Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a way that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence at home, these macarons have a crisp exterior and a luscious filling that evokes the beloved flavors of Reese’s. With their elegant appearance and incredible flavor, they are sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an irresistible treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Elegant Presentation: These macarons look beautiful on any dessert table, making them perfect for special occasions.
- Versatile Filling Options: Feel free to experiment with different fillings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Easy to Follow: This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, ensuring success even for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 sandwich cookies in this recipe, there’s plenty to share or enjoy over several days!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious chocolate peanut butter macarons, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Piping bags
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for achieving the perfect meringue with stiff peaks, which is crucial for the macaron structure.
- Piping bags: Allows for precise piping of the macaron batter, ensuring uniform shapes and sizes.
- Sifter: Helps achieve a smooth batter by removing lumps from dry ingredients.
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. 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: Whisk Egg Whites
Whisk the mixture until the sugar melts completely and the egg whites become white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place back onto your stand mixer.
Step 4: Create Swiss Meringue
Fit your stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Now you’ve made Swiss meringue!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Gently shake this mixture into the bowl with the meringue.
Step 6: Mix Batter
Place the bowl on your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Turn it to medium speed and whisk for 10 seconds. Stop and check if you can make a figure-eight with some batter without it breaking; if not, mix again for another 5-10 seconds until you reach that consistency similar to slow-moving lava.
Step 7: Pipe Circles
Scoop the batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch tip. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles onto prepared baking sheets, keeping about 1.5 inches apart. Bang each baking sheet on your counter twice to release air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake Macarons
You can skip air drying! Bake the macarons in your preheated oven for 13 minutes, turning them halfway through baking. Allow them to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Step 9: Make Filling
While baking, prepare your peanut butter filling by beating together peanut butter and butter. Once combined, add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until fluffy.
Step 10: Assemble Macarons
Scoop this mixture into another piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe onto half of the cooled macarons and sandwich with another macaron on top.
Optional Garnish:
If desired, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture!
Enjoy these delicious chocolate peanut butter macarons at any gathering or as an everyday treat!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Chocolate peanut butter macarons are not just delicious treats; they also make for an elegant dessert presentation. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative ways to serve these delightful macarons.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair them with a rich cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea to balance the flavors. The warmth of the beverage complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange chocolate peanut butter macarons on a dessert platter alongside other sweets. This colorful display will impress your guests and encourage them to indulge in variety.
With Ice Cream
- Serve chocolate peanut butter macarons alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrast in temperatures and textures will elevate your dessert experience.
Garnished with Fruit
- Add fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries on the side. Their tartness will beautifully contrast with the sweet and nutty flavors of the macarons.
As Party Favors
- Package them in cute boxes as party favors for weddings or birthdays. Guests will appreciate this sweet gesture that they can enjoy later!
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
To achieve perfect chocolate peanut butter macarons, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your macarons turn out flawless every time.
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Use aged egg whites: Let your egg whites sit uncovered in the fridge for at least 24 hours before using. This helps create a better meringue structure.
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Sift dry ingredients: Always sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar together. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
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Check consistency: The batter should flow like slow-moving lava when piped. Test by creating a figure-eight; if it holds its shape without breaking, it’s ready.
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Bake in batches: Avoid overcrowding your oven by baking one tray at a time. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents uneven baking.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
Pairing side dishes with chocolate peanut butter macarons can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some options that complement their flavors well.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the macarons.
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Chocolate Mousse: A light and airy chocolate mousse can serve as an indulgent counterpart, adding richness without overwhelming the palate.
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Vanilla Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert provides a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the crunchy macaron shells.
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Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet like raspberry or mango offers a cool contrast that enhances the nutty flavor of the filling.
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Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake squares can provide a rich option that complements the creamy peanut butter filling nicely.
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Nutty Granola: For something crunchy, serve nutty granola on the side, adding texture that contrasts with the softness of the macarons.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your plate for an extra touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate flavors.
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Espresso Shots: Serve small cups of espresso alongside for guests who enjoy coffee’s boldness to balance out dessert’s sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting your dry ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter. Always sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar for a smooth macaron.
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Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can ruin the texture. Aim for a batter that flows like slow-moving lava. Test with the figure-eight method to find the right consistency.
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Ignoring Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures vary, and yours might not be accurate. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at exactly 300°F.
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Not Letting Them Cool: Removing macarons too soon from the baking sheet can cause breakage. Allow them to cool completely before peeling them off.
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Using Wrong Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter can be too oily or watery. Use a creamy, processed peanut butter for the filling to achieve the right texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Use low power for quick bursts of 10 seconds until slightly warmed.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, covered with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.
How do I achieve perfect macaron shells?
To get perfect shells, focus on achieving stiff peaks when whipping egg whites and ensure your batter has the correct consistency before piping.
Can I use different flavors for my macarons?
Absolutely! You can customize your macarons by using various flavored extracts or food colorings in the batter or filling.
What is the best way to store Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking usually happens due to overmixing or incorrect oven temperature. Be sure to follow the recipe closely for best results.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter filling. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different flavors or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, where rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter for an irresistible dessert experience. These elegant French pastries boast a crisp exterior and a luscious filling that will surely transport your taste buds. Perfect for celebrations or a personal treat, these macarons are not only visually stunning but also easy to make, making them an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings to create unique flavor combinations, or simply savor their classic Reese’s-inspired taste. With 24 sandwich cookies in this recipe, there’s plenty to share – if you can resist the temptation!
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.
- Create Swiss meringue by whisking egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until frothy, then whip until stiff peaks form.
- Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; fold into the meringue until the batter flows like slow-moving lava.
- Pipe small circles onto prepared sheets and bake for 13 minutes.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling by blending butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble macarons by piping filling onto half of the cooled shells and sandwiching with another shell.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron (15g)
- Calories: 67
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
