Name: Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 70 g egg white (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

If you adore delicate, floral desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe. These pink, bite-sized treats bring a lovely French-Indian fusion to your kitchen with their light, airy shells and fragrant rose buttercream filling.

The image shows pink macarons placed on a soft white fabric on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two smooth, round pink shells with a slightly bumpy texture and a light pink creamy filling layer sandwiched in the middle. The macarons are scattered, with some laying flat and one slightly tilted, showing the filling clearly. Small dried flower petals in dark red and brown are lightly scattered around the macarons on the white marbled surface. 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 remember the first time I made these macarons at home — the joy of biting into that perfectly crisp shell with the creamy, rose-scented center was unforgettable. It’s a recipe that always feels like a celebration in the kitchen.

Elegant and Beautiful: These macarons’ soft pink color and delicate appearance make them perfect for special occasions or gifting.
Floral Flavor Notes: The rose buttercream adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that elevates the classic macaron to something truly memorable.
French Technique Made Accessible: I’ll walk you through every step, even if you haven’t tackled macarons before.
Light & Airy Texture: Achieved with careful folding and resting, giving you the signature “feet” and a melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make these stunning rose macarons, you’ll want to gather a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but pack a punch. A few tips: always sift your dry ingredients to prevent lumps and use room-temperature egg whites for the fluffiest meringue.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine caster sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of almond meal, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with soft unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of pink gel coloring drops, a small white ceramic bowl of pale pink rose water, placed 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: Room temperature whites whip better and give you more volume for those light shells.
Caster Sugar: It dissolves quickly, supporting a stable, glossy meringue.
Almond Meal: Finely ground for that smooth, tender texture classic to macarons.
Powdered (Icing) Sugar: Helps create a silky batter when combined with almond meal.
Pink Gel Colouring: Adds that delicate blush without altering texture or flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Softened for a creamy rose-flavored buttercream filling.
Powdered Sugar (for Buttercream): Sweetens and stabilizes the filling.
Rose Water: Infuses the buttercream with that unmistakable floral aroma and flavor.

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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

One of the best things about this Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste and occasion. Whether you want to dial up the floral notes, add a unique twist, or accommodate dietary preferences, these macarons are ready to shine in any form!

Variation - Lavender Rose Macarons: I once swirled in a teaspoon of dried lavender into the buttercream, which paired beautifully with the rose flavor and added a subtle herbaceous hint. It’s perfect for springtime gatherings!
Vegan Twist: While this recipe uses butter, you can substitute with a plant-based vegan butter that whips well to keep the buttercream smooth and creamy. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Natural Coloring: If you prefer to avoid gel coloring, natural beetroot powder is a fantastic alternative to give the shells and buttercream a gentle pink hue without compromising flavor.
Seasonal Flavors: During the holidays, I like to add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the buttercream for a cozy twist that complements the delicate rose notes beautifully.

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

The image shows a baking tray covered with a brown silicone mat that has evenly spaced black circles. Inside each circle is a small, round dollop of light pink batter arranged in neat rows and columns. The batter looks smooth with a slightly glossy finish, and each round mound is about the same size and shape. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, highlighting the contrast between the soft pink dollops and the neutral background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients with Care

Start by measuring out all your ingredients precisely — accuracy is key to perfect macarons! Sift the almond meal and powdered sugar together thoroughly to avoid any lumps that could prevent smooth, shiny shells. This process also aerates the mixture, giving you that classic delicate texture.

Step 2: Crafting the Meringue

Place your room-temperature egg whites in a clean bowl and whisk at medium speed until frothy. Slowly add caster sugar while beating continuously — this slow addition helps the sugar dissolve completely and encourages stiff peaks to form. You’re looking for glossy, firm peaks that stand tall when you lift the whisk. This can take several minutes, so patience is key!

Step 3: Adding the Pink Glow

Drop in 4-5 drops of pink gel colouring and fold gently but thoroughly into the meringue. You want an even soft pink tone without deflating that beautiful airiness. The colour sets the mood for these charming treats!

Step 4: Folding in Dry Ingredients

Sift your almond meal and powdered sugar directly over the meringue to ensure even distribution. Use a flexible spatula to carefully fold the dry mixture into the meringue. The goal is a batter that flows slowly like warm lava and can form a figure 8 shape without breaking. This technique ensures your macarons will bake with the signature smooth tops and “feet.”

Step 5: Piping Perfect Shells

Fill a piping bag fitted with a 1cm round tip with batter. Pipe consistent 1.5 inch (3.5cm) rounds onto a lined baking sheet—spacing them evenly for plenty of room to expand. Even size means uniform baking and a prettier final result.

