Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 100 grams egg whites; 100 grams granulated sugar; 100 grams almond flour; 100 grams powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup butter; 1/3 cup peanut butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 87 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with the incredible harmony of flavors in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe. These delicate French cookies combine the rich, bittersweet taste of cocoa-infused almond shells with a luscious, creamy peanut butter filling. Each bite offers that perfect balance of crisp exterior and chewy interior, paired with the irresistible blend of chocolate and peanut goodness. If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat to impress friends or indulge yourself, this recipe is an absolute gem you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows round chocolate sandwich cookies with a shiny, smooth texture, arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two dark chocolate layers with a thick creamy filling in the center that is light brown. The top cookie layer has thin diagonal drizzles of dark chocolate and small sprinkled nut pieces, adding texture. Some cookies are whole, while others are open with their matching cups placed nearby. The cups are brown and appear empty. The overall look is rich and inviting, with a mix of smooth and crunchy textures visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of the macarons, so gathering high-quality staples will really elevate the final result.

Egg whites (100 grams): Provide structure and airy lightness to the meringue base of the shells.
Granulated sugar (100 grams): Sweetens and stabilizes the egg whites during whipping.
Almond flour (100 grams): Adds nutty flavor and contributes to the macaron’s tender crumb—be sure to use almond flour, not almond meal.
Powdered sugar (100 grams): Blends smoothly into the batter for a silky texture and also sweetens the filling.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Infuses the shells with deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful rich color.
Butter (1/4 cup): Creates a creamy base for the peanut butter filling, adding smoothness and richness.
Peanut butter (1/3 cup): The star of the filling, lending that classic nutty, slightly salty taste everyone loves.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out the flavor profile of the filling.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens the overall flavor of the peanut butter filling.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tools

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your macarons bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect shells.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites with Sugar

Steam a small pot of water, then set a heatproof bowl over it in a double boiler style. Combine the egg whites and granulated sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns white and frothy. This gentle heating jumpstarts the Swiss meringue process, crucial for that glossy, stable meringue foundation.

Step 3: Whisk to Stiff Peaks

Transfer the bowl to your stand mixer and whip the egg white mixture on high until stiff peaks form. This means the meringue should hold sharp points when you lift the whisk—this step is the backbone of your macarons’ delicate structure.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder together, then gently fold them into the meringue. This is key for smooth, uniform shells. Using a stand mixer on medium speed helps achieve a batter consistency similar to slow-moving lava—that slight, elegant stretch and flow will tell you it’s ready!

Step 5: Pipe and Bake the Macaron Shells

Fill a large piping bag with your batter fitted with a 1-inch round tip, then pipe silver dollar sized circles onto the prepared baking sheets keeping spacing. Tap the trays twice on the counter to release air bubbles. The best part? No need to let them dry beforehand—bake right away for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through for even baking.

Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While the shells bake and cool, beat together butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then whip until fluffy and light. This creamy filling is the perfect complement to the chocolate shells.

Step 7: Assemble Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe

Pipe the peanut butter filling onto one macaron shell and gently sandwich it with another. If you want to add a special touch, drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top to bring an extra layer of texture and flair.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe

The image shows many small, round chocolate treats arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each treat has two smooth, dark brown chocolate layers on top and bottom, with a lighter brown filling in the middle. The top chocolate layer is decorated with thin lines of dark chocolate drizzle and sprinkled with crushed nuts, adding texture. Some treats have their white paper cups beside them, and a woman's hand is lifting one chocolate gently. The whole scene has a clean and elegant look, with a mix of smooth and textured chocolate surfaces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an impressive presentation, consider drizzling the assembled macarons with melted dark or milk chocolate, then adding a sprinkle of finely chopped roasted peanuts. It not only enhances the nutty flavor but also gives a beautiful contrast in texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These macarons pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which balances their richness with bright and creamy notes. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea also elevates the flavors and creates a cozy, indulgent treat session.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe in layers on a pretty cake stand or arranging them in a colorful pastry box if gifting. You can even use them to top mini dessert cups or serve alongside panna cotta for an elegant dessert spread that will wow any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the shells to soften slightly, resulting in an even more luscious bite.

Freezing

You can freeze these macarons by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve their delicate texture and taste.

Reheating

To enjoy your macarons as if freshly made, let them come to room temperature naturally—avoid microwaving as it can compromise their texture. If you’d like, a brief sit in a warm spot will bring out their aroma and make the peanut butter filling soft and inviting.

FAQs

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

It’s best to stick with almond flour for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe because almond meal is usually coarser and can result in a grainy texture, affecting the smoothness and integrity of the shells.

Why don’t I have to let the shells dry before baking?

This recipe uses Swiss meringue, which means the egg whites are gently cooked beforehand, creating a stable meringue that doesn’t require drying before baking, saving you time without compromising quality.

What if my batter is too runny or too thick?

The magic indicator is the “figure-eight” test: batter should flow slowly but remain connected, resembling slow-moving lava. If it breaks apart, fold more; if too runny, fold less. Precision here makes a huge difference!

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter can work as delicious alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change accordingly, and some nut butters may require slight adjustments to sugar for balance.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Since the recipe already uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about mastering the art of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe. From the silky cocoa shells to the dreamy peanut butter center, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, give this recipe a try – I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites to share and savor.