Italian Meringue Valentine’s Heart Macarons

Yield: 50 macarons

Italian Meringue Macarons

Italian Meringue Macarons

Beautiful pastel pink, heart shaped Italian meringue macarons. Perfect gift for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 200g (approx. 6) egg whites
  • 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 200g (approx. ⅔ cup) icing (confectioners’) sugar
  • 200g (2 cups) ground almonds
  • 100ml (approx. 3.4 fl oz) water
  • food colour (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. If needed, use the large end of a piping tip or a small heart cookie cutter as templates, drawing on the reverse side of the parchment.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the icing (confectioners’) sugar with the ground almonds until fine, then sift together into a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Add the egg whites in the mixer bowl and reserve 1 tbsp of egg whites if you intend to add food colouring.
  4. Place the sugar and water into a small saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Using a sugar thermometer, allow to boil until the syrup reaches 115℃/239℉ then start whisking the eggs on medium gradually increasing speed until white and fluffy.
  5. Once the syrup reaches 121°C/250°F, turn the speed of the mixer to low and carefully add the sugar syrup into the egg whites. Once incorporated, continue whisking until the meringue cools to room temperature. (approx. 5-10 minutes).
  6. (Optional) Add food colouring to the reserved egg white and add to the remaining mixture until desired colour is reached.
  7. Fold the icing (confectioners’) sugar and ground almonds mixture into the egg white mixture in three steps using a rubber spatula. Consistency is key here. It should keep a round shape when piped but not be too stiff that the tops aren’t flat.
  8. Use a little of the macaroni mix to to secure the parchment to the baking sheets then using a small round piping tip (I used a Wilton #12), pipe circles or hearts.
  9. Leave the macarons to form skins for 15-30 minutes, using this time to preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas Mark 2 then bake for approx. 15 minutes, turning the sheets halfway. When done, the macarons will have a dry egg shell like skin on the top without browning.
  10. As soon as they are done, remove the parchment from the baking sheet, macarons attached, onto a cool surface (granite, wet dish towel). Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and remove.
  11. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and sandwich with your favourite filling (jam, ganache or frosting) on the day you’ll be enjoying.

Did you make this recipe?

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I originally guest posted this over on The Frugal Girls.

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16 Comments on “Italian Meringue Valentine’s Heart Macarons”

  1. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) January 30, 2013 @10:26 pm Reply

    Oooh yum!

  2. Winnie January 30, 2013 @10:40 pm Reply

    These valentines heart macarons are looking sooooooooooooooo beautiful

  3. Holly January 30, 2013 @11:32 pm Reply

    Hi, I saw these on Frugal Girls today and thought they looked wonderful! I have to get some almonds and will be ready to make my own. I've been meaning to for some time. Great post!

  4. Joanna @ Chic & Gorgeous Treats January 31, 2013 @6:26 am Reply

    These ♥ shape macs looks too cute to be eaten. I know I would love to receive them anytime ;). xoxo

  5. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain January 31, 2013 @5:00 pm Reply

    OMG LISA these are adorable! I'm heading over to check out the post but these look perfect for V-Day!

  6. Choc Chip Uru January 31, 2013 @8:04 pm Reply

    Oh my gosh these are ADORABLE :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  7. Chrissy February 1, 2013 @7:10 pm Reply

    These are so cute and look delicious! Found you through The Frugal Girls! I have a new Pinterest Power party and would love to have you share this and any other recipes you have!

    http://www.thetaylor-house.com/2013/01/31/pinterest-power-party-4.html

    Thanks!
    Chrissy

  8. Carissa February 2, 2013 @12:12 am Reply

    Hello!

    I found your blog on the Crafty Spices blog hop and I'm your newest follower on Facebook:) Your Italian Meringue Valentine's Heart Macarons look so good:) Have a great weekend!

    Carissa
    Lillies & SIlk

  9. Smitten Foodie February 3, 2013 @4:00 am Reply

    Look how cute these are! I've been cutting everything into hearts lately....love Valentine's Day
    Connie

  10. Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel February 5, 2013 @5:59 pm Reply

    LOVE LOVE LOVE.

  11. Kathie February 9, 2013 @1:30 am Reply

    Show and Tell Saturday is LIVE at Sassy Little Lady! I’d love to have you come join the party!

    http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/show-and-tell-saturday/show-and-tell-saturday-3

    Kathie

  12. Jeni February 11, 2013 @1:39 pm Reply

    These are so dainty and beautiful! I am sure they are delicious, too!

  13. Karyn - Pint Sized Baker February 17, 2013 @9:32 pm Reply

    This looks so pretty! Love them! Thanks for sharing at Two Cup Tuesday at Pint Sized Baker . I hope to see you again there tomorrow night!

  14. Christie February 18, 2013 @12:50 am Reply

    Those look delicious! I will have to make macaroons soon after seeing these.

  15. Marie February 23, 2013 @1:33 pm Reply

    Those are so cute. Definitely going to check out how you made them heart shaped!

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