Step 6: The Resting Ritual

Patience pays off here: let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 15 to 60 minutes. This drying step forms a thin skin that’s key to developing the macaron feet during baking. Test by gently touching; if the batter doesn’t stick to your finger, you’re good to go.

Step 7: Baking with Care

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the macarons for 20 minutes, flipping or rotating the tray every 5 minutes if your oven has hot spots to ensure even cooking. Done macaron shells won’t wobble when you press their feet lightly—this is how you know they’re perfectly baked.

Step 8: Cooling Completely

Once out of the oven, allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet. This prevents cracking or sticking when removing and keeps the delicate shells intact for assembly.

Step 9: Whipping Up Rose Buttercream

Beat the softened unsalted butter until light and creamy. Add powdered sugar and rose water, then continue beating until thick and fluffy. Incorporate 4-5 drops of pink gel coloring to match the shells. Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, ready for assembly.

Step 10: Assembling Your Delightful Rose Macarons

Match macaron shells by size and shape for a professional look. Pipe a generous mound of rose buttercream onto one shell, then gently sandwich with its partner. A little gentle pressure spreads the filling evenly without cracking the shell. Refrigerate or serve immediately, remembering that these are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Top Tip

Mastering the delicate art of Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe can seem daunting, but a few insider tips can make all the difference. These nuggets of wisdom come from hands-on experience and will help you achieve those perfectly smooth shells and irresistibly fragrant filling every time.

Room Temperature Egg Whites: Allowing your egg whites to come to room temperature before whipping consistently results in a more stable meringue with better volume — essential for those iconic macaron feet.
Thorough Sifting: >I’ve learned the hard way that sifting almond meal and powdered sugar together not only prevents lumpy batter but also creates the smooth, even shells that make these macarons so beautiful.
Skin Formation Rest: Resting the piped batter until a dry skin forms (15 to 60 minutes) is absolutely key — skipping this step led to cracked shells in my early attempts.
Baking Evenness: If your oven has hotspots, flipping the baking tray every 5 minutes during the 20-minute bake ensures even cooking, preventing browned or uneven shells.

How to Serve Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe

The image shows several pink macarons arranged on a soft white gauze fabric over a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two smooth, round, matte shells with a slightly shiny, flat top and a textured band of filling in between, matching the light pink color of the shells. Alongside these, there are pink swirled meringue cookies with a rough, powdery texture, formed in spiral rosettes that look fluffy and light. Small dried flower petals are scattered around the macarons and meringues, adding a delicate touch. The lighting is soft, highlighting the gentle shadows and texture details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation of your Rose Macarons, consider garnishing with edible rose petals or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a romantic touch. A sprinkle of crushed pistachios around the buttercream edge adds a lovely texture contrast and a pop of green that’s visually striking alongside the soft pink shells.

Side Dishes

These delicate macarons pair beautifully with a floral or light accompaniment. Serve alongside a fragrant pot of green tea, jasmine tea, or a gentle chamomile infusion. For special occasions, a glass of sparkling rosé complements the rose flavor perfectly without overpowering the delicate sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your assembled Rose Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. This chilling period also helps the buttercream filling to set and the flavors to deepen, giving you the perfect bite every time.

Freezing

If you want to save your macarons for longer, freeze them in a single layer inside an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them gently in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight — avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain texture.

Reheating

Rose Macarons don’t require reheating. Instead, bring them to room temperature before serving (about 20-30 minutes outside the fridge) to enjoy their delicate texture and the full aroma of the rose buttercream. This simple step really highlights their best qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! While the recipe calls for pink gel coloring for vibrant and consistent results, you can substitute with natural beetroot powder or omit coloring altogether for a more natural macaron shell.

What is the purpose of resting the piped macaron shells before baking?

Resting allows a dry skin to form on the surface of the shells, which helps develop the classic macaron 'feet' during baking and prevents cracking. It also improves texture and appearance.

How do I know when my macarons are fully baked?

They’re done when they don’t wobble or move when you gently press on their base. The shells should be crisp on the outside with a slight chew inside.

Can I make the rose buttercream in advance?

Absolutely! The rose buttercream can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and re-whip lightly before filling your macarons for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream is a lovingly rewarding process that combines artistry and technique. With patience, some helpful tips, and a sprinkle of practice, you’ll be able to create these elegant little treats that dazzle both the eye and palate. Whether it’s a special celebration or a quiet moment of indulgence, these macarons are sure to bring a touch of floral sweetness to your day. Enjoy every delicate bite!