These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply a sweet indulgence, these macarons will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With their unique texture and unforgettable taste, they truly stand out among desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that everyone loves.
- Elegant Presentation: These macarons look stunning on any dessert table, making them ideal for special occasions.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or gift for friends and family; they fit any occasion!
- Fun to Make: With simple steps, creating these macarons is an enjoyable baking experience for all skill levels.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add toppings or adjust the filling to match your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Pastry bag with 1-inch tip
- Sifter
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool is vital for whipping egg whites into stiff peaks, creating the perfect meringue.
- Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the baked macarons.
- Pastry bag with 1-inch tip: This allows you to pipe uniform circles for even baking and presentation.
Ingredients
These Reeses Macarons AKA chocolate peanut butter macarons with a creamy peanut butter filling are seriously what dreams are made of.
For the Macaron Shells
- 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 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 bowl over steaming pot, creating a double boiler.
Step 3: Whisk Until Stiff Peaks Form
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 the stand mixer. Fit standing mixer with whisk attachment and whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar then gently shake into meringue bowl.
Step 5: Fold Batter to Perfect Consistency
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 some of the batter. If you can make a figure-eight with the dripping batter without it breaking, you can stop. If not, repeat this process until you achieve a slow-moving lava consistency.
Step 6: Pipe the 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 baking sheet on counter two times to remove any air bubbles.
Step 7: Bake the Macarons
Pop them into the prepared oven for 13 minutes, turning around halfway through. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While macarons are baking, beat together peanut butter and butter until combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble Your 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 macaron shell.
Optional: Garnish with melted chocolate and chopped peanuts for added texture!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these macarons are sure to impress.
With Coffee
- Pairing with coffee enhances the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. A cup of espresso or a creamy latte complements these macarons perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange chocolate peanut butter macarons on a dessert platter with other sweets like brownies and cookies. This makes for a visually appealing and delicious spread.
For Special Occasions
- These macarons are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations. Their festive look adds charm to any gathering.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve chocolate peanut butter macarons alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. Strawberries or raspberries add a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.
Gift Wrapping
- Package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Homemade treats always bring joy!
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Making perfect chocolate peanut butter macarons requires attention to detail and some practice. Here are some tips to help you achieve macaron mastery.
- Use aged egg whites: Letting egg whites sit in the fridge for a day or two helps improve their consistency for meringue.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar ensures there are no lumps, helping create smooth shells.
- Monitor oven temperature: Keep an eye on your oven’s temperature; using an oven thermometer can ensure accuracy and prevent overbaking.
- Practice piping technique: Consistency in piping shapes leads to uniform macarons. Practice makes perfect!
- Avoid humidity: Humidity can affect macaron texture. Try baking on a dry day for best results.
- Let them rest: While this recipe skips air drying, allowing piped shells to rest for about 20-30 minutes before baking can help form a skin, leading to better rise.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
When enjoying chocolate peanut butter macarons, consider serving them with some complementary side dishes that enhance the overall experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the macarons.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip your macarons into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that satisfies every sweet tooth.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness to your dessert spread, balancing the richness of the macarons.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on your platter for an interesting savory contrast.
- Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts can provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft texture of the macarons.
- Mint Tea: Serve warm mint tea as a refreshing drink option that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Enhance your dessert experience with these classic treats that echo the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.
- Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting your almond flour and powdered sugar can lead to lumps in your macarons. Always sift these ingredients together for a smoother batter.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause your macarons to spread too much. Mix just until you achieve the figure-eight consistency.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Precisely: Baking is a science, so inaccurate measurements can ruin your macarons. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different, so relying on temperature settings without checking with an oven thermometer can result in uneven baking. Always verify the temperature.
- Failing to Bang the Baking Sheet: This step removes air bubbles that could cause cracks. Don’t skip banging the sheet on the counter before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep macarons layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for 5-7 minutes. This helps revive their texture.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for a short time, keeping an eye on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are delicate French cookies made with almond flour and filled with a creamy peanut butter filling.
How do I know when my macarons are done baking?
Macarons are done when they have a smooth shell and lift easily off the baking sheet without sticking.
Can I customize the filling of my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
Absolutely! You can try different flavors like chocolate ganache or fruit jams for variety.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking usually occurs due to inadequate mixing or too high of an oven temperature. Ensure proper technique and monitor your oven closely.
What should I serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
These macarons pair well with coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful treat!
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize flavors or fillings based on personal preference. These treats offer a wonderful blend of chocolate and peanut butter that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, a delectable treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. These elegant French cookies feature a crispy outer shell with a soft, chewy center, filled with a luscious peanut butter frosting. Perfect for any occasion—be it birthdays, holidays, or simply a sweet craving—these macarons will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With their stunning appearance and irresistible flavor, they are sure to become a favorite dessert for chocolate lovers everywhere.
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 (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler, whisk egg whites and granulated sugar until frothy.
- Beat mixture in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; fold into meringue until smooth.
- Pipe circles onto baking sheets; let rest for 20 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 13 minutes, allowing them to cool completely.
- For the filling, beat butter and peanut butter together; add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble by piping filling between two macaron shells.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (15g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: <5mg
