Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of chocolate wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Today, I’m whipping up some delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, a treat that brings a little piece of France right to our homes. These airy shells, with their luscious, creamy peanut butter filling, are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they strike that perfect balance between indulgent and sophisticated, making them incredibly versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just satisfying a sweet craving, these macarons are sure to impress. Ready to dive into the world of French pastry magic? Let’s get started! Why You’ll Crave These Macarons? Decadent Delight: The heavenly combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Easy-to-Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master these exquisite treats in no time! Impressive Presentation: Their vibrant colors and elegant shapes make them the star of any dessert table, perfect for gatherings. Versatile Treats: Enjoy them on their own, serve alongside coffee, or pair with a glass of milk, just like with Double Chocolate Muffins for a satisfying indulgence. Perfect Texture: The airy shells and creamy filling create a delightful mouthfeel, reminiscent of classic desserts like Chocolate Croissant Bake. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a celebration or just a sweet treat, these macarons are bound to impress your guests! Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Ingredients For the Macaron Shells Egg Whites – Ensure they are at room temperature for maximum volume. Granulated Sugar – Helps to stabilize the meringue and adds sweetness. Almond Flour – Provides the chewy texture; you can substitute finely ground sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Powdered Sugar – Contributes to a smooth texture in the shells. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor to the macaron shells. For the Peanut Butter Filling Butter – Provides creaminess; substitute with non-dairy butter for a dairy-free version. Peanut Butter – The star ingredient of the filling; choose smooth or crunchy based on your preference. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the filling. Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Now that you have everything ready, you’re just a whisk away from creating those heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for the macarons. Make sure to space them apart to allow air to circulate during baking. This foundational step sets the stage for perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Step 2: Melt the Mixture In a double boiler, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar, whisking gently for about 1 to 1.5 minutes until the sugar has melted and the mixture becomes frothy. This process ensures that the sugar integrates smoothly, which is crucial for achieving stable meringue. Remove from heat once you see tiny bubbles forming. Step 3: Whisk to Peaks Transfer the warm mixture to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until stiff peaks form. The egg whites should become glossy and hold their shape when the whisk is lifted. This step is key to creating the airy texture in the Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together the almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. This sifting process eliminates any lumps and aerates the ingredients, promoting a smooth macaron batter. Slowly fold this dry mixture into the whipped meringue, incorporating it until the batter flows like slow-moving lava—this is a vital consistency for proper baking. Step 5: Pipe the Shells Once mixed, transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1.5 inches apart to allow room for spreading. After piping, gently bang the baking sheets against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring an even rise during baking. Step 6: Bake the Macarons Place the macarons in the preheated oven and bake for about 13 minutes, turning the sheets halfway through to promote even cooking. After baking, the shells should be firm to the touch with a glossy finish. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets before removing them for assembly. Step 7: Prepare the Filling While the macaron shells cool, make the peanut butter filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until you achieve a fluffy, smooth consistency. This filling will provide the creamy center for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Step 8: Assemble the Macarons To bring your delicious creation together, pipe a generous amount of the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Gently sandwich it with a second shell, pressing down lightly to ensure they adhere. For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the assembled macarons before serving to enhance their visual appeal. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture. The peanut butter filling can also be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days—just ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the macarons by piping the filling onto one shell and sandwiching it with another for that indulgent, creamy bite. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll whip up a delightful dessert with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and stability, leading to fluffier shells. Perfect Consistency: Use the figure-eight test to check your macaron batter. If it forms a ribbon without breaking, you’re ready to pipe. Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause your macarons to spread too much, resulting in flat Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Moisture-Free Equipment: Make sure all your utensils and bowls are dry when whipping the egg whites. Even a tiny bit of moisture can prevent them from reaching stiff peaks. Baking Sheets Care: Bang your baking sheets gently against the counter after piping to release air bubbles and prevent cracks in your macarons. Storage Tips: Keep your finished Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to a week, retaining their deliciousness! Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Variations Feel free to play and personalize your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons with these tempting twists! Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds for a delicious nut-free version. You won’t miss a beat in flavor! Different Nut Butters: Try using almond or cashew butter for the filling to switch up the flavor while maintaining creaminess. Each nut brings a new taste adventure! Flavor Extracts: Swap unsweetened cocoa powder with flavored extracts like coffee or almond for a unique spin. Each bite will surprise and delight your taste buds. Added Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or toffee pieces to the peanut butter filling for extra texture. The crunch beautifully complements the creamy filling. