Lavender Macarons

These pretty lavender macarons were just begging to be photographed in front of some pretty lavender flowers. These cookies are sweet with a slight floral note, with a creamy vanilla butter cream filling. They are a little tricky to make, but if you follow the instructions step by step, you will have beautiful cookies not only will you love to eat, but that you will be proud of as well! 

Cookie Ingredients:4 ounces almond flour8 ounces powdered sugar1 tablespoon dried lavender buds, ground (found HERE)5 egg whites (save yolks for frosting) 2 ½ ounces sugar½ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1 drop purple food coloring

Frosting Ingredients: 
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
5 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon lavender salt

Directions: 

In mixer beat egg whites, sugar, vanilla, food coloring, and salt and whip for about 10 minutes until stiff and dry. Fold in flour, powdered sugar, and lavender until eggs deflate, about 50 strokes. Load your batter into a pastry bag and pipe onto baking sheets. Let sit for 20 minutes until skin forms. Tap sheet onto counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 300 for 17-18 minutes. Cool completely and fill with frosting. 

Enjoy!