Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that blends the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter into a beautiful French pastry. Perfect for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these macarons are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. With their smooth texture and unique flavor combination, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavors: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich taste experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Elegant presentation: These macarons look stunning on any dessert table, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to add toppings like melted chocolate or crushed peanuts for an extra crunch.
- Perfectly sized treats: Each macaron is a delightful bite-sized dessert, making them great for sharing.
- Fun baking project: Making macarons can be a fun challenge, perfect for honing your baking skills.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Piping bags
- Parchment paper
- Sifter
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This is crucial for achieving stiff peaks in your meringue, which is key to the perfect macaron.
- Piping bags: They help you easily control the shape and size of your macarons, ensuring uniformity.
- Sifter: Sifting ingredients like almond flour ensures a light and airy batter, essential for the texture of macarons.
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 your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meringue
- In a small pot, heat water over medium heat until it steams.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar. Place this bowl over the steaming pot to create a double boiler.
- Whisk continuously until the sugar melts completely and the mixture becomes white and frothy (about 1 to 1.5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and place back on the stand mixer.
Step 3: Whip the Meringue
- Fit your stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar into the meringue bowl. Gently fold in using a spatula.
Step 5: Check Consistency
- Place the bowl back on the stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed for about 10 seconds. Use a spatula to scoop up some batter:
– If you can create a figure-eight without breaking, it’s ready!
– If not, mix for another 5-10 seconds before checking again; aim for slow-moving lava consistency.
Step 6: Pipe Your Macarons
- Scoop the batter into a piping bag fitted with a 1-inch tip. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1.5 inches between each one. Tap the baking sheets on the counter twice to release air bubbles.
Step 7: Bake
- No need to let them air dry! Pop them into your preheated oven for about 13 minutes. Turn them halfway through baking for even cooking. Let them cool completely before removing from sheets.
Step 8: Make Peanut Butter Filling
- While waiting for your macarons to bake, beat together peanut butter and butter until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble Macarons
- Scoop filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe onto half of your cooled macarons and sandwich with another half.
Optional: Garnish with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts for an extra touch!
Enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons! They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as an indulgent treat just for you!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These delicious cookies pair beautifully with different beverages and desserts, making them perfect for any occasion.
With Coffee
- Espresso: The rich flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the macarons.
- Latte: A creamy latte enhances the chocolate notes while balancing the peanut butter.
For Dessert Platters
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add a refreshing contrast and brighten up your dessert spread.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes offer a creamy texture that pairs well with the macarons.
As Party Favors
- Gift Boxes: Package chocolate peanut butter macarons in decorative boxes for a sweet party favor.
- Dessert Table: Feature these macarons on a dessert table for guests to enjoy as they mingle.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla serves as a neutral base that allows the flavors of the macarons to shine.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, pairing with chocolate ice cream creates an indulgent experience.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
To achieve the perfect chocolate peanut butter macarons, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your macarons turn out just right.
- meringue consistency: Ensure your meringue reaches stiff peaks before folding in dry ingredients; this provides structure.
- Gentle folding technique: Carefully fold dry ingredients into meringue to prevent deflation; aim for lava-like batter consistency.
- Proper baking temperature: Bake at 300°F, and remember to rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even cooking.
- Age egg whites: Let egg whites sit at room temperature overnight for better volume and stability when whipping.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Pairing side dishes with your chocolate peanut butter macarons can enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the macarons.
- Chocolate Fondue: A warm chocolate dip invites guests to enjoy dipping their macarons for added indulgence.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer bite-sized cupcakes with complementary flavors like vanilla or caramel.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the macarons.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each macaron adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- Nut Mixes: A mix of nuts can add crunch and a salty element that contrasts nicely with the sweet filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your macarons turn out perfectly.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always weigh your ingredients for precision. A small variation can affect the texture and rise of your macarons.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a runny batter. Aim for a consistency that resembles slow-moving lava; it should hold its shape when piped.
- Skipping the resting time: Although this recipe suggests no resting, some environments may require letting the piped batter sit to form a skin. Test your batch to see what works best.
- Not using aged egg whites: Fresh egg whites contain more moisture. Use egg whites that have been aged in the fridge for at least a day for better results.
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven thermometer is essential, as inaccurate temperatures can lead to macarons that are either undercooked or overcooked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store macarons in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Place macarons in a single layer in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes for freshness.
- Microwave: Use defrost mode for about 10 seconds; check regularly to avoid melting.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat with a lid for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they don’t get soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.
How do I know when my macaron batter is ready?
The batter should flow smoothly and be able to create a figure-eight without breaking. It should resemble slow-moving lava.
Can I flavor my peanut butter filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or swap out peanut butter for almond or hazelnut butter for different flavors.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracks often happen due to improper oven temperature or overmixing the batter. Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and mix just until combined.
What can I do with leftover macarons?
You can freeze leftover macarons or use them as toppings for desserts like ice cream sundaes or cakes!
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon treat, they offer endless opportunities for customization. Try adding different fillings or toppings to make them uniquely yours!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, where rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in a stunning French pastry. These elegant treats are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. With their smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re bound to impress both family and friends. Plus, this recipe allows for customization, whether you choose to drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top. Elevate your baking skills with this fun project and create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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 oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler, whisk egg whites with granulated sugar until frothy.
- Whip mixture until stiff peaks form using a stand mixer.
- Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar into the meringue; gently fold until combined.
- Pipe circles onto baking sheets and bake for about 13 minutes.
- For the filling, beat butter and peanut butter together; gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble macarons by piping filling onto half of the cooled macarons and sandwiching with another half.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 113
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
