Chocolate Hazelnut Macaron Recipe

Nutella Macarons Recipe with Rich Chocolate Filling

Nutella macarons combine two beloved treats into one sophisticated dessert that feels special without being intimidating.

French pastry shops have long mastered the art of creating delicate sandwich cookies with smooth, glossy shells and luscious fillings.

When filled with a rich chocolate-hazelnut center, macarons become even more appealing to both kids and adults who appreciate that familiar flavor profile.

The contrast between crisp outer shells and creamy filling makes every bite satisfying.

Occasions from birthdays to bridal showers become more memorable when served alongside such elegant sweet treats.

Macarons have a reputation for being tricky, but with patience and attention to detail, anyone can achieve beautiful results.

There’s something deeply rewarding about pulling a tray of perfectly formed cookies from the oven.

Success with macarons opens up a world of flavor combinations and color possibilities for future baking adventures.

Why Nutella Macarons Feel So Indulgent

Why Nutella Macarons Feel So Indulgent
  • Delightful Skill Builder: Macarons seem tricky, but this recipe walks you through each step so smoothly that even beginners can create impressive French pastry without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Nutella transforms these delicate cookies into a universally loved dessert that guests of all ages will adore, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
  • Simple Ingredient List: With just a handful of common pantry staples like eggs, sugar, and almond flour, you can craft something that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.
  • Customizable Creativity: Your imagination runs wild with potential color variations and decorative touches, letting personal style shine through each batch of these elegant sandwich cookies.

Nutella Macarons Ingredient List

Macaron Dry Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour (1 cup): The foundation of your delicate cookie that brings a nutty richness to every bite.
  • Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds sweetness and helps create that smooth, delicate macaron texture.
Egg White Base:
  • Egg Whites (3 large): The magical protein that helps your macarons rise and become light and airy.
  • Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Stabilizes the egg whites and provides additional sweetness.
Filling and Optional Extras:
  • Nutella (1/2 cup): The creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread that makes these macarons absolutely delectable.
  • Food Coloring (optional): Lets you personalize your macarons with a pop of color if desired.

Tools Used Along the Way for Nutella Macarons

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Handheld Mixer: Your secret weapon for whipping egg whites to the perfect fluffy consistency with minimal effort.
  • Large Mixing Bowls (2): Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients and creating a smooth macaron batter.
  • Fine-Mesh Sifter: Critical for ensuring your almond flour and powdered sugar are lump-free and perfectly blended.
  • Piping Bag with Round Tip: Helps create uniform, professional-looking macaron shells with smooth edges.
  • Baking Sheets: Sturdy sheets for even baking and creating beautiful macaron shells.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps your delicate macarons release cleanly from the baking surface.
  • Rubber Spatula: Perfect for gently folding ingredients without deflating your whipped egg whites.
  • Kitchen Scale: Guarantees precise measurements for consistent macaron results.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation to help your macaron shells cool evenly and maintain their delicate texture.

How to Make Delicate Nutella Macarons

How to Make Delicate Nutella Macarons
1

Prep Your Workspace

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to precisely 300°F. Measuring is key to perfect macarons, so get those ingredients ready.

2

Sift Dry Ingredients

Combine 1 cup almond flour and 1 ½ cups powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sifter. Tap the sifter gently to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that will give your macarons a silky texture.

3

Whip Egg Whites

Crack 3 large egg whites into a clean bowl. Whip them until they become foamy, then gradually sprinkle in 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks – this should take about 5-7 minutes.

4

Create Macaron Batter

Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Use a spatula and mix with a light hand to keep the air in the mixture. If you want a pop of color, add a few drops of food coloring during this step.

5

Pipe the Shells

Transfer the batter to a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe small, uniform circles onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each macaron – they need room to breathe.

6

Rest the Shells

Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps them develop a smooth, shiny top that’s the hallmark of a perfect macaron.

7

Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the 300°F oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes. You’re looking for shells that are firm but not browned – they should look like delicate little clouds.

8

Fill with Nutella

Once completely cooled, carefully spread ½ cup of Nutella between two macaron shells. The creamy chocolate spread turns these delicate cookies into a decadent treat that’s sure to impress.

Secrets for Nutella Macarons

Secrets for Nutella Macarons
  • Let egg whites sit out for 30 minutes before whipping to ensure smoother, more stable meringue that holds perfect peaks.
  • Use a spatula with gentle, sweeping motions when mixing dry ingredients into egg whites, rotating the bowl to prevent deflating your delicate batter.
  • After piping macarons, let them rest exactly 30 minutes so the surface dries and creates those signature crisp macaron shells with smooth tops.
  • Hold your piping bag directly vertical and squeeze gently to create uniform circular shells, using a template underneath parchment paper if needed.
  • Warm Nutella slightly for easier spreading and pipe a small dollop in the center of one macaron shell before sandwiching with another shell.

