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To create Pumpkin Pie Macarons, you need a few key ingredients. - Almond flour and powdered sugar composition Almond flour gives macarons their unique texture. It offers a nice nutty flavor. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps with the smoothness of the batter. - Essential spices: cinnamon and nutmeg These spices add warmth and depth to the macarons. Cinnamon brings a sweet, woody flavor. Nutmeg adds a touch of earthiness, perfect for fall. - Key components for the filling: pumpkin puree and cream cheese Pumpkin puree is essential for that classic pumpkin pie taste. It lends moisture and richness. Cream cheese balances the sweetness and makes the filling creamy and smooth. This combination of ingredients makes Pumpkin Pie Macarons a delightful treat for the season. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy crafting these sweet bites! Start by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step helps prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Preheating is key for good macaron texture. Make sure your oven reaches this temperature before you bake. Place the oven rack in the middle position for even heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix gives the macarons their flavor. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the mixture. Sifting removes lumps and creates a smooth texture. A smooth mixture is crucial for a perfect macaron batter. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer on medium speed. Start when you see small bubbles, known as frothy. Add cream of tartar to help stabilize the egg whites. Gradually add granulated sugar while you beat the mixture. Keep mixing until it forms stiff peaks and looks glossy. This stage is vital for the structure of your macarons. Now, carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Use a spatula and be gentle. This step keeps air in the batter, making your macarons light. The right consistency is smooth and shiny, flowing like ribbons when lifted. Take your time to avoid over-mixing. Next, fill a piping bag with the macaron batter. Pipe small circles, about 1.5 inches wide, on the baking sheets. Leave space between each circle. Rest the piped macarons at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. They should feel dry to the touch before baking. This step is essential for forming a nice skin. Bake the macarons in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Bake one tray at a time for the best results. Halfway through, rotate the baking sheet for even baking. Allow the macarons to cool on the sheet for a few minutes after baking. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling. Many home bakers struggle with beating egg whites. Over-beating makes them dry, while under-beating keeps them too runny. To find the sweet spot, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then add sugar gradually. This method ensures a stable meringue. Cracked shells often result from too much humidity or high oven heat. Always check the weather before baking. If the air feels damp, it might be best to wait. Also, make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help you here. Macarons need a dry environment for success. If your kitchen is humid, consider using a dehumidifier or baking on a drier day. The right temperature helps too. Aim for a room temperature around 70°F (21°C) before you start. To get those lovely "feet," pipe your macarons with care. Allow them to rest until they form a light skin. This step is key. When baked, the air expands, pushing the shell up. This creates the famous feet we all love. You can adjust the spice levels in your filling to fit your taste. If you love stronger flavors, add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg. A little goes a long way, so start small. For a sweeter filling, add more powdered sugar to your cream cheese mix. Taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance of sweet and spice. You can even think about adding a touch of maple syrup for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can swap pumpkin for other fall flavors. Try sweet potato or butternut squash. They add a nice twist. You can also enhance the filling. Adding melted chocolate or caramel brings extra richness. These flavors blend well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour works well. You can also use ground sunflower seeds or oats as a substitute. For a vegan pumpkin filling, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. This keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. Presentation matters! Use a festive platter for your macarons. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top for a cozy touch. Try adding little pumpkin decorations for a fun look. Colorful macarons make your display pop. Use orange, brown, and cream shades for that fall vibe. Store your pumpkin pie macarons in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can refrigerate them or leave them at room temperature. If you keep them at room temperature, eat them within two days. In the fridge, they last up to a week. The macarons may dry out if left too long. To freeze macarons, follow these steps: 1. Cool Completely: First, ensure the macarons are fully cooled. 2. Prepare for Freezing: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. 3. Wrap: Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. 4. Label: Don’t forget to label the bag with the date. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep their flavor and texture intact. Avoid thawing them at room temperature, as they may become soggy. Serve your macarons at room temperature for the best taste. They shine during gatherings as a sweet treat. Arrange them on a pretty platter to catch guests' eyes. Pair them with warm apple cider or a hot cup of coffee. The flavors blend beautifully! You can also serve them alongside pumpkin spice desserts for an autumn feast. For a fun twist, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Enjoy the delight! To keep macarons from cracking, monitor the humidity and oven temp. If the humidity is high, use a dehumidifier or bake on a dry day. A lower oven temperature also helps. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and use an oven thermometer to check the heat. This way, your macarons bake evenly and stay soft inside. Homemade macarons last about three to five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before eating. Yes, you can make macarons without almond flour. Use options like hazelnut flour or sunflower seed flour. Each flour gives a different taste and texture. Hazelnut flour has a rich, nutty flavor, while sunflower seed flour is a great nut-free choice. Experiment to find what you like best! If your macarons lack feet, it might be due to under-mixing or not resting long enough. Make sure to fold the batter until it's shiny and flows in ribbons. Let the piped macarons rest until they feel dry to the touch. If you follow these steps, your next batch will have those lovely feet! Making macarons can be fun and rewarding. We covered the key ingredients and steps, from mixing the batter to perfecting the baking process. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and creative variations you can try. Remember, patience is key. Each batch teaches you something new. With practice, you will make fantastic macarons that impress everyone. Enjoy your baking journey, and don’t hesitate to share your delicious results!

Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these delectable pumpkin pie macarons! Perfect for any occasion, these delightful confections feature a creamy pumpkin filling sandwiched between light, airy shells infused with warm spices. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to create stunning macarons that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking your seasonal masterpiece today!

Ingredients
  

1 cup almond flour

2 cups powdered sugar

3 large egg whites, at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or freshly made)

4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature before baking.

    Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift this mixture to eliminate any lumps, achieving a smooth consistency.

      Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar and keep mixing until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating, until stiff peaks are achieved and the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.

        Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Take your time to ensure that you don’t deflate the mixture; the goal is to achieve a smooth, shiny batter that flows in ribbons when lifted.

          Pipe Macarons: Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the macaron batter. Pipe small circles, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave sufficient space between each macaron.

            Let Rest: Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or until a light skin forms on the surface (they should feel dry and not stick when touched).

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, ideally one tray at a time. For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. Once done, allow the macarons to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

                Prepare the Filling: While the macarons cool, prepare the filling by blending the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pinch of salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness as desired.

                  Assemble Macarons: Match up macarons based on size and pipe a generous dollop of pumpkin filling onto the flat side of one macaron. Gently place another macaron on top to create a delightful sandwich effect.

                    Chill and Serve: For the best flavor combination, place the assembled macarons in the fridge to chill for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

                      Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: Approximately 24 macarons

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the macarons on a festive platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or small pumpkin-shaped decorations for an extra autumnal touch. Enjoy!