INTRODUCTION
Pumpkin Spice Macarons are little bites of joy. They combine the delicious flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the light, airy texture of macarons. These treats are perfect for autumn, celebrations, or a cozy day at home. Making macarons may seem tricky, but with the right steps, anyone can master them.
The bright pumpkin color, sweet cream cheese filling, and the hint of pumpkin spice create a delightful taste that will warm your heart. Whether you are a seasoned baker or trying out macarons for the first time, this recipe promises you a fun baking experience.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it captures the essence of fall with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice. The crunchy outside and soft inside create a perfect texture that is irresistible. Second, these macarons are visually appealing. Their vibrant orange hue, combined with the delicate shape, makes them great for events, gifts, or simply to enjoy at home.
Making these macarons also brings joy to others. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings. Lastly, the satisfaction of making macarons from scratch is unmatched. You get to enjoy the process and the delicious results.
HOW TO MAKE Pumpkin Spice Macarons
Making Pumpkin Spice Macarons involves careful preparation and attention to detail. Let’s break down the steps so you can successfully create these delightful treats.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Pumpkin Spice Macarons, you will need a few essential tools:
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment
- Baking sheets
- Silicone mat or parchment paper
- Sifter
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag with a round tip
- Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you will need to make Pumpkin Spice Macarons:
- 100 grams egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 60 grams granulated sugar
- 110 grams almond flour, sifted
- 200 grams powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
- 2 drops orange gel food coloring (optional)
- 57 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
- 113 grams cream cheese, room temperature
- 240 grams powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Now, let’s go through the steps to make Pumpkin Spice Macarons:
- Sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice into a large bowl and set it aside. This mix helps create a smooth macaron shell.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Then, add the cream of tartar.
- Gradually add granulated sugar slowly while continuing to whisk.
- Whisk on high until soft peaks form. Then, add food coloring and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until combined. The mixture should reach a flowing lava consistency.
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Now, pipe 1-inch rounds onto the sheet.
- Let them sit for 30-40 minutes until a skin forms on top of the macarons. This step is crucial for getting that perfect shell.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) while you wait for the macarons to rest.
- Bake for 13-16 minutes until they do not move when touched.
- Let cool completely.
- For the filling, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add pumpkin, vanilla, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the macarons by filling them with the pumpkin spice cream. Place the top shell on each macaroon.
- Mature the assembled macarons in the fridge for 12-24 hours for the best flavor.
HOW TO SERVE Pumpkin Spice Macarons
Serve these Pumpkin Spice Macarons as a delightful treat during gatherings or with coffee or tea. They look beautiful when placed on a decorative plate or in a clear jar. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top of the filling before sealing. This will give guests an additional hint of the flavors inside.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Pumpkin Spice Macarons
To store your Pumpkin Spice Macarons, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pumpkin Spice Macarons are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with various treats and drinks. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee.
- Serve alongside pumpkin spice lattes for a true fall experience.
- Offer them at holiday gatherings or birthday parties.
- Give them as gifts during the holiday season.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to get creative with your Pumpkin Spice Macarons. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Macarons: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.
- Maple Pumpkin Spice Macarons: Replace some powdered sugar with maple syrup in the filling for a flavorful variation.
- Nut Butter Filling: Use almond or peanut butter mixed with cream cheese for a different filling taste.
FAQs
1. Why are my macarons not rising?
This may happen if the egg whites are not whipped enough or if the dry ingredients are not folded in properly.
2. Can I make macarons without almond flour?
The texture and flavor of macarons rely on almond flour. There are alternatives, but they will not yield the same results.
3. Why are my macarons cracked?
Cracking can be caused by too high of an oven temperature or not allowing them to rest long enough before baking.
4. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin is more watery than puree, which can affect the texture of your macarons. It’s best to stick with canned pumpkin puree for consistent results.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Pumpkin Spice Macarons
You can prepare several components of the macarons ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Prepare the filling a day before and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend.
- Make the macaron shells a day in advance, cool them, and store them in an airtight container. They can be filled before serving.
- Freezing assembled macarons can save you time. Remove them from the freezer and let them set in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
With these easy steps and tips, your journey to making delicious Pumpkin Spice Macarons will be a smooth one. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Pumpkin Spice Macarons
Ingredients
Method
- Sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, then add the cream of tartar.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while whisking.
- Whisk on high until soft peaks form, then add food coloring and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in dry ingredients until combined, reaching a flowing lava consistency.
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and pipe 1-inch rounds onto the sheet.
- Let macarons sit for 30-40 minutes until a skin forms.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) while macarons rest.
- Bake macarons for 13-16 minutes until they do not move when touched.
- Let them cool completely.
- Cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in pumpkin, vanilla, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Assemble macarons by filling with pumpkin spice cream, then place top shell on each.
- Mature assembled macarons in the fridge for 12-24 hours for best flavor.