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

If you adore delicate pastries with a floral twist, this Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe will steal your heart. These lovely pink macarons are as delicious as they are elegant—trust me, making them at home is easier than you think!

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, smooth, slightly textured shells that are light pink in color. Between the shells is a creamy pink filling layer that appears soft and slightly thicker than the outer shells. The macarons are arranged casually with some petals of dried rose scattered around them, adding a touch of dark red color contrast. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the delicate texture of the macarons. 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 fell in love with these rose macarons the moment I tasted the subtle floral notes balanced by the sweet, creamy rose buttercream. If you’re a fan of French treats with a twist, you’re going to have so much fun making these.

Elegant Appearance: A soft pink shell dusted with delicate rose color makes these macarons perfect for gifts or special occasions.
Flavor Harmony: Fragrant rose water in the buttercream perfectly complements the nutty almond shells.
Texture Perfection: Crispy outer shells with chewy centers—classic macaron magic.
Impressive Yet Doable: With clear steps and tips, you’ll wow friends without feeling overwhelmed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, be sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready. Using fresh almond meal and good-quality rose water makes all the difference. Here’s a quick rundown on what you’ll need and why I love each component:

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy caster sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine almond meal, a small white ceramic bowl containing powdered sugar, a tiny white ceramic bowl with soft unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding pink gel coloring drops, a small white ceramic bowl with clear rose water, all arranged symmetrically in perfect balance, 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: They bring the structure and lift that make these shells light and airy.
Caster sugar: Helps stabilize the egg whites while adding just the right sweetness.
Almond meal: A finely ground almond flour gives macarons their signature nutty flavor and texture.
Powdered sugar: Ensures a smooth, delicate shell without gritty bits.
Pink gel colouring: Gives those shells their pretty rosy hue without affecting flavor.
Unsalted softened butter: For a creamy, luscious base in the buttercream filling.
Rose water: The star flavor in the buttercream—just enough to be fragrant and floral, never overpowering.

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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 easy it is to customize to your taste or occasion. Whether you want to intensify the floral note or give it a fresh twist, there’s a variation for every mood and season.

Vegan Variation: Replace egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and use vegan butter in the buttercream. I’ve tried this swap and was pleasantly surprised by how fluffy and flavorful the macarons still turned out!
Rose and Pistachio: Add a handful of finely chopped pistachios into the almond meal mixture for added texture and a nutty twist that complements the rose beautifully. It’s a personal favorite for festive gifting.
Seasonal Twist: Swap rose water for a teaspoon of orange blossom water or lavender extract for springtime celebrations. Each variation brings its own delicate aroma and flair.
Color Play: Try ombré pinks or even a subtle gold dust brush on top of the shells for a shimmering effect—perfect for weddings or special events.

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

The image shows a baking mat with multiple small, round pink dollops of batter evenly spaced on it. Each dollop is smooth and slightly raised, forming uniform circles with a soft texture. The baking mat is dark brown with black circular guides and has a fine mesh pattern. The mat is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture that adds a clean and bright background to the setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Measure and Sift Your Dry Ingredients

Begin by carefully measuring 90 g of almond meal and 100 g of powdered sugar. Sifting these together is key—it removes lumps and aerates the mixture, giving your shells that signature smooth texture. I like to do this twice for an extra fine mix that blends effortlessly into the meringue.

Step 2: Whisk Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

Place your 70 g of room temperature egg whites into a perfectly clean bowl. Using an electric mixer, start whisking at medium speed until foamy. Gradually add 55 g caster sugar while continuing to beat. Keep going until you get glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted—this can take several minutes. This step is crucial for the macaron’s structure, so patience here is rewarded.

Step 3: Tint the Meringue and Combine Dry Ingredients

Add 4-5 drops of pink gel coloring to your meringue and whisk until the color is fully incorporated and even. Then, sift your almond meal and powdered sugar mixture directly into the meringue to avoid lumps. This ensures a beautifully consistent batter.

