Name: Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 70 g egg whites (from 2 eggs), at room temperature; 55 g caster sugar; 90 g almond meal; 100 g powdered (icing) sugar; 4-5 drops pink gel colouring; 75 g unsalted softened butter (⅓ cup); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 ½ tsp rose water; 4-5 drops pink gel coloring

There’s something irresistibly elegant about a batch of freshly baked Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe. These pretty pink treats are not just a feast for the eyes—they’re a delicate balance of floral notes and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

The image shows several pink macarons lying on a white marbled surface with a soft white cloth in the background. Each macaron has two round, slightly textured pink shells with a smooth pale pink cream layer sandwiched in the middle. The macarons have a light, airy look with delicate ridges around their edges. Around the macarons, there are small scattered rose petal pieces adding a touch of color and texture to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m absolutely smitten with these rose macarons. Every time I make them, their delicate beauty and intoxicating aroma fill my kitchen with joy. Plus, they’re surprisingly approachable for such a refined dessert!

Perfectly Delicate Shells: They have that iconic smooth, shiny surface and a soft, chewy inside that you’d expect from a true macaron.
Fragrant Rose Buttercream: The rose water-infused filling is fragrant but subtle, complementing the sweetness without overpowering.
Vibrant Yet Natural Pink Color: Thanks to pink gel coloring, your macarons will look stunning without affecting their texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These can be made in advance and stored—great for preparing ahead of special occasions.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For the best results, gather fresh, room temperature egg whites and finely sifted almond meal and powdered sugar. These simple quality ingredients come together to create the classic macaron texture, while rose water and gel color bring that signature floral flair and pretty hue.

Flat lay of two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of caster sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of almond meal, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of pink gel coloring drops, and a small white ceramic bowl of rose water placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Egg Whites: Key for creating the meringue base that gives macarons their signature rise and lightness.
Caster Sugar: Helps stabilize the egg whites while adding sweetness without graininess.
Almond Meal: The star nut flour that gives macarons their delicate nuttiness and chewy texture.
Powdered (Icing) Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the almond meal, ensuring a silky batter.
Pink Gel Colouring: Delivers that perfect pastel pink without changing the batter consistency.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a creamy, soft base for the rose buttercream filling.
Rose Water: Brings the floral aroma that makes these macarons truly special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe is a delightful canvas that's ready for your creative touch. Whether you want to play with flavors, colors, or presentation, these delicate treats invite you to make them truly your own.

Floral Twist: I love experimenting by swapping out rose water for lavender or orange blossom water to give these macarons a unique floral profile. Each variation offers a subtle yet enchanting aroma that complements the light shells.
Dietary Adaptation: For friends who prefer dairy-free options, substituting the butter in the filling with a good-quality vegan margarine still gives a creamy buttercream with that lovely rose flavor intact.
Color Play: You can adjust the pink gel coloring to a softer pastel for a more delicate look or amp it up for vibrant pops of color—perfect for festive occasions or themed parties.
Seasonal Flair: Add finely chopped pistachios or edible rose petals on top of the shells before baking to add texture and a stunning visual element reminiscent of spring and summer gardens.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe

The image shows a non-stick baking mat filled with evenly spaced small round dollops of pink batter arranged in neat rows, each dollop smooth on top with a slight peak in the center, giving a soft and airy texture to the surface. The baking mat is on a white marbled countertop, with its brownish base and black circular markings making the bright pink batter stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Measure and Sift Dry Ingredients

Start by accurately measuring 90 grams of almond meal and 100 grams of powdered (icing) sugar. Sift them together twice to ensure there are no lumps, which is crucial for smooth, even macaron shells. This extra step helps to keep your batter light and airy.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

Place 70 grams of room-temperature egg whites (from 2 eggs) into a clean bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk the egg whites until they turn foamy. Gradually add 55 grams of caster sugar, continuing to beat until you get glossy peaks that stand stiffly when the whisk is lifted. This may take a few minutes—patience here pays off with a beautifully textured meringue.

Step 3: Add Pink Gel Colouring

Drop in 4-5 drops of pink gel coloring and whisk just enough to incorporate, giving your meringue a lovely uniform pink hue. This coloring doesn’t affect the batter’s consistency but brightens up your shells beautifully.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift the almond meal and powdered sugar mixture again over the meringue. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula. The key here is to fold just enough until your batter flows off the spatula like slow lava and you can draw a figure 8 with the batter without it breaking. This silky texture ensures your macarons bake with that signature smooth top and chewy interior.

