Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter filling. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet afternoon snack, these delightful macarons are sure to impress both friends and family. Their unique taste and elegant appearance make them a standout dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow – With simple steps and clear instructions, even beginners can master these macarons.
• Decadent Flavor – The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich and satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat – These macarons can be customized with different flavors or toppings, making them perfect for any celebration.
• Impressive Appearance – Their delicate structure and vibrant colors make these macarons visually appealing, sure to catch the eye on any dessert table.
• Great for Sharing – Making 24 sandwiches means you can share this delightful treat or save some for later!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes creating your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Sifter
• Pastry bag with a tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Essential for achieving the perfect Swiss meringue texture needed for macarons.
• Baking sheets – Provide a sturdy surface for baking your macarons evenly.
• Parchment paper – Ensures easy removal of the macarons after baking without sticking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

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 (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Swiss Meringue

Heat a small pot of water over medium heat until it steams. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar. Place the bowl over the steaming pot to create a double boiler.

Step 3: Whisk Until Frothy

Whisk the egg whites and sugar together until the sugar melts completely, and the mixture becomes white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place back onto the stand mixer.

Step 4: Whip to Stiff Peaks

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 into a separate bowl. Gently fold this mixture into your meringue bowl.

Step 6: Mix Until Perfect Consistency

Place the bowl back onto the stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Turn it to medium speed for about 10 seconds. Stop the mixer and use a spatula to scoop up some batter; if you can make a figure-eight without breaking, you’re good! If not, mix for another 5-10 seconds.

Step 7: Pipe Macaron Shells

Transfer your batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a one-inch tip. Pipe circles onto prepared baking sheets while keeping about 1.5 inches between each meringue. Tap each baking sheet against the counter twice to remove air bubbles.

Step 8: Bake

You don’t need to let them air dry! Pop them into your preheated oven for about 13 minutes, turning halfway through. Allow them to cool completely before removing from sheets.

Step 9: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While your macarons bake, prepare the peanut butter filling by beating together peanut butter and butter until well combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble Your Macarons

Scoop this mixture into another piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich with another shell. Repeat until all are assembled.

Optional Garnish

For added texture, consider garnishing with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts before serving!

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

Serving Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a celebration, or an afternoon tea, these delightful treats are sure to impress.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Espresso – The rich flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the macarons beautifully.
• Chai Tea – The warm spices in chai enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Herbal Tea – A refreshing herbal tea provides a nice contrast to the creamy filling.

Dessert Platter

• Fruit Tart – Add a fruity element to your spread with a colorful fruit tart that balances the richness of the macarons.
• Cheesecake Bites – These small bites offer a creamy texture and can be flavored to match or contrast with the macarons.
• Mini Cupcakes – Choose light-flavored cupcakes for an additional sweet touch without overwhelming the palate.

Celebration Settings

• Gift Boxes – Package them in decorative boxes as gifts for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
• Elegant Dessert Table – Create an eye-catching dessert table featuring macarons alongside other confections for parties or events.

How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

Making perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve macaron mastery.

• Bold Temperature Control – Ensure your oven is preheated accurately. An oven thermometer can help maintain the right temperature for consistent baking results.
• Bold Meringue Technique – Whisk your egg whites until they reach stiff peaks. This creates a stable meringue essential for structure and texture.
• Bold Sifting Ingredients – Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar multiple times. This step helps eliminate lumps and promotes smooth batter.
• Bold Consistency Check – Test your batter for proper consistency by performing the figure-eight test. The batter should flow smoothly but hold shape without breaking.
• Bold Cooling Time – Allow macarons to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet. This prevents breakage and ensures a perfect shell.
• Bold Filling Options – Experiment with different fillings like flavored cream cheese or fruit preserves to add variety while keeping it delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

While Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a treat on their own, serving them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Berries – A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the macarons.
2. Chocolate Mousse – A light and airy chocolate mousse pairs well with the textures of macarons, creating an indulgent combination.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – The creaminess of vanilla ice cream offers a classic pairing that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.
4. Nutty Granola Bars – Homemade or store-bought nutty granola bars provide crunchiness that complements the soft texture of macarons.
5. Fruit Sorbet – A refreshing fruit sorbet cleanses the palate between bites, making it an excellent pairing choice.
6. Caramel Sauce Drizzle – A drizzle of salted caramel sauce over fresh fruits or desserts can elevate your dessert platter further, providing additional sweetness and flavor depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your macarons turn out perfect.

• Boldly skip the weighing: A common mistake is not weighing ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
• Boldly ignore the egg whites’ temperature: Room temperature egg whites whip better than cold ones. Let them sit for a while before use.
• Boldly rush the macaronage: Overmixing or undermixing the batter can ruin the texture. Aim for that slow-moving lava consistency.
• Boldly forget to bang the tray: Not tapping your baking sheet to release air bubbles can lead to cracked shells. Give it a good tap!
• Boldly skip cooling time: Removing macarons too soon can cause them to crack. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

• Place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one macaron for about 10 seconds on a low setting; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, covering it with a lid for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.

What are Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are delicate French cookies made from almond flour, filled with a creamy peanut butter filling. They combine rich chocolate flavors with nutty goodness.

Can I customize my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like adding crushed nuts or using flavored extracts in your filling.

How do I know when my macarons are done baking?

Macarons are done when they have formed a shell and feel firm to touch but still have a slight bounce when pressed gently.

Why did my macarons crack?

Cracking can occur due to insufficient drying time, too high oven temperature, or overmixing the batter. Make sure you follow the steps closely.

How should I serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?

These macarons can be served at room temperature as delightful desserts or snacks, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are not just visually appealing but also offer a delightful blend of flavors that will please any palate. Their versatility allows you to customize the fillings or even colors, making them perfect for any occasion. Try making these macarons and impress your friends and family!