Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter filling, they offer a unique twist on a classic French dessert. These decadent macarons are not only visually stunning but also indulgently delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, these macarons will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter create a taste sensation that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a casual afternoon snack, these macarons fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: Beautifully crafted macarons make for an eye-catching dessert that will wow your guests.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or decorations to make them uniquely yours.
• Fun Baking Experience: Making macarons can be a fun challenge and gives you the chance to show off your baking skills.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Pastry bag with piping tips

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Essential for creating the perfect Swiss meringue with stiff peaks.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the finished macarons from the baking sheets.
• Sifter: Helps to achieve a light and airy macaron batter by removing lumps from dry ingredients.

Ingredients

These Reeses Macarons, also known as chocolate peanut butter macarons, feature a creamy peanut butter filling that takes them to another level of deliciousness.

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 oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set 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 bowl over steaming pot, creating a double boiler.

Step 3: Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar

Whisk egg whites and sugar until the sugar melts completely, and egg whites become white and frothy, about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and place bowl back onto standing mixer.

Step 4: Create Swiss Meringue

Fit stand mixer with whisk attachment and whisk on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; then gently shake into meringue bowl.

Step 6: Mix Batter

Place bowl back on stand mixer with whisk attachment. Turn mixer to medium speed for about 10 seconds. Stop mixer and use a spatula to check consistency by making a figure-eight with dripping batter. Repeat if needed until it resembles slow-moving lava.

Step 7: Pipe Macarons

Scoop batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a one-inch tip. Pipe silver dollar-sized circles onto prepared baking sheets, keeping about 1.5 inches apart. Bang baking sheet twice on counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 8: Bake Macarons

Bake in preheated oven for 13 minutes, turning halfway through. Allow cooling completely before removing from baking sheets.

Step 9: Make Peanut Butter Filling

While macarons bake, beat peanut butter and butter until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble Macarons

Scoop filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe onto one macaron shell and sandwich with another shell. Optionally garnish with melted chocolate or chopped peanuts for added texture!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

Chocolate peanut butter macarons are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a gathering or enjoy them yourself, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange macarons on a beautiful platter with other desserts for an elegant presentation.

Dusted with Cocoa Powder

• Lightly dusting your macarons with cocoa powder adds an extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.

As Party Favors

• Package individual macarons in decorative boxes to share as delightful gifts at events.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these macarons with your favorite brewed beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

Achieving the perfect chocolate peanut butter macarons takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master them.

• Use fresh egg whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and stability during whipping.

• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly: This ensures a smooth batter and helps avoid lumps in your macaron shells.

• Practice the figure-eight test: This method helps you determine if your batter has reached the right consistency before piping.

• Tap baking sheets firmly: Tapping the sheets after piping removes air bubbles, leading to smoother tops on your macarons.

• Avoid humidity: Baking macarons in dry weather yields the best results; humidity can cause issues with drying and baking.

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:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances out the rich flavors of the macarons.

2. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm ganache over the macarons for an indulgent experience.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the sweet macarons.

4. Caramel Sauce: Serve with a side of caramel sauce for dipping, adding another layer of sweetness.

5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy texture that pairs nicely with chocolate peanut butter flavors.

6. Coffee Mousse: The richness of coffee mousse complements the sweet, nutty taste of the macarons beautifully.

7. Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and pairs well with coffee or tea served alongside the macarons.

8. Chilled Coconut Pudding: This tropical dessert brings a refreshing taste that balances out the richness of the macarons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring egg white temperature: Using cold egg whites can lead to a less stable meringue. Always let your eggs come to room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause the batter to become too runny, which leads to flat macarons. Mix just until you achieve the right consistency, like slow-moving lava.
• Not weighing ingredients: Baking is a science, and precision matters. Always weigh your ingredients instead of using volume measurements for accuracy.
• Skipping the resting phase: If you let your macarons rest before baking, it helps develop that perfect skin. Skipping this step can result in cracks or uneven tops.
• Using old baking sheets: Ensure your baking sheets are clean and not warped. Old or damaged sheets can affect how your macarons bake.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store macarons in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

• Place macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
• Transfer them to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Use low power to heat for no more than 10 seconds at a time.
• Stovetop: Place on a warm pan briefly, being careful not to melt the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these delightful treats, here are some frequently asked questions.

What makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons unique?

The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a heavenly flavor that is hard to resist. It’s like enjoying dessert in a delicate shell!

How do I know when my macarons are baked?

Watch for slight browning on the edges and firm tops. They should easily lift off the parchment paper without sticking.

Can I customize the filling for my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like Nutella or even fruit jams for a unique twist.

Why did my macarons crack?

Cracking usually occurs due to overmixing or insufficient resting time before baking. Ensure you follow these steps closely for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various fillings and toppings. Try making these delightful treats at home, and enjoy their rich flavors that bring comfort and joy!