Step 5: Pipe the Macaron Shells

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a 1 cm round tip. Pipe neat, 1.5 inch (3.5 cm) rounds onto a silicone mat or baking parchment-lined sheet tray. Don’t worry about perfect circles—the pairing step will help match sizes later!

Step 6: Rest and Form a Skin

Set your trays aside for 15 to 60 minutes to rest at room temperature. The shells will develop a thin, dry skin on top. Test by gently touching with a fingertip—no batter should stick. This step helps prevent cracking and promotes that classic raised "foot" on your shells during baking.

Step 7: Bake at 150°C (300°F)

Preheat your oven to 150 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the macarons for 20 minutes. If your oven has hot spots, I recommend flipping the baking tray every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Macarons are done when they feel firm and don’t wiggle on their feet if you gently nudge them.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Remove the tray from the oven and allow the macarons to cool completely on the sheet. This helps shells fully set and makes them easier to handle when assembling.

Step 9: Prepare the Rose Buttercream Filling

Beat 75 grams of unsalted softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of rose water, and 4-5 drops of pink gel coloring. Beat everything together until thick and luscious. This fragrant buttercream is the heart of the macaron’s flavour.

Step 10: Assemble Your Macarons

Match your cooled shells by size and shape. Pipe a generous mound of the rose buttercream onto one shell, then gently sandwich it with its paired shell. Press lightly to spread the filling evenly without cracking the shells.

Top Tip

Mastering the Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe is all about paying attention to the small details. From perfectly beaten egg whites to the resting time, these tips will help you create macarons that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Perfect Meringue: I’ve found that whisking the egg whites slowly at first until foamy, then gradually adding caster sugar and increasing the speed helps achieve those glossy stiff peaks that are essential for the perfect shell texture.
Resting Time Is Key: Don’t skip letting your piped shells rest for 15 to 60 minutes until a skin forms. That little wait is what prevents cracking and helps create smooth macaron tops.
Folding Technique: Folding the dry ingredients gently but thoroughly—until the batter flows like lava and can form a figure 8 without breaking—takes practice, but it really makes the difference in shell rise and smoothness.
Oven Spot Check: My oven tends to have heat spots, so flipping the baking tray every 5 minutes during baking ensured evenly cooked shells without browning on one side.

How to Serve Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe

The image shows several pink macarons and pink rose-shaped meringues spread over a soft white cloth on a white marbled surface. The macarons have two round, smooth, slightly shiny shells of light pink color with a creamy filling of the same shade between them, forming a sandwich shape. The rose-shaped meringues have swirled, textured layers that mimic rose petals, creating a three-dimensional floral look with a slightly matte finish. Both macarons and meringues have a light, airy texture and are placed casually with some dried rose petals scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing your Rose Macarons with a light dusting of edible rose petal flakes or a sprinkle of fine pink sanding sugar on top of each shell. A tiny edible gold leaf touch can also elevate their look for special occasions. Fresh rose petals around your dessert plate can add a whimsical floral vibe that complements the delicate rose flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these charming rose macarons alongside a cup of delicate floral teas like chamomile, hibiscus, or a light green tea to enhance their fragrant profile. For a more indulgent pairing, a glass of chilled rosé wine or sparkling rosé beautifully compliments the floral buttercream without overpowering it. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad can also provide a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After assembling your Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually develop further, making them even tastier. Just be sure the container is airtight to prevent them from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled macarons for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Macarons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating usually isn’t necessary. If you’d like to bring them slightly to room temperature after refrigeration or freezing, simply leave them out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can soften and damage the delicate shells.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular food coloring instead of pink gel coloring?

While you can use regular food coloring, gel coloring is recommended because it provides a more vibrant color without altering the macaron batter’s consistency, helping you get that perfect pink hue.

Why do my macaron shells crack?

Macaron shells often crack if they haven’t rested enough to form a skin or if the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to let the shells rest for at least 15 minutes until they’re dry to the touch, and bake at 150°C (300°F) as instructed.

How long should I whisk egg whites to stiff peaks?

Whisking until stiff peaks can take several minutes depending on your mixer. It’s important to be patient; you’re looking for glossy, firm peaks that stand up without drooping for the best shell structure and rise.

Can I make the rose buttercream ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rose buttercream a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bring it back to room temperature before piping. Just give it a quick whisk to restore its creamy texture if needed.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe is such a rewarding experience—each step brings you closer to a delicate, elegant treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring quietly at home. Remember, patience and gentle care at every stage make all the difference. Once you get the hang of the technique, you’ll find these pastel beauties are just as delightful to make as they are to eat. Happy baking and may your kitchen always smell like roses!