Our Strawberry Macarons continue to be one of the top recipes on my site, so every Valentine’s Day I like to do a fun twist on it. This year I’m sharing Naturally Flavored Strawberry Macarons with Chocolate Ganache Filling. These macarons get their flavor from dehydrated strawberry powder and avoid artificial coloring.

Strawberry Macarons with Chocolate Ganache Filling Recipe

Is there a more perfect flavor combination than strawberries and chocolate?

Well, perhaps fried chicken and waffles… but that’s not nearly as romantic. To most people, anyways.

These little bite-sized macaron sandwiches are a fun take on my classic Strawberry Macaron recipe, only instead of a traditional jam or buttercream filling, I opted for a velvety smooth chocolate ganache. I love the combination of the sweet-tart strawberry macarons with the rich chocolate filling. 

Consider them elevated chocolate-covered strawberries.

The question I get asked all of the time: Are macarons hard to make?

This is the 8th macaron recipe I’ve shared on Sugar, Spice and Glitter.

I have made macarons dozens of times, including making them in Paris with a French pastry chef.

I wouldn’t make them (or share them here) if baking them was an unpredictable game of roulette.

However, macarons have a reputation for being tricky for a reason. They require you to follow the recipe exactly as written, and things like humidity, oven hot spots, and less-than-fresh eggs in the batter can cause the macarons to not turn out. Most people want to skim recipes, rather than following them to the letter.

That may work for muffins, but it won’t work for macarons.

The egg whites need to be beaten to the perfect fluffy, shiny texture – it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 minutes. Under- or over-beating your eggs will cause issues.

The macaron batter should flow like lava – thick without clumps, but not runny. If it’s too thin, it’s likely been over-beaten and the batter will need to be discarded.

I show you step-by-step how I make my macarons in the video below because those little details can mean the difference between perfect macarons, and a cookie tray full of charred meringues.

If you run into issues making this recipe – reach out to me! I’m happy to help troubleshoot with you; I want you to have a great experience making these!

Take your time and follow the recipe as written. I’ve tried to streamline my recipe as much as possible so that only the necessary parts are included. Patience and persistence are the best path to perfection.. when it comes to macarons, anyways.

Check out our quick video for how to make these cute heart macarons and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe to make these yourself!

Heart Macaron Ingredients

• Egg Whites, room temperature
• White Sugar
• Powdered Icing Sugar
• Almond Flour
• Strawberry Powder
• Pink
• Pink food coloring, optional <– this set of food coloring has lasted me forever and I love that it creates highly saturated colors with just a drop

For the chocolate ganache filling:

• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
• Heavy Whipping Cream 
• Powdered Icing Sugar, optional

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: Almond flours is sometimes referred to as almond meal. Homemade almond flour from processing your own almonds is much denser and only 2/3 cup is needed for this recipe.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Electric mixer <– this is a great hand mixer if you don’t want to make the investment into a stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heart-silicone tray
• Cookie sheet
• Spatula <– I like these spatulas because they are one solid piece and don’t have removable heads for bacteria to get trapped underneath. Plus they are heat-resistant and have a lifetime warranty.
• Mixing bowl
• Piping bag

How to Make Strawberry Macarons with Ganache Filling

In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, icing sugar and strawberry powder. Mix thoroughly to combine, and then set aside.

Place the egg whites in a large bowl and beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, then add in the sugar and continue beating for 4 minutes until glossy, stiff peaks form (as shown below). You should be able to pull your beater away and have some of the egg whites form a little “tuft” on the tip of the beater.

Carefully but thoroughly fold in the dry ingredients – some people will say exactly 25 folds, some 30 – just make sure you don’t have dry patches and that everything is well incorporated.

Spoon the macaron batter into a piping bag and snip the tip off for about a half inch opening.

Pipe the batter into the heart shapes on the tray.

Bang the tray on a hard, level surface to remove any air bubbles, then wet your finger and smooth down any “peaks” on the macarons.

Some people find that they have to let the macarons sit for an hour to develop a skin. I’ve had no issues personally with baking them right away (these were) but I’ll add that step in for those who run into issues with the macarons “exploding” in the oven.

Preheat oven to 285F

Bake for 10 minutes, until  the glossy appearance has become matte, the macarons have “feet” (that little bubbling at the bottom) and the feet look cooked through. (If they look uncooked when you take them out, immediately return them to the oven.)

Chocolate Ganache Filling directions:

Using a small pot, heat up the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer

Place the chocolate chips in a medium, heat-proof bowl (glass preferably).

Pour the hot heavy whipping cream over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for 1 minute.

Whisk until smooth and allow to cool completely.

Some people like adding powdered icing sugar to their ganache, which increases the sweetness and gives a slightly fluffier texture.

Scoop the cooled ganache into a piping bag, securely wrap and tie the end and then snip off the tip of the bag. Apply about a half tablespoon of ganache to the side of the macaron that was on the baking sheet, and then sandwich with a second macaron on the same end.

Repeat with all cookies until done.

Pin this Strawberry Macaron with Chocolate Ganache filling recipe:

Grab your free printable for our strawberry macaron recipe with chocolate filling:

These strawberry macarons with chocolate filling are a cute homemade gift or make a special treat to pair with an afternoon cup of coffee.

For more traditional French recipes, check out our Traditional French Yogurt Cake (so easy my daughter made it) or our French Apple Custard Pie recipe.

Check out our other delicious Cookie Recipes: