Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe Easy and Delicious Treat Ideas

Name: Peanut Butter Macarons
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-493975H58M3S
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: – 110 grams aged egg whites (about 4 large egg whites); – 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional); – 110 grams granulated sugar (about 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons); – 133 grams superfine almond flour (about 1 1/4 cups); – 125 grams powdered sugar (about 1 cup); – 7 grams unsweetened baking cocoa (about 1 teaspoon); – Small drop of yellow gel food coloring; – 85 grams unsalted butter, room temperature (6 tablespoons); – 63 grams honey roasted peanut butter (4 tablespoons); – 4 grams vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon); – 2 grams fine salt (1/8 teaspoon); – 166 grams powdered sugar (1 1/3 cups); – 45 grams heavy whipping cream, room temperature (3 tablespoons)

By:

Magnolia Belle

Published:

September 4, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Macarons

These peanut butter macarons bring together the best of simple baking and tasty treats, making them a hit for anyone wanting something easy yet special. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch that’s full of protein-rich flavors from peanut butter, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. If you’re a home baker or busy parent, this recipe fits right into your day while offering a nutty twist that stands out from the usual sweets.

This recipe is adaptable for various needs, like vegan or gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy them. Whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself, these macarons provide sustained energy through healthy fats and make for a memorable indulgence. Let’s dive into why they have become a favorite for so many bakers out there.

Ease of Preparation

Getting started with peanut butter macarons is straightforward, taking only about 30 minutes of active time before they rest and bake. The simple steps mean even beginners can create something impressive without a lot of fuss. You’ll appreciate how it turns basic ingredients into delicate, fun treats that look and taste amazing.

Health Benefits

Peanut butter macarons pack in protein and healthy fats that help keep you going throughout the day. They’re a smart choice for diet-conscious folks, offering nutrients that support wellness while satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, they can be tweaked for low-calorie versions, making them versatile for different eating habits.

Versatility

You can easily adjust this recipe to fit various dietary preferences, such as using substitutes for vegan or gluten-free bakers. This flexibility keeps the rich, nutty flavor intact while allowing for creativity in your kitchen. It’s a great option for celebrations or everyday treats, appealing to baking enthusiasts and busy professionals alike.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Macarons
Ease of Preparation
Health Benefits
Versatility
Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Macarons
Ingredients for Macaron Shells
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
How to Prepare the Perfect Peanut Butter Macarons: Step-by-Step Guide
Piping and Resting the Shells
Baking and Cooling
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peanut Butter Macarons
Mastering Peanut Butter Macarons: Advanced Tips and Variations
How to Store Peanut Butter Macarons: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Macarons
What ingredients do I need to make peanut butter macarons?
How can I tell when the macaron batter is ready to pipe?
Why do I need to let macaron shells rest before baking?
What’s the best way to assemble peanut butter macarons?
How should I store peanut butter macarons to keep them fresh?
Peanut Butter Macarons
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
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Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Macarons

To make these peanut butter macarons, you’ll need precise measurements for the best results. Let’s break down the ingredients into the macaron shells and the peanut butter buttercream frosting. Remember, measuring in grams ensures accuracy, which is key for that perfect texture.

Ingredients for Macaron Shells

110 grams aged egg whites (about 4 large egg whites)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
110 grams granulated sugar (about 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons)
133 grams superfine almond flour (about 1 1/4 cups)
125 grams powdered sugar (about 1 cup)
7 grams unsweetened baking cocoa (about 1 teaspoon)
Small drop of yellow gel food coloring

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

85 grams unsalted butter, room temperature (6 tablespoons)
63 grams honey roasted peanut butter (4 tablespoons)
4 grams vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon)
2 grams fine salt (1/8 teaspoon)
166 grams powdered sugar (1 1/3 cups)
45 grams heavy whipping cream, room temperature (3 tablespoons)

These ingredients form the base of your peanut butter macarons, and you can swap some for dietary needs, like using aquafaba for vegan options. Always use fresh eggs for aging the whites to get that stable meringue everyone loves.

How to Prepare the Perfect Peanut Butter Macarons: Step-by-Step Guide

Start by setting up your workspace to make peanut butter macarons as smooth as possible. Gather all your ingredients and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy handling. Preheating the oven to 315 degrees Fahrenheit ensures even baking, so your shells turn out just right.

