Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, combining the delicate texture of French macarons with a luscious, creamy peanut butter filling. Perfectly balanced with cocoa and almond flour, these macarons offer a sophisticated twist on the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing, ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 macarons (9-10 sandwich cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Macaron Shells
- 100 grams egg whites
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 100 grams almond flour
- 100 grams powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth surface for piping macarons, and set aside.
- Create Double Boiler: Heat a small pot of water over medium heat until it begins to steam. Place a heatproof bowl over the pot to form a double boiler, avoiding direct contact with water.
- Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar: Combine the egg whites and granulated sugar in the bowl and whisk continuously for 1 to 1.5 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes white and frothy. Remove from heat.
- Whisk to Stiff Peaks: Transfer the bowl to your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form, creating a Swiss meringue base.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar together to remove lumps and combine evenly. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the meringue to retain air and volume.
- Macaronage – Mixing Batter: Place the bowl back on the stand mixer and mix at medium speed for 10 seconds. Stop and test the batter by lifting with a spatula; it should flow slowly in a figure-eight shape like lava. If it breaks, continue folding for another 5-10 seconds until reaching this consistency.
- Pipe Macaron Shells: Fill a large pastry bag fitted with a 1 inch round tip with the batter. Pipe silver-dollar sized circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter twice to release air bubbles.
- Bake Macarons: Bake for 13 minutes at 300°F, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even baking. After baking, allow the macarons to cool completely on the trays before handling.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until fluffy and well combined.
- Assemble Macarons: Transfer the peanut butter filling to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe filling onto the flat side of one macaron and sandwich with another. Repeat with remaining macarons.
- Optional Garnish: For extra texture and flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over assembled macarons and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipping.
- Sifting dry ingredients is crucial to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth batter.
- The macaron batter consistency is key; avoid over or under mixing during macaronage.
- Allow baked macarons to cool completely before removing from parchment to prevent sticking or breaking.
- Store finished macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- For a smoother filling, use creamy peanut butter and softened butter at room temperature.
Keywords: Chocolate peanut butter macarons, Swiss meringue macarons, almond flour macarons, chocolate macarons, peanut butter dessert