As the 14th February is on the pinkish, romantic horizon, it's hearts galore on the internet. A few macaron lovers have asked me if I could tell them how to make macaron hearts.
How to Make Macaron Hearts
Pipe out the macaron batter using a plain tip.
Make two separate strokes in a V shape, pressing down firmly at the top and tapering away towards the bottom.
Don't forget that the hearts will spread to form the heart, so leave a good space between each.
If, after a couple of minutes, your hearts are rather round at the bottom, take a cocktail stick and just make a quick line down the middle to the tip.
The hearts will continue to spread slightly and even out nicely while you're airing them.
So it’s so easy. You don’t even need a template.
To pipe out macaron hearts, just think “V” for Valentine.
Make pink heart macarons with the rose buttercream filling (see recipe on page 45), or why not make a macaron dessert, placing a macaron heart on top?
The hearts can be made in advance and frozen so you'll have a quick, easy romantic dessert for your Valentine. Moreover, it's gluten free!
Inspired by Pierre Hermé's famous Ispahan of rose, raspberry and lychee, I have a rosy, raspberry dessert in my first book, Mad About Macarons (recipe on page 109.) Simply mash a few raspberries into mascarpone, adding a dash of rosewater and sugar, whisk until light and fluffy.
Serve on top of a giant rose macaron, decorate with raspberries and plonk (sorry, delicately place) your Valentine heart on top.
Or top the hearts on these Ispahan trifles.
Why Don't the French Make Fancy Macaron Shapes?
And for those of you who are not into love heart-shapes, like my Frenchie Valentine, there's always the plain, traditional round macaron - just like the ones you find in the Parisian pâtisseries. Isn't it funny?
We see all kinds of macaron shapes and macaron art out there on the internet and social media, but the Parisian patisseries stick to the good old plain and beautiful round shape.
Although there's nothing really that plain about a macaron, is there? In my book, I prefer the round macaron - the most important is in the flavour and texture.
For more, see inspiration for Pink macarons
le lenny face
These heart-shaped macarons are so lovely <3 Thank you for sharing! Gonna bookmark it for some special occasion ^^
Jill Colonna
Pleasure. It's part of many ideas I have in my first book, Mad About Macarons!
Ying
Hi! Have you ever tried pipping the macacons as letters? A-Z? 🙂
Jill
No. To be honest, I prefer 'plain', round macarons. It's the taste that counts and when they're round with feet and a pretty colour, that's the extra plus.
Lynda
Lovely, I must try my hand at macarons add they always look so pretty! These are just lovely <3
Rollerscrapper
These heart topped raspberry desserts look absolutely transcendent! This is one of those times I wish you could taste a picture! I shall have to try this technique now that my shaped silicone mats have been a failure
Jill
Yes, no need for these silicone macaron mats and glad you read the review. The dessert is in the book but also you can make the pink hearts and sandwich between raspberries and a Chantilly laced with Chambord... Just an idea.
Joanna @ Chic & Gorgeous Treats
These are such lovely macarons. Filled with so much love. Thanks for showing the steps to make heart shapes too. I am sure that I will be trying it out real soon. Have a great week Jill! ? Jo
Jill
It's a pleasure, Jo. Enjoy!
Tony
These are beautiful - rose is one of my favourite macarons. Perfect for the 14th, before and after!
Jill
Aha - interesting that rose isn't just for the girls 😉 Cheers, Tony.
jehanne@thecookingdoctor
thats a very useful tip, JIll for heart shaped macs, thanks! I have always stuck to the traditional round, my daughter loves macaron so the heart shaped ones will be attempted very soon.!
Jill
Jehanne, I normally stick to the rounds too. It's the taste that really matters. Happy V day with your loved ones.
Lora
Great tips on piping hearts. When I do them only half come out properly. The color of those macs? Swoon!
Jill
Only half? Bugger. I'm sure there's a reason why, Lora. Keep in touch and we can work this one out.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
Your stealing lychee story was funny... it wasn't a chocolate or candy, it was a lychee! 🙂 So cute. If I was a shop owner I'd love your curiosity! I thought of you this past weekend when one of my friend made two kinds of macarons for the first time for superbowl party. I highly recommended your book to him (yes HE made it while his wife watches him make for 4 hours). I want to make matcha and this pink heart shape macarons one day...
Jill
Your friend sounds like the real kind of lover for Valentines, Nami. The best ones MAKE their macarons for V day! Yep, isn't that pathetic about the lychee story? Wait until I tell you about the dragon fruit...
Mardi (eat. live. travel. write)
Thanks for this - I have had a few people ask me how to pipe hearts and now I will just direct them here! Might even try it myself! LOL re the secret lychee guilt. I am definitely not a fan of the fruit but in with other flavours it's ok. Not my fave though...
Jill
Thanks for sharing the macaron love today, Mardi! See, I've done you a favour by not adding lychees, then?
Jen
I have yet to try shaping my macarons - I'm still just impressed that I can get them to come out round!
Jill
Hehe, Jen. Understand you. I'm not really into the shapes (shh...) since the round ones do me just fine, too 😉
Thomasina
I have just watched your TV video Jill - Youtube Rose Macarons. It's detailed, ideal for making macaron hearts for Valentine's Day. Now, where's my baking bowl.
Jill
Ooooh, Thomasina. I'm embarrassed just thinking of that video. Was so nervous on LIVE TV!
Parisbreakfast
Simply adorb!
What can I say? You are such a Maitre at this..
Did you know they have a meilleur macaron concours in France
You must visit the little Mac shop in Poissy
She has her certificate in the vitrine and surely it belongs to YOU!
Honestly!
Jill
Yes, I saw it in the local press, thanks, Carol. I'm not a pro and don't do competitions. What for? I just make them at home for the people I love... 1, 2, 3? Awe....
Liz
Who knew it was so simple to make hearts! Thanks for the tutorial, Jill...I may have spoken too soon about it being easy...but I'm willing to give it a shot! Such perfect macs for Valentine's Day 🙂
Jill
They are easy, Liz. Go for it!
kathy pilato
Jill is very encouraging. Do it. Follow the steps and you will have success. Even if you get some cracks or footless buggers...they are still good to eat! Just don't grind your own almonds. Spend the money and get already ground flour. Don't overbeat them, either. Took me two tries but I have an email friend named Jill, who will encourage you all of the way!
Jill
Yep - Kathy did it - second time around. Easy! She's a pro.
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen
Well I bet it's a relief to finally get that lychee confession off your chest, Jill. You are so funny! The heart-shaped macs are soooooo cute. Love the photo with the raspberries.
Jill
Funny? I was shaking just writing it, Hester!
Paula
These are all so pretty!
Jill
*bows* merci, Paula xo
Vicki Bensinger
Oh these are beautiful. I think I will try to tackle these for Valentines Day to share with my honey. Although I love the large macaron with raspberries and marscapone. I've seen that in the book but never attempted it.
Hearts it is though. I may be pounding on the keys if I need some help. Great tutorial on the hearts, can't wait to make them. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jill
Vicki - you must try to make that raspberry mascarpone dessert. As for the hearts, you won't need any help - you'll see!