Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for any occasion, these macarons bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table. With their smooth texture and delicious filling, they are bound to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich taste that is irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These macarons are great for parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed in making these macarons.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings beyond peanut butter for variety.
- Impressive Presentation: Their beautiful appearance makes them a stunning addition to any dessert spread.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Pastry bag with a 1-inch tip
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for achieving the perfect meringue consistency, which is crucial for macarons.
- Sifter: Helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Pastry bag: Allows for precise piping of macaron shells, which aids in consistency 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 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 steaming pot to create a double boiler.
Step 3: Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar
Whisk the mixture until the sugar melts completely and egg whites become white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place back onto the stand mixer.
Step 4: Make Swiss Meringue
Fit your stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Congratulations, you just made Swiss meringue!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Gently fold this mixture into the meringue bowl.
Step 6: Achieve Proper Consistency
Place the bowl back onto the stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed for about 10 seconds. Stop and check if you can make a figure-eight with some batter without breaking it; if not, whisk another 5-10 seconds until you reach that consistency similar to slow-moving lava.
Step 7: Pipe the Macaron Shells
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 while keeping about 1.5 inches between each circle. Bang each sheet on the counter twice to remove air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake the Macarons
You don’t need to air dry these shells! Simply place them in the oven for 13 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 9: Make Peanut Butter Filling
While your macarons bake, prepare your filling by beating together peanut butter and butter. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until fluffy.
Step 10: Assemble Your Macarons
Scoop the peanut butter mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe onto one macaron shell then sandwich it with another shell. Repeat this step for all macarons.
Optional Garnish
For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over them or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top!
Enjoy creating these exquisite Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons!
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 gathering or simply indulging at home, these macarons can be paired with different beverages and accompaniments to enhance your experience.
Pair with Coffee
- Espresso: The rich, bold flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the macarons perfectly.
- Latte: A creamy latte adds a smooth texture that pairs well with the chocolate and peanut butter filling.
Enjoy with Tea
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea enhance the flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Green Tea: A light green tea balances out the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast.
Serve on Dessert Platters
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries add a tangy freshness that pairs nicely with the sweet macarons.
- Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for a savory option that contrasts with the sweet filling.
Add Toppings
- Melted Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate over each macaron elevates their presentation.
- Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkling chopped peanuts on top adds an extra crunch and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
To achieve the best results with your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, consider these essential tips. Each step plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor.
- Use room temperature egg whites: This helps to create better volume and stability in your meringue.
- Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting almond flour and cocoa powder helps eliminate lumps, ensuring a smoother batter.
- Macaronage technique is key: Be gentle when folding your dry ingredients into the meringue. You want to maintain airiness while achieving the right consistency.
- Watch your oven closely: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your macarons to avoid overbaking or underbaking them.
- Cool completely before removing: Allow your macarons to cool fully on baking sheets to prevent breakage when transferring them.
- Store properly: Keep your macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Serving side dishes alongside your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a juicy burst of flavor that complements the macarons beautifully.
- Mini Cheesecakes: These creamy treats offer a rich counterpoint to the airy texture of macarons.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station for dipping fruits or other treats alongside your macarons for added fun.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Small bites of pecan pie add a nutty richness that pairs well with chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Ice Cream Floats: Vanilla or coffee-flavored floats create a fun contrast with their creaminess and temperature against the delicate macarons.
- Caramel Sauce Dipping Cups: Individual cups of caramel sauce allow guests to dip their macarons, enhancing their flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring the meringue consistency: If the meringue is over or under-whipped, your macarons may not rise properly. Aim for stiff peaks that hold their shape.
- Not sifting dry ingredients: Skipping this step can lead to a lumpy batter. Always sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar together for a smooth mixture.
- Skipping the banging step: Failing to bang the baking sheet can leave air bubbles in your macarons. Bang it firmly on the counter to remove any air pockets.
- Overbaking or underbaking: Baking too long can make them hard, while not enough time can leave them chewy. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness.
- Not letting them cool completely: If you try to remove them too early, they may stick to the parchment paper. Allow them to cool entirely before lifting off.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Freeze unfilled macarons for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
- For filled macarons, freeze them individually wrapped for best results.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes. This preserves their texture.
- Microwave: Use a low power setting and heat for about 10 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for about 1 minute, just enough to warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.
How do I ensure my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons have feet?
To achieve those perfect feet, make sure your batter is at the right consistency and give your piped macarons time to settle before baking.
Can I customize the filling of my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different nut butters or add flavors like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for variety.
What should I do if my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons crack?
Cracking usually happens due to overmixing or baking at too high a temperature. Try adjusting these factors next time.
How long do Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons last?
When stored correctly, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to a month if frozen.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter filling. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize with different fillings or toppings; the possibilities are endless!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, a sophisticated treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for any occasion, these macarons are not just visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. With a smooth texture and a luscious filling, they are sure to impress your family and friends. This easy-to-follow recipe makes it simple for bakers of all levels to create these gourmet cookies at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or treating yourself, these macarons are an exquisite addition to your dessert repertoire.
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 (for filling)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine egg whites and granulated sugar in a bowl over simmering water until frothy. Whisk until stiff peaks form with a stand mixer.
- Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; gently fold into the meringue.
- Pipe circles onto the baking sheets and bake for 13 minutes, turning halfway through.
- While baking, beat together butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt for the filling.
- Assemble macarons by piping the filling between two shells.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (25g)
- Calories: 103
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
