Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a decadent little treat in a winning combination
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons are a decadent little treat in a winning combination
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2/3 cup almond flour (i use bob's red mill)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)
- 3 tbsp. natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz. egg whites (about 3 large eggs, room temperature)
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar (sifted)
- 1 whole milk (if needed to thin out mixture)
- Carbohydrate 26.176304570394 g
- Cholesterol 1.36625 mg
- Fat 4.88130904412186 g
- Fiber 0.7184699943045 g
- Protein 2.21610987618775 g
- Saturated Fat 0.984808496334502 g
- Serving Size 1 1 macaron (38g)
- Sodium 4.22554166816891 mg
- Sugar 25.4578345760895 g
- Trans Fat 0.278550954284474 g
- Calories 152 calories
Step-by-step
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl sift together almond flour, confectioners sugar and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Beat egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer using a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. (about 3 minutes)
- Slowly add granulated sugar and vanilla and continue to beat on high for 2 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Add almond flour mixture to egg whites and fold in slowly by hand until well incorporated.
- Scoop macaron mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a #806 tip.
- Pipe quarter size circles (1 - 1 1/2 inch) on parchment lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- After piping leave out to rest on your counter at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Bake macarons for 15-17 minutes. I only baked one tray at a time.
- Cool on tray before frosting.
- Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting: In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment cream peanut butter and butter on high speed, about 2 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Turn mixer to low and slowly add confectioners sugar.
- Beat for 2 minutes scraping down the bowl after 1 minute.
- Add the milk one teaspoon at a time until the frosting is at a good piping consistency and continue to beat until incorporated.
- Scoop the buttercream frosting into a pastry bag fitted with the #806 tip and pipe the buttercream onto the flat side of one of the macaron shells, and then sandwich together.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons
As a busy businesswoman, my life revolves around deadlines, meetings, and spreadsheets. Free time is a luxury, often squeezed in between conference calls and client presentations. Cooking, while something I enjoy, usually takes a backseat to the demands of my career. However, this past weekend, something unexpected happened: I baked macarons. Not just any macarons, but decadent, melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons.
The idea sparked during a rare moment of quiet contemplation, scrolling through my Instagram feed (a guilty pleasure I indulge in after a long day). A picture of perfectly crafted macarons, their shells a deep, rich brown, caught my eye. The irresistible pairing of chocolate and peanut butter sealed the deal. I'd always admired these delicate pastries, assuming them to be too complex for my limited baking experience. But, spurred by a sudden craving for something sweet and a surprising surge of free time, I decided to take on the challenge.
The recipe I found was surprisingly straightforward, though the initial steps – sifting, whisking, folding – felt a bit daunting. I'm used to quick, easy meals, not the precise measurements and delicate techniques required for macarons. Yet, the process was oddly meditative. The rhythmic whisking of the egg whites, the careful folding of the dry ingredients, it was a welcome change of pace from the usual whirlwind of my professional life. I found myself engrossed in the process, focusing on each step, each detail, a welcome respite from the constant pressure of work.
The waiting period was the hardest part. Two hours of patiently waiting for the macaron batter to rest felt like an eternity. But the reward was worth it. Watching those delicate little rounds bake in the oven, transforming from pale circles into perfectly browned shells, was immensely satisfying. The aroma that filled my kitchen was divine – a heady blend of chocolate and nutty sweetness. As they cooled, I whipped up the peanut butter buttercream frosting, another opportunity for some quiet, focused work.
The final result? Absolutely perfect. The macarons were crisp on the outside, with a soft, chewy center. The rich, chocolatey shells paired flawlessly with the creamy, decadent peanut butter frosting. It was a triumph, a testament to the fact that even the most demanding schedules can afford space for a little bit of baking magic. The experience was more than just a successful baking project; it was a small act of self-care, a moment of quiet satisfaction amidst the chaos of everyday life. And the taste? Pure indulgence. Let's just say, I might need to make another batch soon…
The entire experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, stepping away from the demands of work and embracing a creative hobby is exactly what we need. It’s a way to recharge, rediscover a sense of calm, and indulge in the simple pleasures of life. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons weren't just a delicious treat; they were a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the unexpected joys of life.