Step 4: Fold Batter Until Perfectly Flowing

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula. The goal is a batter that flows smoothly off the spatula like warm lava and can form a figure eight shape without breaking. This folding technique is where many newbie bakers get stuck—take your time, be gentle, and avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Pipe and Rest the Shells

Fill a piping bag fitted with a 1cm round tip and pipe 1.5 inch (3.5 cm) rounds evenly spaced on silicone mats or baking paper. Once piped, let the shells rest for 15–60 minutes until a skin forms on top—you’ll know they’re ready because a light touch won’t leave any batter stuck to your finger. This resting step is essential for the iconic macaron feet to develop.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the shells for about 20 minutes. If your oven has hot spots, flip the baking tray every 5 minutes for even cooking. You’ll know the macarons are done when their “feet” no longer wiggle when you gently push them. After baking, let them cool fully on the tray before moving to filling.

Step 7: Whip Up the Rose Buttercream

Beat 75 g of unsalted softened butter until silky and smooth. Slowly add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons rose water, continuing to beat until thick and creamy. Add 4-5 drops pink gel coloring for a beautiful matching hue. This luscious buttercream is the perfect fragrant filling for your delicate shells.

Step 8: Assemble Your Macarons

Pair your cooled macaron shells by size and shape. Using a piping bag, pipe a generous mound of rose buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then gently sandwich it with its partner. Let them rest in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours if possible — this helps the flavors marry and the filling soften the shells for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Top Tip

Mastering Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe can be a bit tricky, but with these handy tips, you'll find the process smoother and the results even more stunning and delicious.

Perfect Meringue Peaks: Take your time when whisking egg whites. I found that beating until glossy, stiff peaks form ensures the macarons get their signature smooth, shiny shell and delicate texture.
Resting Time is Key: Don’t rush the drying stage—letting the piped shells rest for at least 15 minutes (sometimes up to 60) until they form a skin makes all the difference in achieving feet and no cracking.
Folding Technique: Fold the dry ingredients gently but thoroughly until the batter flows like lava and can form a figure eight without breaking. Over- or under-mixing can lead to flat or cracked shells.
Even Baking: If your oven has hot spots, flipping the baking tray every 5 minutes during the 20-minute bake makes your macarons bake evenly without browning too much.

How to Serve Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe

The image shows a group of pink macarons and pink rose-shaped meringue cookies scattered on a white marbled surface. The macarons have two smooth, round, slightly domed shells with a thin layer of filling in the middle, creating two layers, all in soft pink color. The rose-shaped meringues have swirled, textured layers resembling petals, piled in a circular pattern, with a rough and fluffy texture. The sweets rest on a white, soft, sheer cloth that gently folds and curves around them, adding lightness and contrast to the composition. There are a few small dried rose petals scattered around, adding a natural touch. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these delicate Rose Macarons, lightly dust the tops with edible rose petals or a gentle sprinkle of powdered sugar for a romantic look. You can also add a few tiny fresh rosebuds on serving plates for an elegant touch that enhances the floral theme.

Side Dishes

Serve these macarons alongside a cup of fragrant Jasmine tea or a light sparkling rosé. They also pair beautifully with simple fresh berries or a subtly flavored panna cotta to balance the sweetness and floral notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Rose Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This resting time actually improves the texture and flavor, allowing the rose buttercream to soften the shells slightly for a perfectly tender bite.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled macarons by placing them in a single layer in an airtight container. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to let the buttercream soften slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shells chewy or cause the buttercream to melt unevenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute rose water with another flavor?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of rose water, you can substitute it with vanilla extract to give your buttercream a classic, comforting flavor, though it will change the delicate floral profile of the macarons.

Why do my macarons crack during baking?

Cracking usually happens if the macaron shells haven't rested long enough to form a skin or if the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to let the piped shells rest for at least 15 minutes and preheat your oven properly to 150°C (300°F).

How do I know when the macarons are done baking?

The macarons are done when their feet no longer move if you gently push on them. They should also be easy to lift off the baking sheet without sticking.

Can I prepare the shells or filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the macaron shells a day ahead and keep them in an airtight container. The rose buttercream can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling.

Final Thoughts

These Rose Macarons with Rose Buttercream Recipe have always been a delightful project for me—combining their delicate appearance with the lovely floral flavor feels like a little edible gift. With patience and care, you’ll be able to create these charming treats that impress and enchant your friends and family. Enjoy every step and, most importantly, every bite!