Pumpkin Spice Macarons Recipe

If you adore autumn flavors and delicate, elegant treats, you are going to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Spice Macarons. These charming little delights marry the classic French macaron’s delicate crunch and chewy texture with the warm, cozy spices of pumpkin pie, creating a dessert that feels like a crisp fall afternoon in bite-sized form. The blend of pumpkin pie spice infused into the almond meringue shells and the luscious pumpkin buttercream filling is perfectly balanced; each macaron bursts with flavor yet remains light and airy. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering, gifting them to friends, or just indulging in a seasonal treat, Pumpkin Spice Macarons never fail to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking these delightful Pumpkin Spice Macarons. Each one is simple yet essential, working together to create the signature texture and that unmistakable pumpkin spice flavor throughout the shells and filling.

• 100 g almond flour: Provides the nutty base necessary for the macaron shells’ structure and smooth texture.
• 100 g powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that silky-tender shell.
• 80 g egg whites (room temperature): Whipped to create the airy meringue crucial for macarons’ lightness.
• 80 g granulated sugar: Stabilizes the meringue and offers crispness to the shells.
• 5 g pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show, infusing spicy warmth reminiscent of pumpkin pie spices.
• Orange food coloring (optional): Adds a festive hue enhancing the autumn vibe.
• 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature): For the creamy buttercream filling with perfect spreadability.
• 250 g powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the buttercream filling without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree: Adds natural pumpkin taste and moistness to the filling.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors and provides balance to the filling.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then sift together your almond flour, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Sifting is key here to eliminate lumps and create that smooth shell texture.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, grease-free bowl, whip your room-temperature egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks develop. At this point, you can add a few drops of orange food coloring to bring that classic pumpkin hue to life. Achieving the correct meringue consistency is critical to the macarons’ final rise and texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients With Meringue

Gently fold in the sifted almond-powdered sugar mixture into your fluffy meringue. Be careful not to deflate your batter during this process; you want it to flow smoothly like warm lava—a sign that your macaronage technique is spot on and your macarons will have the perfect shine and feet.

Step 4: Pipe the Macaron Shells

Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the batter, then pipe small, evenly sized circles onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each to allow for spreading. Give the trays a few gentle taps on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, helping to prevent cracks during baking.

Step 5: Rest the Shells

Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. This drying period is essential as it forms the characteristic macaron skin, which means they won’t crack in the oven and will develop those wonderful little “feet” at the base.

Step 6: Bake the Macarons

Transfer the trays to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. When baked, the shells should be firm to the touch and easily peel away from the parchment paper once cooled. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before moving on to filling.

Step 7: Make the Pumpkin Spice Filling

Beat the unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate 250 grams of powdered sugar. Blend in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. This buttercream strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy without overpowering that light macaron shell.

Step 8: Assemble Your Pumpkin Spice Macarons

Match the cooled shells by size to create pleasing pairs. Pipe a generous dollop of pumpkin buttercream onto one shell and gently sandwich it with its partner. Apply just enough pressure to spread the filling evenly without cracking the shells.

Step 9: Let Them Mature

Store the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This maturation time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become tender and chewy—a hallmark of truly fabulous macarons. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature for the best taste and mouthfeel.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Macarons

Garnishes

Elevate your Pumpkin Spice Macarons by lightly dusting with cinnamon or cocoa powder just before serving. A tiny sprinkle of edible gold flakes or a touch of finely grated orange zest also adds an elegant, festive flair that is sure to impress your guests and delight the senses.

Side Dishes

Pair these macarons with a warm chai latte, spiced coffee, or a rich cup of hot chocolate to complement the spicy sweetness. For a more decadent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of maple syrup.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Spice Macarons on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by seasonal touches like cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, or autumn leaves for a stunning centerpiece. You can also box them individually with colorful ribbons if you’re gifting or hosting a party favor that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain their texture and freshness. The cool environment preserves the delicate fillings without drying out the shells.

Freezing

You can freeze fully assembled macarons for up to one month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to keep that tender yet crisp texture perfectly intact.

Reheating

Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature, so after refrigeration or freezing, let them sit out for about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the shells and cause the filling to melt or separate.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie spice for the macarons?

Absolutely! Store-bought pumpkin pie spice works wonderfully in Pumpkin Spice Macarons, but feel free to adjust the amount slightly if your blend is particularly strong or mild to suit your taste.

Why do macarons need to form a skin before baking?

Resting the piped shells at room temperature forms a thin, dry skin on the surface, which prevents cracking during baking and helps develop the iconic “feet” at the base of each macaron.

What if my macaron batter is too runny or too stiff?

Perfect macaron batter should flow like lava: not too runny and not too thick. If it’s too runny, the macarons will spread too much; if too stiff, they won’t develop proper feet. Folding gently and carefully is key.

Can I skip the food coloring in the recipe?

Yes, the orange food coloring is optional and purely for enhancing the autumnal appearance. The flavor and texture will remain delicious without it.

How long does it take to make these macarons?

From start to finish, including resting and baking time, expect about 2 to 3 hours. Allow additional time for the macarons to mature in the fridge, ideally overnight, for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baking Pumpkin Spice Macarons is truly a rewarding experience that brings a little magic of the season into your kitchen. These treats are as delightful to make as they are to share, balancing intricate technique with warm, comforting flavors. I can’t wait for you to try these Pumpkin Spice Macarons and enjoy that perfect harmony of texture and spice that has quickly become one of my favorite fall indulgences. Happy baking!

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