Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or simply a sweet indulgence, these macarons combine the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into a light, airy dessert. The creamy peanut butter filling paired with the delicate chocolate shells makes these macarons truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make it simple for bakers of all levels to create these treats.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers.
- Impressive Presentation: These macarons look stunning on any dessert table, sure to wow your guests.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings for a unique twist!
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, gather your tools. The right equipment will ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Sifter
- Pastry bag with tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to the perfect stiff peaks needed for macaron shells.
- Parchment paper: Provides a non-stick surface for baking, ensuring easy removal of macarons after baking.
- Sifter: Helps in aerating the dry ingredients, resulting in lighter and airier macarons.
Ingredients
These Reeses Macarons AKA chocolate peanut butter macarons with a creamy peanut butter filling are seriously what dreams are made of.
- 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
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 the steaming pot to create a double boiler.
Step 3: Whisking the Egg Whites
Whisk egg whites and sugar until the sugar melts completely and the mixture becomes white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place the bowl back onto the stand mixer.
Step 4: Forming Stiff Peaks
Fit your stand mixer with a whisk attachment and whisk on high speed for about 2–3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Congratulations, you just made Swiss meringue!
Step 5: Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar into the meringue bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the meringue.
Step 6: Achieving Consistency
Place the bowl back on the stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Turn it to medium speed for around 10 seconds. Stop the mixer and check if you can make a figure-eight with some batter without it breaking apart; if not, continue mixing for another 5–10 seconds until you reach this consistency.
Step 7: Pipe Macarons
Scoop the batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a one-inch tip. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1.5 inches between each macaron. Bang each baking sheet on the counter two times to remove any air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake Macarons
You don’t need to let them air dry! Place them directly in your preheated oven for about 13 minutes, turning halfway through baking. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 9: Make Peanut Butter Filling
While your macarons are baking, prepare the peanut butter filling by beating together peanut butter and butter until combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until fluffy.
Step 10: Assemble Macarons
Scoop this mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. When ready, pipe peanut butter filling onto half of your macaron shells and sandwich them with another shell.
Optional Garnish
For added texture, consider garnishing with melted chocolate and chopped peanuts!
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons make a delightful treat for any occasion. Their rich flavors and elegant appearance pair wonderfully with various beverages and snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your chocolate peanut butter macaron experience.
With Coffee
- Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the macarons beautifully.
- Cappuccino: The creamy texture and frothy top of a cappuccino balance the richness of the filling.
For a Sweet Snack
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or apples add a refreshing contrast to the sweet macarons.
- Chocolate Dip: Serve with melted chocolate for dipping to enhance that chocolatey goodness.
As a Dessert Table Feature
- Mini Cheesecakes: These rich desserts can be served alongside macarons for an elegant dessert spread.
- Macaron Tower: Create a stunning display by stacking various flavored macarons on a tiered stand.
With Tea
- Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea such as chamomile or mint can cleanse the palate between bites.
- Chai Latte: The spices in chai create a lovely harmony with the nutty flavors of the macarons.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Achieving the perfect chocolate peanut butter macarons requires attention to detail and practice. Follow these tips for success.
- meringue peaks: Ensure your meringue reaches stiff peaks for the best texture and structure. This creates that delightful crunch on the outside.
- Gentle folding technique: When combining dry ingredients with meringue, fold gently to maintain airiness. Overmixing can lead to flat macarons.
- Proper piping technique: Pipe uniform circles to ensure even baking. Use a template under parchment paper if needed.
- Baking sheet banging: Bang your baking sheet against the counter before baking to release air bubbles. This helps form smooth tops on your macarons.
- Cooling time is key: Allow macarons to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet. This prevents sticking and ensures they hold their shape.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Pairing side dishes with chocolate peanut butter macarons can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that complements the sweetness of the macarons.
- Mixed Nuts: A simple bowl of mixed nuts brings crunch and saltiness, balancing out the macaron’s sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated touch that pairs beautifully with sweet treats.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Vanilla or coffee ice cream makes for an indulgent side dish, enhancing the chocolate flavors beautifully.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate on top of desserts for added texture and richness.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and complexity, making each bite even more special.
- Coffee Granita: A refreshing coffee granita serves as a palate cleanser while complementing your macarons’ flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting the almond flour and cocoa powder can lead to lumps in your batter. Always ensure you sift these ingredients for a smooth macaron.
- Overmixing the Batter: Whisking too much can cause your meringue to collapse. Stop mixing when you achieve a figure-eight consistency that flows slowly.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at too high or low temperatures can ruin the texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Not Tapping the Baking Sheet: Failing to bang the baking sheet can result in air bubbles. Tap it firmly on the counter twice before baking.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Removing macarons too early can cause breakage. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them.
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.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes for a fresh texture.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they may become chewy.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat for about 1 minute, covering with a lid to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.
Can I use different nut flours?
You can substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour, but it will change the flavor slightly.
What makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons different from regular macarons?
The addition of cocoa powder gives these macarons a rich chocolate flavor, while peanut butter adds creaminess and depth.
How do I achieve perfect feet on my macarons?
Ensure proper mixing and allow them to rest before baking; this helps develop feet as they bake.
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! You can try different flavors like Nutella or flavored creams to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are not only delightful but also versatile. With their creamy peanut butter filling, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with various fillings or toppings, making each batch uniquely yours!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, a perfect fusion of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These light and airy French treats are ideal for any occasion—be it parties, birthdays, or just a sweet craving. With an exquisite peanut butter filling nestled between delicate chocolate shells, these macarons are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Easy to make with step-by-step instructions, this recipe invites bakers of all skill levels to create something truly special.
Ingredients
- 100g egg whites
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g almond flour
- 100g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler, whisk together egg whites and granulated sugar until frothy.
- Beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar into the meringue and gently fold.
- Pipe onto the prepared sheets and bake for about 13 minutes.
- Prepare the filling by beating together butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble macarons by piping filling between two shells.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 107
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 56mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