Alternate Takes on Nutella Macarons

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch: Replace Nutella with a mix of chocolate hazelnut spread and crushed toasted hazelnuts for extra texture in your macaron filling.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Option: Confirm your almond flour is certified gluten-free to make these macarons safe for anyone avoiding gluten.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Use dairy-free chocolate spread or almond butter instead of Nutella to create a completely dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute powdered erythritol for powdered sugar to reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining the classic macaron structure.

Best Ways to Serve Nutella Macarons

  • Perfect Serving Temperature: Pull these delicate macarons straight from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving, letting them warm slightly to enhance the Nutella’s creamy texture.
  • Elegant Plating Trick: Dust the finished macarons with a whisper of cocoa powder to create a sophisticated cafe-style presentation that looks totally professional.
  • Storage Strategy: Stash these treats in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Complementary Beverage: Pair these sweet French cookies with a rich espresso or smooth cappuccino to balance their decadent Nutella filling perfectly.

Storage Guide for Nutella Macarons

  • Store your macarons in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze your filled macarons by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers, where they’ll stay fresh for about a month.
  • Bring refrigerated or frozen macarons back to room temperature slowly by letting them sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes, which helps restore their delicate texture and prevents condensation.
  • Reheat gently by placing the macarons in a barely warm oven (around 200°F) for just 2-3 minutes to refresh their crisp exterior without compromising their delicate structure.

Nutella Macarons FAQ Overview

FAQ

What makes macarons tricky to make?

Achieving the right meringue consistency and folding techniques are crucial. Overmixing or undermixing can completely ruin your shells’ texture and appearance.

FAQ

Why do my macaron shells crack?

Cracking happens when your batter is too thick or you didn’t let the shells rest before baking. Proper resting creates a smooth, glossy surface that prevents cracks.

FAQ

Can I make macarons without a stand mixer?

A hand mixer works perfectly fine. The key is beating your egg whites slowly and steadily to create stable, glossy peaks.

FAQ

How do I know when my meringue is ready?

When you can turn the bowl upside down and the meringue doesn’t slide out, it’s perfectly whipped. Stiff, glossy peaks are your goal.

FAQ

What’s the biggest mistake people make with macarons?

Not measuring ingredients precisely. Macarons require exact measurements – even a small variation can affect your results dramatically.

FAQ

Do I need special equipment to pipe macaron shells?

A round piping tip helps create uniform shells, but you can use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off in a pinch.

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Chocolate Hazelnut Macaron Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut Macaron Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-61 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Nutella Macarons bring French bakery magic right to your kitchen with delicate almond shells and creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling. Delightful sandwich cookies that make your afternoon tea or dessert moment completely special.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ½ cup Nutella

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Finishing Ingredient:

  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Arrange your oven rack in the center and preheat to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a flat surface.
  2. Sift 1 cup almond flour and 1 ½ cups powdered sugar together through a fine-mesh strainer, creating a smooth, uniform powder.
  3. Separate 3 egg whites into a clean metal bowl. Whip with an electric mixer at medium speed, gradually adding ¼ cup granulated sugar until glossy, stiff peaks form after 5-6 minutes.
  4. Optional: Add 2-3 drops of food coloring and gently fold into the meringue using a spatula.
  5. Fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue with delicate, sweeping motions until the batter falls like thick ribbon from your spatula.
  6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto prepared sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
  7. Allow the macaron shells to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes until a light skin forms and feels dry to the touch.
  8. Bake at 300°F for 15-18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  9. Remove from the oven and let shells cool completely on the baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.
  10. Spread ½ cup Nutella between two matching macaron shells, creating a delicate sandwich.

Notes

  • Let your macaron shells rest after piping to develop the perfect skin, which helps create the classic smooth, shiny surface.
  • Sifting dry ingredients ensures a smooth, lump-free batter that will result in delicate, elegant macarons.
  • Folding ingredients gently prevents deflating the egg whites, which is crucial for achieving the signature light and airy texture.
  • For gluten-free friends, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful treat for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 40-43 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Macarons
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 202 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Madison Wyman

Madison Wyman

Recipe Developer & Food Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Research and Adaptation, Food Writing and Cultural Storytelling, Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing, Dietary Adaptations (e.g., gluten-free, plant-based)

Education

Oregon Health & Science University

  • Degree: Master’s in Food Systems and Society
  • Focus: Sustainable food practices, cultural food traditions, and social impact of food.

Portland Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Foundational cooking skills, nutrition, and diverse culinary methods.

Madison’s passion for flavor and culture ignited amidst the rich Southern cooking traditions of her upbringing, where cherished family recipes told delicious tales.

Armed with a Master’s in Food Systems and Society from Oregon Health & Science University and a Culinary Arts Certificate from Portland Community College, Madison truly excels at transforming rich, intricate flavors into dishes that are both approachable and heartfelt.

For her, cooking is a vibrant blend of science, art, and heritage – a powerful way to connect us to our roots and each other. Her recipes invite you to delve deeper, uncovering the fascinating stories woven into every ingredient.

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