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled macarons to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Perfect if you’re looking to wow your guests! Mini Macarons: Scale down the size for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gatherings. These cute miniatures are sure to be a hit! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy twist. This unexpected heat will make your macarons truly unforgettable! Explore these variations to personalize your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons! And if you’re in the mood for more rich flavors, don’t forget to check out our delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter dessert or try these Double Chocolate Muffins for a chocolatey fix. Storage Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Fridge: Store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying. Reheating: While typically served cold, if you prefer a softer texture, let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes after thawing. Wrapping: To keep the delicate shells intact, avoid stacking or overcrowding the macarons in storage. What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? Indulge in a world of delightful pairings that will elevate your macaron experience to new heights. Rich Coffee: A bold cup of coffee enhances the deep flavors of the macarons, creating a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the chocolate and peanut butter, offering a delightful contrast in textures. Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the macarons. Chocolate Fondue: Dip your macarons in warm chocolate fondue for an extra layer of indulgence; the combination is pure magic. Milkshake: A creamy milkshake, whether chocolate or vanilla, adds a nostalgic twist that makes each bite of macaron feel like a special treat. Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea can cleanse the palate, making it a delightful companion to the richness of the macarons. Coconut Macaroons: Pair these chocolate treats with tropical coconut macaroons for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures on your dessert tray. Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly adds sophistication to your dessert presentation, making it perfect for celebrations or special evenings. Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe FAQs How do I know if my egg whites are the right consistency for macarons? Absolutely! Achieving the correct egg white consistency is crucial for perfect macarons. You’ll want to whisk them until they form stiff peaks—this means the mixture will hold its shape when lifted. To perform the figure-eight test, when you lift the whisk, the batter should fall in a ribbon that holds its shape without breaking. It takes a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it! How should I store my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? For the best taste and texture, store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container; to thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Can I freeze the Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? Very! Freezing is a great way to extend the lifespan of your macarons. Once assembled, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps the shells from getting too soft, ensuring they maintain that delightful texture. What if my macarons turn out flat or fail to rise? Don’t worry! Flat macarons can result from a few common issues. Make sure your egg whites were whipped to stiff peaks and that the batter had the right consistency—remember it should flow like slow-moving lava. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate; using an oven thermometer can help. Lastly, ensure you’ve banged the baking sheets to release air bubbles before baking, as trapped air can interfere with rising. Are there any allergens I need to consider with Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? Absolutely! Since this recipe contains egg whites and peanut butter, they are not suitable for those with nut allergies or egg sensitivities. If you need to make a nut-free version, you can substitute the almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds. Also, be cautious with the filling if there are allergies since some peanut butters include added ingredients that could contain allergens. Can I adjust the sweetness of the filling? Yes, you can tailor the sweetness to your taste! If you find the filling too sweet, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired taste. Keeping a balance is important, so be sure to add small amounts at a time. Plus, using natural peanut butter, which has less sugar compared to regular varieties, can also help control the sweetness of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons You'll Love No ratings yet Indulge in these Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, featuring airy shells and creamy filling that create a delightful French-inspired dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 13 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 58 minutes mins Servings: 12 macaronsCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 100 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Macaron Shells3 large Egg Whites Ensure at room temperature150 grams Granulated Sugar225 grams Almond Flour Or finely ground sunflower seeds for nut-free200 grams Powdered Sugar30 grams Unsweetened Cocoa PowderFor the Peanut Butter Filling113 grams Butter Or non-dairy butter for dairy-free210 grams Peanut Butter Smooth or crunchy1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1 pinch Salt Equipment OvenStand mixerpiping bagdouble boiler Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.In a double boiler, combine egg whites and granulated sugar. Whisk gently for about 1 to 1.5 minutes until frothy.Transfer the warm mixture to a stand mixer and beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until stiff peaks form.Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Fold this dry mixture into the whipped meringue.Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto prepared baking sheets, 1.5 inches apart.Bake for about 13 minutes, turning the sheets halfway through. Let cool completely before removing.Beat together softened butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.Pipe peanut butter filling onto the flat side of a macaron shell and sandwich with a second shell. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesUse room temperature egg whites for better volume. Avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
