Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet everyday indulgence, these macarons will impress your family and friends with their delicate texture and creamy filling. With their irresistible taste, these macarons make any gathering feel more festive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Impressive Presentation: These macarons look beautiful on any dessert table, making them ideal for celebrations.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just as a sweet treat after dinner.
- Easy to Customize: You can add toppings like melted chocolate or chopped nuts for added flair.
- Fun to Make: The process of creating macarons is enjoyable and rewarding, perfect for baking enthusiasts.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more effective.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Piping bags
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing for the perfect meringue consistency.
- Piping bags: Helps in easily shaping the macarons into uniform sizes.
- Sifter: Removes lumps from dry ingredients, ensuring smooth batter.
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 a bowl of a stand mixer, combine egg whites and granulated sugar. Place this bowl over the steaming pot to create a double boiler.
- Whisk the mixture until the sugar melts completely and becomes white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and set back on the stand mixer.
Step 3: Whip the Meringue
- Attach the whisk in your stand mixer and beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Congratulations, you just made Swiss meringue!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Gently shake this mixture into the meringue bowl.
Step 5: Fold Batter to Right Consistency
- Turn mixer to medium speed for about 10 seconds.
- Stop mixing and use a spatula to scoop some batter up; if it can form a figure-eight without breaking, it’s ready.
- If not, mix for another 5-10 seconds before testing again until you achieve slow-moving lava-like consistency.
Step 6: Pipe Macaron Shells
Fill a large pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch tip with your batter. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Bang each sheet on the counter twice to release air bubbles.
Step 7: Bake Macarons
You don’t need to let them air dry! Bake in your preheated oven for 13 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 8: Make Peanut Butter Filling
While macarons bake, prepare your filling by beating together peanut butter and butter. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble Macarons
Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with your peanut butter filling. Pipe onto one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell. Repeat with all shells. Optionally garnish with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts for extra texture!
Enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons; they’re sure to be a hit at any event!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these macarons are sure to impress.
With Coffee
- Espresso – The rich flavor of espresso enhances the chocolate notes.
- Cappuccino – A frothy cappuccino pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the macarons.
As Dessert Platters
- Mixed Fruit – Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Cheese Board – Include soft cheeses like brie for a sophisticated touch.
For Celebrations
- Birthday Treats – Present them on a beautiful platter for birthday parties; they make a stunning centerpiece.
- Wedding Favors – Wrap them elegantly for guests; they’re a memorable sweet addition.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Sandwich a macaron around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Chocolate Sorbet – For chocolate lovers, pairing macarons with chocolate sorbet elevates the experience.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Achieving perfect chocolate peanut butter macarons takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- egg whites – Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume during whipping.
- Sift your dry ingredients – Sifting almond flour and cocoa powder together prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- Monitor mixing time – Mix until the batter flows smoothly but avoid overmixing, which can ruin the texture.
- Use parchment paper – Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Pairing side dishes with chocolate peanut butter macarons can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast.
- Chocolate Mousse – A rich chocolate mousse complements the flavors perfectly, creating a decadent treat.
- Nutty Granola Bars – Homemade granola bars provide crunch and balance with nutty flavors.
- Tea Selection – Offer an assortment of herbal teas, which can cleanse the palate between bites.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites can create an elegant spread alongside the macarons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause your macarons to lose their precious structure. Mix just until combined and check the batter consistency.
- Not Using a Kitchen Scale: Baking is a science! Always measure your ingredients by weight for accuracy, especially egg whites and almond flour.
- Skipping the Sifting Step: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar is vital. This step helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven thermometer can help you avoid undercooked or overcooked macarons.
- Ignoring Humidity Levels: Humidity can affect meringue stability. Avoid making macarons on rainy days for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Place in a single layer in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat at 300°F and warm for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as they can become chewy.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm them gently for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons:
How do I get my macarons to have feet?
To achieve that perfect foot, ensure your batter is not too runny or too thick. The resting time before baking also helps develop the feet.
Can I use other nut flours?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with other nut flours, but keep in mind this may alter the texture and flavor of your macarons.
What if my macarons crack while baking?
Cracking often occurs from excess moisture or too high of an oven temperature. Check your oven calibration and consider reducing humidity.
How do I prevent my filling from leaking?
Ensure your macaron shells are completely cooled before adding filling. You can also pipe a small ring of buttercream around the edge before adding peanut butter filling.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are not just visually stunning; they offer an incredible blend of flavors that delight everyone who tries them. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings like chocolate ganache or crushed nuts. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any gathering!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Perfect for any special occasion or a sweet everyday treat, these macarons feature a delicate shell with a luscious filling that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to customize with toppings like melted chocolate or chopped nuts, they are not only fun to make but also visually stunning on any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these macarons are sure to impress.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meringue by whisking egg whites and granulated sugar over a double boiler until frothy. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar together; gently fold into the meringue until it reaches a lava-like consistency.
- Pipe circles of batter onto prepared sheets and bake for 13 minutes, turning halfway through. Allow to cool completely.
- For the filling, beat together butter and peanut butter; gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble by piping filling onto one macaron shell and sandwiching it with another.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
