Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Pie Macarons are just what you need! Combining the delicate charm of French macarons with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin pie, this recipe is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to comforting evenings at home. Each bite offers a heavenly blend of spices and sweetness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

What makes this recipe truly special is not only its delicious flavor but also its fun and festive presentation! With a creamy pumpkin spiced filling and adorable pie crust cutouts on top, these macarons elevate any dessert table. So let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it simple, even for beginner bakers.
• Impressive Presentation: These macarons look stunning and are sure to impress friends and family.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a cozy autumn treat that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable Options: You can easily adapt the flavors or decorations to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday treat, these are always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that these simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create your Pumpkin Pie Macarons. Let’s get started!

For the Macaron Shells

• 106 grams of almond meal
• 106 grams powdered sugar
• 41 grams of egg whites
• 45 grams of egg whites
• 115 grams of granulated sugar
• 79 grams of water
• Dash of cream of tartar or lemon juice for stabilizing
• Orange and brown powdered or gel food coloring

For the Pie Crust Cutouts

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp ice cold water
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon for dusting (optional)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1/2 cup organic shortening or vegan butter (you can also use regular butter)
• 3/4 cups + 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
• Seeds from 1/4 vanilla bean (or gluten-free vanilla)
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of non-dairy milk (optional)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Different Flavors: Try swapping in other extracts like almond or maple for unique twists on the filling.
• Use Different Colors: Change up the food coloring to match different occasions—think pastels for spring or rich colors for winter!
• Experiment with Fillings: Instead of pumpkin frosting, consider using chocolate ganache or caramel as an alternative filling.
• Make Them Smaller: Create mini macarons for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Start by wiping down your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar. This little trick helps remove any residue so your egg whites can whip up perfectly. Prepping everything ahead will make the process smooth sailing!

Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients

Use a kitchen scale to measure all of your ingredients accurately. This ensures consistency in your macaron shells, which is key for achieving those lovely feet we all adore.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the almond meal and powdered sugar. Sift them together once to eliminate lumps and mix well. This step helps keep your macaron batter smooth and helps achieve that signature texture.

Step 4: Create Your Meringue

Heat granulated sugar and water until it reaches about 200°F while whisking egg whites in a stand mixer. Once they reach soft peaks, add cream of tartar or lemon juice before slowly pouring in the hot syrup. This step creates a stable meringue that gives your macarons their beautiful structure.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the meringue into your dry mixture in thirds. Be patient here; folding carefully is essential to maintain airiness while achieving the right consistency—smooth yet thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 6: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer your batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1½-inch rounds onto lined baking sheets. Remember to hold the bag steady about half an inch above the sheet; this helps create even shapes.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Allow your piped shells to rest until they form a skin—this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. This crucial step prevents cracking during baking!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 300°F and bake those beauties! Keep an eye on them as they bake—watching those feet form is always exciting.

Step 9: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool completely before removing from parchment paper or silpat. Patience pays off here; letting them cool prevents breakage.

Step 10: Make Your Fillings

While waiting, whip together your fillings—both pumpkin frosting and vanilla dollops! They add flavor and charm when you assemble your macarons.

Step 11: Assemble Your Macarons

Pair up similar-sized shells. Pipe pumpkin frosting on one shell, place a pie crust cutout on top, add more frosting, then cap it off with another shell.

Step 12: Add Finishing Touches

Top with a dollop of vanilla frosting mimicking whipped cream, then dust lightly with pumpkin pie spice for that extra festive flair!

And there you have it—delicious Pumpkin Pie Macarons ready to impress everyone at any gathering! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can feel a bit daunting, but with a few pro tips, you’ll be whipping up these delightful treats like a seasoned baker in no time!

• Use a kitchen scale – Measuring your ingredients by weight ensures precision, which is crucial for macaron success. A small deviation in ingredient amounts can affect the texture and rise of your macarons.

• Properly age your egg whites – Letting your egg whites sit out at room temperature for 24 hours helps to reduce moisture content, resulting in a better meringue. This will give you the stability needed for those perfect macaron shells.

• Don’t skip the resting stage – Allowing piped macarons to rest until they form a skin is essential for achieving that signature foot. This step helps prevent cracks and promotes even baking.

• Check oven temperature with an accurate thermometer – Oven temperatures can vary significantly. An accurate thermometer ensures your macarons bake at the right temperature, which is key to achieving the perfect texture.

• Practice patience during the macaronage process – Folding the batter just enough to achieve smooth ribbons is vital. Over-mixing can lead to flat shells, while under-mixing can cause them not to hold their shape.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not just delicious; they’re also visually stunning! Presenting them beautifully can elevate any dessert table or festive gathering.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin pie spice dusting – A light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top of each macaron adds an aromatic touch and enhances that fall flavor.
• Edible gold leaf – For a touch of elegance, add small pieces of edible gold leaf on top of the vanilla frosting dollop. It’s sure to impress!
• Miniature candy pumpkins – Placing tiny candy pumpkins beside each macaron on the serving platter creates a fun and festive atmosphere.

Side Dishes

• Cinnamon-spiced apple cider – Warm or chilled, this drink complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully and adds a cozy touch.
• Maple pecan tart – The nutty flavor of pecans combined with sweet maple syrup pairs wonderfully with pumpkin desserts, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
• Caramelized pear salad – A fresh salad with caramelized pears, nuts, and greens provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the macarons.
• Vegan pumpkin soup – Start your meal with a warm bowl of vegan pumpkin soup. Its savory spices will balance out the sweetness from the macarons perfectly.

With these tips and serving ideas in hand, your Pumpkin Pie Macarons will surely be the star of any gathering! Enjoy crafting these delightful treats and sharing them with those you love.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness whenever the craving strikes! They store well and can even be made ahead of time for special gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover pie crust cutouts, keep them in a separate container to maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

• Freeze assembled macarons by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

• Allow frozen macarons to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• For a fresh taste, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons!

Can I use regular butter instead of shortening in Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

Yes, you can use regular butter if you prefer. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing with the sugars.

How do I get the perfect texture for my Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

Achieving the right texture involves precise measurements and techniques. Be careful not to over-mix during the macaronage process, as this will affect the final texture.

What makes Pumpkin Pie Macarons different from regular macarons?

Pumpkin Pie Macarons feature a delightful pumpkin spice frosting and pie crust cutouts, offering a seasonal twist on the classic French treat that’s perfect for fall!

Can I use different colors for my Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with food coloring to match your festive theme or personal preference.

How long do homemade Pumpkin Pie Macarons last?

When stored properly, these macarons last for about 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons as much as I do! They’re not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor that captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them as a special treat just for yourself, these macarons are sure to impress. Happy baking!