Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just to indulge yourself, these macarons bring together the flavors of beloved treats in a sophisticated dessert. With their smooth texture and irresistible filling, these macarons are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Impressive Presentation: These macarons look elegant and sophisticated, making them perfect for special occasions.
- Easy to Follow: With clear instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for dessert tables, gift giving, or simply enjoying at home with coffee.
- Fun to Make: The process of whipping up the meringue and piping the macarons is enjoyable and rewarding.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Piping bags
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for achieving the perfect meringue with stiff peaks.
- Sifter: Helps achieve a smooth macaron batter by removing lumps in dry ingredients.
- Piping bags: Makes it easy to create uniform shapes for consistent baking.
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 and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meringue
- Heat a small pot of water over medium heat until it steams.
- In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and granulated sugar. Place this bowl over the steaming pot to create a double boiler.
- Whisk together until sugar melts completely and egg whites become white and frothy (about 1 to 1.5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and place the bowl back onto the stand mixer.
Step 3: Whip the Meringue
Fit the stand mixer with a whisk attachment. 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. Gently fold this mixture into the meringue.
Step 5: Check Batter Consistency
Place bowl onto stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment:
1. Turn mixer to medium speed for 10 seconds.
2. Stop and check if you can make a figure-eight shape with dripping batter without it breaking.
3. Repeat mixing if necessary until you reach a slow-moving lava consistency.
Step 6: Pipe the Macarons
Scoop batter into a pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch tip:
1. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles onto prepared baking sheets, keeping about 1.5 inches between each one.
2. Bang baking sheet on counter two times to remove any air bubbles.
Step 7: Bake
No need to let them air dry! Bake in preheated oven for 13 minutes, turning halfway through. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 8: Prepare Peanut Butter Filling
While macarons bake:
1. Beat together peanut butter and butter until combined.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble Macarons
Scoop filling into another piping bag fitted with a star tip:
1. Pipe filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell.
2. Repeat for all macarons.
3. Optional: Garnish with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts for added texture!
Enjoy these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons that will surely be a hit at any gathering!
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 simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your macaron experience.
Pair with Coffee
- A rich cup of coffee complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the macarons perfectly. Consider a dark roast for a bold pairing.
Serve with Milk
- Enjoy these macarons alongside a glass of cold milk. The creamy texture of the milk balances the richness of the chocolate.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons on a dessert platter. Add fruits like strawberries or raspberries for color and freshness.
Offer with Ice Cream
- Serve these macarons as a topping over vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination creates an indulgent dessert experience.
Garnish with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of each macaron for added crunch and flavor. This enhances both presentation and taste.
Include in Gift Baskets
- Use these macarons as part of gift baskets for special occasions. They make for elegant, delicious gifts that are sure to impress.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Making perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve the best results.
-
Use aged egg whites: Allowing egg whites to sit in the fridge for a day or two helps stabilize them, leading to better meringue.
-
Sift dry ingredients: Always sift your almond flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth batter.
-
Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature before baking, as this affects macaron texture.
-
Practice piping technique: Consistent size is key! Use templates under parchment paper for uniformity when piping your macarons.
-
Let them rest: Although you don’t have to air dry these macarons, letting them rest for about 10 minutes before baking can help develop the signature feet.
-
Store properly: Keep finished macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste even better after resting overnight!
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These macarons can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the macarons.
-
Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese which provide creamy textures that contrast nicely with the macarons.
-
Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert pairs beautifully with Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, creating a decadent treat.
-
Pecan Pie Bites: These mini pies add a nutty sweetness that echoes the peanut butter flavor in your macarons.
-
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your chocolate peanut butter macarons for an extra layer of indulgence.
-
Mint Tea: A refreshing mint tea offers a light contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of sweet macaron goodness.
-
Dark Chocolate Bark: Serve pieces of dark chocolate bark on the side; its bitterness complements the sweetness well.
-
Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light side that balances out the richness of your dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving perfect results.
- Measurements: Not weighing ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause macarons to crack or not rise properly. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Mixing Technique: Overmixing or undermixing the batter affects the macaron’s texture. Aim for a smooth, lava-like consistency without lumps.
- Piping Technique: Unevenly piped circles lead to mismatched sizes. Use a template under your parchment paper for uniformity.
- Cooling Time: Removing macarons too soon can cause them to stick to the baking sheet. Let them cool completely before peeling away.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 250°F, place macarons on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short bursts of 10 seconds at low power; be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
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, offering a delightful flavor combination.
How do I achieve perfect macaron shells?
To create perfect macaron shells, ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and that you mix the batter just until it reaches the right consistency, resembling slow-moving lava.
Can I customize the filling for my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors such as chocolate ganache or fruit jams for added variety.
Why did my macarons crack during baking?
Cracking can occur due to high oven temperatures or inadequate drying time. Make sure your oven is preheated correctly and consider letting your piped macarons sit out before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for an irresistible treat. Their versatility allows for endless customization options, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and indulge in these delightful cookies!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. These exquisite French treats are perfect for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to casual afternoons at home. With their smooth texture and decadent filling, they not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also impress guests with their sophisticated presentation. Whether served alongside coffee or as part of a dessert platter, these macarons are sure to be a hit. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and experience the joy of creating these gourmet cookies that taste as good as they look.
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.
- Create a double boiler by heating water in a pot and whisk together egg whites and granulated sugar until frothy.
- Transfer to a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar together, then fold into the meringue gently.
- Pipe uniform circles onto baking sheets and bake for 13 minutes.
- While cooling, beat butter and peanut butter, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt for the filling.
- Assemble macarons by piping filling between shells.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (23g)
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 26mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
