Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of chocolate fills the air, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement. Today, we’re diving into the world of elegant French pastries with my take on Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. These delightful treats are not only a feast for the senses with their chewy chocolate shells and creamy peanut butter filling, but they offer a swift escape from the ordinary—perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out. With their captivating resemblance to beloved Reese’s cups and the simple joy they bring, these macarons are sure to impress friends and family alike. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in a sweet moment of homemade luxury? Ready to turn your kitchen into a macaron magic zone? Let’s get started! Why are Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons a Must-Try? Decadent Flavors: These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons blend rich chocolate with a creamy peanut butter filling, satisfying cravings for something sweet yet sophisticated. Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy French name fool you! This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Impressive Presentation: With their gorgeous, glossy finish, these macarons are sure to wow guests at any gathering or coffee date—just like my Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies do! Versatile Treat: Feel free to experiment by swapping out flavors in the filling or even trying different nut flours in the shells for a unique twist. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, these homemade delights are a guaranteed hit among friends and family. After all, who can resist a delightful treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes? Chocolate Peanut Butter Macaron Ingredients • Get ready to create your own delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons! For the Shells Egg Whites – Provides structure and stability; use at room temperature for better volume. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue, ensuring a perfect shell. Almond Flour – Adds texture and structure; substitute with finely ground peanuts for a unique flavor. Powdered Sugar – Contributes sweetness and enhances the smooth finish of your macarons. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Imparts a rich chocolate flavor essential for the shells. For the Filling Butter – The creamy base for the filling; swap for vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option. Peanut Butter – The star of the filling; creamy is ideal for that smooth texture. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; you can try almond extract for a twist. Salt – Balances out the sweetness and elevates the flavor profile. Optional Toppings Melted Chocolate – Drizzle for an added touch of decadence and visual appeal. Chopped Peanuts – Sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling. Bringing these Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons to life will be a delightful experience, transforming your kitchen into a sweet haven! 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 the oven heats, line your baking sheets with fresh parchment paper, ensuring they are flat to prevent sticking. This setup is crucial, as a well-prepared surface will help create perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons with beautiful, defined shapes. Step 2: Create the Swiss Meringue In a saucepan, fill the bottom with water, bringing it to a gentle simmer. In a heatproof bowl, combine egg whites and granulated sugar, carefully whisking until the mixture is fluffy and the sugar has dissolved—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This combination will yield a light, airy Swiss meringue, which is the base for your macaron shells. Step 3: Whip to Stiff Peaks Transfer your bowl of meringue to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. On high speed, beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks—this should take around 5 minutes. The meringue should appear glossy and hold well; it’s this stability that allows your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons to achieve the classic “foot” during baking. Step 4: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together the almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the meringue using a spatula, ensuring you maintain as much air as possible. This folding technique is vital for achieving the right consistency in your batters, and may take about 2-3 minutes to combine fully. Step 5: Test Batter Consistency Once combined, test the batter’s consistency by lifting your spatula; it should flow slowly and create a figure-eight shape without breaking. If it holds its shape too stiffly or drips too runnily, adjust as needed. A properly mixed batter is essential for the successful rise and texture of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Step 6: Pipe the Macaron Shells Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles, approximately the size of silver dollars, onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to account for spreading. This process should be done slowly for even shapes, creating a gorgeous base for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Step 7: Bake the Macarons Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven, baking the macarons for about 13 minutes. To ensure even baking, turn the sheets halfway through. The macarons will be ready when they develop a shiny surface and no longer jiggle when touched—this indicates a wonderfully set outer shell. Step 8: Cool and Remove Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the macarons to cool completely on the parchment paper. This cooling process is crucial as it helps the macarons firm up—resisting the urge to remove them too soon will help maintain their delicate structure. Step 9: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling While the shells cool, make the filling by creaming together softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the filling is fluffy and well combined. This yummy filling will perfectly complement the rich flavors of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Step 10: Assemble the Macarons Once the shells have cooled, carefully pair them by size. Pipe a generous dollop of peanut butter filling onto the flat side of half the macarons and place the other halves on top, creating delightful sandwiches. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Step 11: Serve or Store Your homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are now ready to savor! Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for a week if you want to prolong their deliciousness. Enjoy these beautiful treats and share them with family and friends! What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? These delicate, sweet treats are a perfect canvas for a delightful and memorable meal experience. Rich Hot Chocolate: A cozy beverage that echoes the chocolate in the macarons, enhancing the indulgent feeling of your dessert course. Light Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee balance the sweet peanut butter filling, creating a harmonious contrast and elevating the whole experience. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness while adding color to your dessert plate. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream complements the macarons beautifully, creating a luscious mouthfeel alongside the crunchy shells and creamy filling. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A sweet, sticky caramel drizzle over your macarons provides an extra layer of decadence and a playful textural contrast. Nutty Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crunch of nutty shortbread cookies pairs fantastically with the soft, chewy macarons, offering a delightful mix of textures. Mint Mojito: A refreshing mint mojito adds a zesty, cooling element to your dessert spread, making it a perfect palate cleanser between bites. Chocolate Ganache Dip: For those who crave an extra chocolate punch, serve the macarons with a side of warm chocolate ganache for dunking and an irresistible dip. