons hollow?
   Hollow shells are often caused by under-whipping the meringue or baking at too high a temperature.
3. Can I use fresh strawberries in the filling?
   Yes! Fresh strawberries can be diced and mixed into the cream cheese filling for a more authentic strawberry shortcake experience.
4. How do I know when my macarons are done?
   The shells should have a firm foot and not stick to the parchment paper when gently lifted.
5. Can I freeze filled macarons?
   Yes, but the texture may soften slightly after thawing.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Macarons are a delicious twist on a classic dessert, bringing together the best of both worlds—almond shells and a luscious strawberry-vanilla filling. Their light, airy texture and delightful sweetness make them perfect for any special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.

These macarons are a beautiful combination of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a macaron expert or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, get ready to savor every delicate bite of these tasty treats!

I’d love to see your Strawberry Shortcake Macarons in action! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations! Happy baking!