Begin with whisking the aged egg whites at medium speed until small bubbles appear, then add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually mix in granulated sugar at medium-low speed, then crank it up to medium-high until you get stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape.

Next, sift the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder into the meringue mixture. Add a small drop of yellow gel food coloring and gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until the batter flows in thick ribbons. This step is crucial, so take your time to avoid overmixing.

Piping and Resting the Shells

Fill a piping bag with the batter and pipe 1 3/4-inch rounds onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bang the pans firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles, and use a toothpick to pop any that remain. Let the macarons rest for about 30 minutes until they form a skin and look matte, which helps prevent cracks during baking.

Baking and Cooling

Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 17 to 20 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking. Once done, cool the macarons fully on the pan before gently removing them. For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter and honey roasted peanut butter until smooth, then add vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream, mixing until fully incorporated.

Adjust the frosting’s consistency as needed and place it in a piping bag. To assemble, pair the shells, pipe a ring of frosting on one, fill the center with honey roasted peanut butter, and sandwich with the other shell. For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before refrigerating overnight to mature the flavors.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peanut Butter Macarons

Making peanut butter macarons adaptable means you can enjoy them no matter your dietary needs. Swap out regular peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for a nut-free version. Using aquafaba instead of egg whites keeps things vegan while maintaining that light structure.

For added flavor, mix in cinnamon or cocoa powder into the batter for a fun twist. Natural extracts like almond or maple can replace vanilla to create unique tastes that suit your preferences. Don’t forget to use gluten-free powdered sugar and alternative sweeteners to make these treats fit various restrictions without losing their charm.

Mastering Peanut Butter Macarons: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your peanut butter macarons to the next level involves some pro techniques like using aged egg whites for a stable meringue and checking oven temperature with a thermometer. Try adding crushed nuts or a swirl of chocolate ganache inside for more richness and flavor. For presentation, dust them with edible gold powder or arrange on pretty trays to wow your guests.

You can also prepare the shells ahead and store them in airtight containers, filling them just before serving to keep everything fresh. Explore a simple no-churn ice cream recipe for pairing ideas that complement your macarons perfectly. These tips help you get creative and improve results every time you bake.

How to Store Peanut Butter Macarons: Best Practices

Keeping your peanut butter macarons fresh starts with proper storage right after assembly. Put filled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days to lock in moisture and flavor. For longer keeps, freeze them in a single layer on a tray before moving to a sealable bag, thawing in the fridge when you’re ready.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	Up to 5 days	Use an airtight container to prevent drying
Freezing (Filled)	Up to 1 month	Thaw in fridge for best texture
Freezing (Unfilled Shells)	Up to 1 month	Store separately for easy use later
Frosting Storage	Up to 1 month in fridge, 3 months in freezer	Keep in airtight container

Batch prepping shells and fillings separately makes meal planning easier, so you can combine them fresh when needed.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Macarons

What ingredients do I need to make peanut butter macarons?

To make peanut butter macarons, you will need almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, granulated sugar, and salt for the shells. For the peanut butter filling, gather creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a small amount of honey or vanilla extract for added flavor. Measuring ingredients by weight is important for the best results, and using aged egg whites can improve meringue stability.

How can I tell when the macaron batter is ready to pipe?

The macaron batter is ready when it falls off the spatula in a thick ribbon that is smooth and continuous. You should be able to draw a figure 8 with the batter without it breaking. This consistency means the dry ingredients are fully incorporated without overmixing, which helps create the macarons’ signature smooth, glossy shells and prevents cracking.

Why do I need to let macaron shells rest before baking?

Resting macaron shells for about 30 minutes before baking allows a thin, dry skin to form on the surface. This dry skin helps the shells expand evenly in the oven without cracking and develops the macarons’ characteristic smooth, shiny tops. The shells are ready to bake when they feel dry and no longer sticky to the touch.

What’s the best way to assemble peanut butter macarons?

To assemble, first pair macaron shells of similar size. Pipe a ring of peanut butter buttercream around the edge of one shell, then add a small spoonful of honey-roasted peanut butter or peanut butter filling in the center. Gently press a matching shell on top to make a sandwich. Let the assembled macarons mature overnight in the fridge for the flavors to meld and the texture to soften.

How should I store peanut butter macarons to keep them fresh?

Store assembled peanut butter macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw them in the fridge before serving. If storing unfilled shells or frosting, freeze each separately in airtight containers for about one month. Proper storage helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe Easy and Delicious Treat Ideas