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Room Temperature: Keep your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they’ll stay fresh and delightful. Fridge: To prolong freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re sealed well to prevent drying out or absorbing odors. Freezer: For long-term storage, place the assembled Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Enjoy the macaron’s delightful textures—just like freshly baked! Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Use Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature. This helps create a stable meringue, essential for heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons. Sift Thoroughly: Don’t skip sifting the dry ingredients. This avoids lumps and ensures a smooth batter, vital for achieving those coveted macaron feet. Batter Consistency: Pay close attention to the batter’s texture. It should flow slowly and form a figure-eight without breaking. Overmixing can lead to flat macarons. Avoid Humidity: Baking macarons on a humid day can hinder their success. If possible, choose a dry day for the best results in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons recipe. Patience is Key: Let the piped macarons rest for at least 30 minutes prior to baking. This helps form a protective skin, leading to a lovely rise during baking. Chocolate Peanut Butter Macaron Variations Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine with these captivating variations of Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons! Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground oats or sunflower seed flour for a deliciously different flavor. Vegan: Use aquafaba instead of egg whites and swap butter for vegan butter to create a completely animal product-free treat. It’s astounding how delightful these can still be! Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or instant espresso powder to the filling for a warm, unexpected kick that beautifully complements the chocolate. Flavor Infusion: Try incorporating flavored extracts like peppermint or orange into the filling for a refreshing twist. A little innovation can transform your macarons into an entirely new creation! Chocolate Lovers: Boost the cocoa powder in the shells and add chocolate chips to the filling for an extra-rich experience. Who wouldn’t love more chocolate, right? Coconut Lover: Mix in shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist. The chewy coconut offers a wonderful texture contrast with the creamy peanut butter. Lavender Bliss: Add dried culinary lavender to the macaron shells to elevate these sweets to a floral dream. The aromatic notes bring an elegant touch perfect for special occasions. S’mores Macaron: Incorporate crushed graham crackers into the filling alongside the peanut butter, then top with mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired delight. Explore these variations to personalize your decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons further! And while you’re at it, why not pair these treats with a warm slice of Honey Butter Cornbread or enjoy them alongside a rich dessert like White Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake? Indulging has never been so much fun! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they remain fresh and maintain their delightful texture. The peanut butter filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just make sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling. When you’re ready to serve, simply pipe the filling onto the shells and sandwich them together for a quick, elegant dessert that will impress everyone. Enjoy timeless value in your baking schedule! Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for my macarons? Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your egg whites are fresh and at room temperature, as this helps achieve a stable meringue. Almond flour should be finely ground to avoid gritty textures, and make sure your powdered sugar is free from lumps. Imagine a soft, silk-like consistency, which is critical for the lightness of your macarons. How should I store my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? You can store your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to prolong their flavor, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to seal them tightly to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any pesky odors. Can I freeze my Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons? Yes, indeed! To freeze, arrange your assembled macarons in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be safely stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and taste. What should I do if my macarons don’t have feet? Very common! If your macarons lack those signature feet (the ruffled edges), a few adjustments might help. Ensure your oven is preheated correctly, as the initial heat is crucial for that rise. Resting the piped batter for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help form a skin, which supports the macaron’s structure during baking. Are there any allergy concerns I should consider when making these? Absolutely! The key allergens in this recipe include eggs and nuts (almonds and peanuts). If you’re catering to someone with nut allergies, consider using a nut flour alternative like sunflower seed flour. Always ensure that all surfaces and utensils are properly cleaned if they’ve been in contact with allergens! Can these macarons be made vegan or allergy-friendly? Definitely! For a vegan twist, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in a 1:1 ratio; this will act similarly to egg whites. For a nut-free option, use a nut-free flour alternative and ensure the peanut butter is also allergen-free. The more the merrier in the kitchen when it comes to customization! Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons You’ll Love Delight in these Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons, combining chewy chocolate shells with creamy peanut butter filling—perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 13 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 3 minutes mins Servings: 12 macaronsCourse: DessertsCuisine: FrenchCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Shells3 large Egg Whites Use at room temperature for better volume.100 grams Granulated Sugar Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue.150 grams Almond Flour Substitute with finely ground peanuts for flavor.100 grams Powdered Sugar Contributes sweetness and enhances the finish.30 grams Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Imparts chocolate flavor essential for shells.For the Filling70 grams Butter Creamy base; swap for vegan butter if needed.150 grams Peanut Butter Creamy is ideal for texture.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor; can try almond extract.1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.Optional Toppings50 grams Melted Chocolate For drizzle.30 grams Chopped Peanuts For added crunch. Equipment OvenStand MixerHeatproof Bowlpiping bagspatulabaking sheetsparchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.Create the Swiss meringue by whisking egg whites and granulated sugar over simmering water until fluffy.Whip meringue in a mixer until stiff peaks form and mixture is glossy.Sift almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar into a bowl then fold into the meringue.Test batter consistency; it should flow slowly and form a figure-eight shape.Pipe small circles of batter on the baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.Bake the macarons for about 13 minutes, turning sheets halfway through.Cool the macarons completely on the parchment paper.Prepare the filling by creaming together butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.Assemble the macarons by pairing shells, piping filling, and optionally topping with melted chocolate and peanuts.Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesUsing room temperature eggs and sifting ingredients is crucial for successful macarons. Patience is key in letting piped macarons rest before baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
