Step 1

Use a cookie cutter or a heart shaped template to make the heart shapes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each macaron. (If using an oven safe template, place under the parchment)

Step 2

Pour the almond flour into a food processor and grind until it is a fine powder.

Step 3

Next, add the flour to a sieve with the powdered sugar. Sift together into a medium mixing bowl.  Repeat this process two more times, (for 3 times total) discarding any larger pieces that don't fully sift through the sieve.  (The more you do this step the glossier the top of the macaron will be.) Set aside.

Step 4

In the large bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, about 5 minutes.  Add the cream of tartar and beat for 1 minute. To the egg whites, add vanilla and 4-5 drops of the food coloring.  (Adjust the intensity of the color to your taste) Beat to combine.

Step 5

Slowly add the sifted ingredients to the egg white mixture 1/3 at a time and fold into the meringue by hand using a rubber spatula. Repeat until all is added.

Step 6

Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Fill each heart with batter.

Step 7

Tap the cookie sheet on a counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles.  Let sit for 40 minutes to dry on the cookie sheet.

Step 8

To Bake: After the 40 minutes, preheat the oven to 300°F. Bake macarons on middle rack for 7 minutes.  Turn the pan 180 degrees and continue baking for another 5 minutes. The cookies should be just slightly toasted on the edges.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then carefully remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10

To Make the Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar then add creamy (or milk) 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. (It should be thick not runny.)

Step 11

Transfer to a piping bag OR use an icing spatula to frost one cookie, placing another on top to form the cookie sandwich.