Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these macarons are sure to impress. With their light, airy texture and creamy filling, they offer a unique twist on a classic French dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a deliciously decadent treat.
- Elegant Presentation: These macarons look stunning on any dessert table, making them great for special occasions.
- Versatile Treat: Customize with various fillings or toppings for different flavor profiles.
- Fun to Make: The process is enjoyable and rewarding, perfect for baking enthusiasts.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 sandwich cookies, they’re ideal for gatherings or gifting.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Proper equipment will help you create the best Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Piping bags
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for whipping the egg whites into stiff peaks efficiently.
- Sifter: Helps combine dry ingredients smoothly, ensuring your macarons have a light texture.
- Piping bags: Allow for precise control when piping the macaron batter onto baking sheets.
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 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 your oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meringue
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 this bowl over your steaming pot to create a double boiler.
Step 3: Whisk Until Frothy
Whisk the mixture until the sugar melts completely and the egg whites become white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place back on the stand mixer.
Step 4: Create Swiss Meringue
Fit your stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Congratulations! You’ve made Swiss meringue!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Gently shake this mixture into your meringue bowl.
Step 6: Achieve Perfect Consistency
Place your bowl back onto the stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Turn on medium speed for about 10 seconds. Stop and use a spatula to scoop up some batter; if it can make a figure-eight without breaking, stop mixing. If not, mix another 5-10 seconds until you reach slow-moving lava consistency.
Step 7: Pipe Macarons
Once your batter is ready, 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 the baking sheet on the counter twice to remove air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake
You don’t need to let them air dry! Simply pop them in the oven for 13 minutes, turning halfway through. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 9: Make Peanut Butter Filling
While macarons bake, beat together peanut butter and butter. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until fluffy.
Step 10: Assemble
Scoop this mixture into another piping bag fitted with a star tip. Once ready, pipe filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich with another. Repeat until all macarons are assembled.
Optional: Garnish with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts for extra texture!
Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, these sandwiches can be served in styles that enhance their rich flavors.
Pair with Coffee
- Espresso: The boldness of espresso balances the sweetness of the macarons.
- Cappuccino: Creamy and frothy, cappuccino complements the nutty flavor of peanut butter.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that brings out the chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream: Double down on peanut butter for a decadent experience.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Fruit Compote: Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the macarons for extra richness.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and texture.
- Chocolate Shavings: Use dark chocolate shavings to enhance visual appeal and flavor.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
To ensure your chocolate peanut butter macarons turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips for success.
- Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: This helps achieve better volume when whipping them into meringue.
- Sift Dry Ingredients Together: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- Do a Touch Test: Before baking, gently touch the surface of piped macarons; if it’s not sticky, they’re ready for the oven.
- Bake in Small Batches: Baking smaller batches helps maintain even heat distribution and proper cooking times.
- Let Them Rest After Filling: Allow assembled macarons to sit at room temperature for an hour; this helps develop their flavors and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons pair beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some options to consider when serving them:
- Fresh Berries: Their acidity contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the macarons.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone complement chocolate flavors well.
- Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, walnuts, and cashews adds a crunchy element to your dessert table.
- Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel drizzle enhances the flavors of both chocolate and peanut butter.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the density of the macarons.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer assorted mini cupcakes as additional sweet treats that pair well without overwhelming flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chocolate peanut butter macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
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Ignoring egg whites’ temperature: Using room temperature egg whites can create a better meringue. Cold egg whites won’t whip up as well.
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Not sifting dry ingredients: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar helps avoid lumps. This ensures a smoother batter for your macarons.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to runny batter. Stop mixing once you achieve the figure-eight consistency for perfect macarons.
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Skipping the banging step: Failing to bang the baking sheets can leave air bubbles in your macarons. This step is crucial for a smooth surface.
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Underbaking the macarons: Be sure to bake them long enough. If they’re undercooked, they may collapse when cooling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store macarons in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Place macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Microwave: Use short bursts of 10 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes.
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 meringue and filled with a creamy peanut butter filling. They offer a delicious blend of chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
How do I achieve the perfect macaron shell?
To achieve the perfect macaron shell, ensure your meringue is stiff and that you mix the dry ingredients just enough to reach the figure-eight consistency without overmixing.
Can I customize Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
Absolutely! You can add different flavors or colors to your macaron shells or fillings, such as vanilla or chocolate ganache, for unique variations.
How long do Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons last?
When stored properly, chocolate peanut butter macarons can last up to five days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracks usually happen due to either under-mixing the batter or improper oven temperature. Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and that you mix until you achieve the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various fillings or colors based on your preferences. Try making these delightful treats for any occasion, and enjoy their tempting flavors!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, where rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in a perfect harmony of flavors. These elegant French cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making them an ideal treat for birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. With their light and airy texture complemented by a luscious filling, these macarons are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced pastry chef, this simple recipe will guide you through creating these irresistible gourmet snacks that everyone will love.
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
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler, combine egg whites and granulated sugar until frothy.
- Whip the mixture in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; fold into the meringue gently.
- Pipe small circles onto prepared sheets and bake for 13 minutes.
- While baking, mix butter and peanut butter; add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to create the filling.
- Once cooled, assemble macarons by sandwiching the filling between two shells.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (15g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
