Description
These decadent chocolate macarons, made using the French meringue method, feature a delicate crispy shell with a soft, chewy center. Filled with rich dark chocolate ganache, they’re the perfect treat for special occasions or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift together powdered sugar, almond flour, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar and salt.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites until the batter flows like lava.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe uniform circles onto the baking sheets.
- Tap the trays against the counter to release air bubbles, then let rest 30–60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the ganache by melting dark chocolate over a double boiler, then stirring in heavy cream until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Pair cooled macarons by size. Pipe ganache onto one shell and sandwich with another.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better meringue stability.
- Allow macarons to rest before baking so they develop their signature ‘feet’.
- Store filled macarons in the fridge for up to 3 days; flavor improves after resting overnight.
- You can freeze macaron shells (unfilled) for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
