Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into a crunchy yet chewy biscuit. Perfect for dessert tables, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these macarons are sure to impress. Their creamy filling and beautiful presentation make them stand out at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a flavor profile that is both rich and comforting.
- Impressive Presentation: These macarons look stunning and can elevate your dessert game for special events or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable Fillings: While this recipe features a peanut butter filling, you can easily swap it for other flavors to suit your taste.
- Fun Baking Experience: Making macarons is a rewarding process that allows you to hone your baking skills while having fun in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 sandwich servings, these macarons are great for sharing with friends or family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Sifter
- Pastry bag with tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites into stiff peaks, which is crucial for achieving the perfect macaron texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents the macarons from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring easy removal after baking.
- Sifter: Helps combine dry ingredients smoothly while removing lumps, leading to a better batter consistency.
Ingredients
These Reeses Macarons AKA chocolate peanut butter macarons with a creamy peanut butter filling are seriously what dreams are made of.
For the Macarons:
- 100 grams egg whites
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 100 grams almond flour
- 100 grams powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Egg Whites
Heat a small pot of water over medium heat until it steams. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine egg whites and granulated sugar. Place bowl over steaming pot, creating a double boiler.
Step 3: Whisk Mixture
Whisk egg whites and sugar until sugar melts completely and egg whites become white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place bowl back onto standing mixer.
Step 4: Create Swiss Meringue
Fit standing mixer with whisk attachment and whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Congratulations, you just made a Swiss meringue!
Step 5: Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Gently shake this mixture into the meringue bowl.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Place bowl onto stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Turn mixer to medium speed and whisk for about 10 seconds. Stop mixer and use a spatula to scoop up some of the batter. If you can make a figure-eight without breaking the batter, you’re good! If not, repeat this process until you achieve the right consistency—like slow-moving lava.
Step 7: Pipe Macarons
Once your batter is at the correct consistency, scoop it into a large pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch tip. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles onto prepared baking sheets, keeping about 1.5 inches between each meringue. Bang baking sheet on counter twice to remove any air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake
You don’t need to let them air dry! Pop them directly into the prepared oven for 13 minutes, turning halfway through. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 9: Make Peanut Butter Filling
While the macarons bake, prepare the filling by beating together peanut butter and butter until combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until fluffy.
Step 10: Assemble Macarons
Scoop mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and set aside until ready to assemble the macarons. Pipe peanut butter filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell. Repeat this process with all macarons.
Optional: Garnish with melted chocolate and chopped peanuts for added texture!
Enjoy making these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
With Coffee
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful combination. The rich flavors of the macarons complement the bitterness of the coffee perfectly.
As Party Favors
- Present chocolate peanut butter macarons in decorative boxes as party favors. They make a sweet and memorable takeaway for guests at weddings or birthdays.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange macarons on a beautiful dessert platter alongside fruit and other sweets. This creates an enticing display that can impress any crowd.
With Ice Cream
- Serve these delectable macarons with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrast in textures will be sure to wow your taste buds.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Add an extra touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the assembled macarons. This enhances their visual appeal and adds another layer of flavor.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Creating flawless chocolate peanut butter macarons takes practice, but these tips can help you achieve the best results every time.
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Use room temperature egg whites: Allowing egg whites to reach room temperature helps them whip up better, resulting in a lighter meringue.
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Sift dry ingredients: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar eliminates lumps, ensuring a smooth batter that rises properly during baking.
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Tap the baking sheet: After piping out the batter, tap the baking sheet against the counter. This removes air bubbles that could disrupt the macaron’s texture.
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Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings. Baking at the correct temperature is crucial for perfect macaron feet.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
While chocolate peanut butter macarons stand beautifully on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some complementary options to consider:
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the macarons.
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Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse provides an indulgent pairing with these decadent treats.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream can balance the richness of the macarons, creating a delightful texture contrast.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and freshness, making it an excellent side dish.
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Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for an interesting savory contrast alongside sweet desserts.
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Mini Pastries: Offering small pastries like éclairs or tarts creates an appealing variety on your dessert table.
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Nut Mixes: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and complements the nutty flavor of peanut butter.
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Coffee or Tea Selection: Providing a variety of coffees or teas enhances the overall experience and allows guests to choose their favorite beverage pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chocolate peanut butter macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Consistency Issues – Not achieving the right batter consistency will lead to flat or cracked macarons. Ensure your mixture flows like slow-moving lava before piping.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your macarons. Always preheat your oven to 300°F and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Bold Overmixing the Batter – Overmixing can lead to runny batter, which affects the shape. Mix just until combined and check for the figure-eight test.
- Bold Skipping the Cooling Step – Removing macarons too early can cause them to break. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring.
- Bold Ignoring Humidity Levels – High humidity can affect macaron texture. On humid days, try using a dehumidifier or avoid making them altogether.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chocolate peanut butter macarons in an airtight container.
- They will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Place macarons in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper between them.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven – Preheat the oven to 300°F, place macarons on a baking sheet for a few minutes until slightly warmed.
- Microwave – Use low power and heat for about 10 seconds; be careful not to overheat as they can become chewy.
- Stovetop – Warm them gently in a covered pan on low heat for a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about chocolate peanut butter macarons.
What are chocolate peanut butter macarons?
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are delicate French cookies made with almond flour, cocoa powder, and filled with a creamy peanut butter filling. They combine rich chocolate and nutty flavors in every bite.
How do I get my macarons to have feet?
To achieve feet on your chocolate peanut butter macarons, ensure you pipe them evenly and allow air bubbles to escape by banging the baking sheet before baking.
Can I customize the filling for chocolate peanut butter macarons?
Yes! You can experiment with different fillings such as Nutella, cream cheese frosting, or even fruit jams to suit your taste.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking often occurs due to overmixing or improper oven temperature. Make sure you’re mixing your batter just enough and that your oven is correctly set.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the fillings and colors according to your preferences. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, so give this recipe a try!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 macarons 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a heavenly blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. These delicate French confections feature a crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, perfectly complemented by a luscious peanut butter filling. Ideal for dessert tables, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home, these macarons will surely impress anyone who takes a bite. With their stunning presentation and customizable flavors, they elevate your dessert game effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 100 grams egg whites
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 100 grams almond flour
- 100 grams powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter (for filling)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl over simmering water, whisk egg whites and granulated sugar until frothy.
- Transfer to a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form to create Swiss meringue.
- Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; gently fold into meringue until the batter flows slowly.
- Pipe small circles onto prepared sheets; tap to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 13 minutes, turning halfway through, then cool completely on sheets.
- For the filling, beat together peanut butter and butter; add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble macarons by piping filling between two shells.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (15g)
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
