Step 1

I recommend making the jam the night before you want to make the macarons so that it has time to fully cool.

Step 2

Add all of the strawberry jam ingredients to a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow the jam to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Transfer the jam to a glass jar and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 3

Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl and set aside.

Step 4

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy, then add in the cream of tartar.

Step 5

Turn the mixer up to medium-high and gradually add in the granulated sugar (make sure to add the sugar in very slowly so that the meringue doesn’t deflate).

Step 6

Once all the sugar is added, turn the mixer to the highest setting and whisk until soft peaks form. Add in the vanilla bean paste and 1-2 drops of pink gel food coloring and continue to whisk on high until stiff peaks form.

Step 7

Using a spatula, gently fold in half of the dry ingredient mixture until fully combined. Then gently fold in the remaining dry ingredients. Continue to gently fold the batter until it reaches a “flowing lava” consistency. You should be able to make a “figure 8” with the batter before it breaks. As soon as you reach this consistency, stop mixing! If you over-mix the batter, the macarons won’t rise properly in the oven.

Step 8

Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

Step 9

Scoop batter into a large piping bag fitted with a round tip. Hold the piping bag perpendicular to the silicone mat and pipe 1 inch rounds.

Step 10

Pick up the baking sheet and drop it onto the counter 3-4 times to help bring any air bubbles to the surface of the macarons. Then use a toothpick to pop any visible air bubbles to make a smooth surface.

Step 11

If desired, lightly sprinkle nonpareils on top of the piped macarons.

Step 12

Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes or until a skin forms on the surface. You should be able to lightly touch the surface without any batter being disturbed.

Step 13

While the macarons are resting, preheat the oven to 300°F degrees.

Step 14

Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack of the oven for 15-17 minutes or when they do not move on their “feet” when touched.

Step 15

Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. They should easily peel off when fully cooled.

Step 16

In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Step 17

Add in the powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time until fully combined.

Step 18

Add in the vanilla and salt and mix until smooth.

Step 19

Match up your shells before piping, and then turn one side over. Pipe the cream cheese filling in a circle around the edge of the shell. Then spoon a little bit of strawberry jam into the center and top with the matching shell.

Step 20

Put the assembled strawberry macarons in an airtight container, then place them in the fridge to mature for 12-24 hours. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, for the best taste/texture, let them come up to room temperature for about an hour before eating! [Directly out of the fridge they can sometimes be super hard but at room temperature they're perfectly soft and tender!]