Pumpkin Pie Macarons Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Macarons are delicate French meringue cookies with a light, crisp shell and a creamy pumpkin-spiced white chocolate ganache filling. These festive treats combine the classic fall flavors of pumpkin pie with the elegant texture of macarons, perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 24-72 hours for egg white aging and 2+ hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 26-30 hours including aging and chilling time
- Yield: About 24 macarons (12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Macaron Shells
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour, finely ground
- 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites, aged
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Orange gel food coloring (or a mix of red and yellow)
- Pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
Pumpkin Pie Filling
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 4 ounces (115g) white chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare the Almond Flour and Powdered Sugar: In a food processor, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Pulse until very finely ground. Sift the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard any large pieces to ensure a smooth macaron batter.
- Age the Egg Whites: Separate the egg whites into a clean, grease-free bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and poke a few holes to allow airflow. Refrigerate for 24-72 hours. Before using, bring the egg whites to room temperature to optimize whipping.
- Make the Meringue: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar if using. Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating on medium-high until stiff, glossy peaks develop, indicating a stable meringue.
- Add the Food Coloring: Gently fold in orange gel food coloring a little at a time until achieving the desired pumpkin-orange shade. Be careful to avoid overmixing to maintain meringue volume.
- Macaronage: Add the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the meringue. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently to combine. The batter should flow slowly in a ribbon that disappears within 20-30 seconds when lifted.
- Pipe the Macarons: Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2 inch round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch diameter circles onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Tap the Baking Sheets: Firmly tap the baking sheets several times on the counter to release air bubbles and help shells settle evenly.
- Rest the Macarons: Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms and they are no longer sticky to the touch.
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to fully heat before baking.
- Bake the Macarons: Bake for 12-15 minutes until shells develop characteristic “feet” and are firm when gently touched.
- Cool the Macarons: Remove from oven and cool completely on baking sheets before removing to avoid cracking.
- Heat the Heavy Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm heavy cream just until it starts to simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent scalding.
- Pour over White Chocolate: Pour hot cream over chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for one minute to soften chocolate.
- Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir until white chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, creating a glossy ganache base.
- Add Pumpkin Puree, Butter, and Spices: Stir in pumpkin puree, unsalted butter, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Chill the Filling: Cover filling tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight until firm enough to pipe.
- Match the Macaron Shells: Pair shells by size and shape to ensure uniform sandwiches.
- Pipe the Filling: Transfer chilled filling to a piping bag and pipe a generous amount onto the flat side of one shell.
- Sandwich the Macarons: Gently press another shell on top, forming a sandwich without cracking the shells.
- Mature the Macarons: Place assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24-48 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to mature.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove macarons from refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to reach ideal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Aging egg whites improves meringue stability and macaron texture.
- Do not skip sifting dry ingredients to prevent lumpy batter.
- Resting the piped batter is crucial to form the skin needed for proper feet and texture.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra moisture.
- Macarons taste best after maturing in the fridge for at least 24 hours.
- Bring macarons to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Handle the shells gently when sandwiching to prevent cracking.
Keywords: pumpkin pie macarons, fall dessert, French macarons, pumpkin spice, white chocolate ganache, holiday treats