Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of fall with a touch of elegance, then these Pumpkin Pie Macarons are just what you need! They’re not only visually stunning but also bursting with the warm, comforting spices of pumpkin pie. I love making these little gems for family gatherings and festive occasions, as they always bring smiles and compliments from friends and loved ones. Plus, they’re a fun way to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen!

These macarons are perfect for tea parties, holiday celebrations, or simply when you want to enjoy a taste of autumn. The combination of sweet pumpkin-spiced frosting sandwiched between delicate almond shells is irresistible. Trust me; once you try them, they will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow: With simple steps and clear instructions, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out with the decorating, making this a fun family activity.
• Make Ahead: These macarons can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.
• Deliciously Unique: The pumpkin flavor offers a refreshing twist on traditional macarons that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that these Pumpkin Pie Macarons are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Pie Frosting:

• 1/2 cups 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.
• 1/2 cup shortening (plant-based butter or dairy butter)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and decorations. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the macaron shells for a chocolatey twist.
• Change the Frosting Flavor: Swap out pumpkin puree for other fruits like raspberry or lemon for a fresh alternative.
• Decorate Differently: Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter instead of pumpkin spice on top for a festive look.
• Try Different Fillings: Experiment with flavored creams or jams to create your own signature macaron!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Wipe down the mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar. This will help ensure that your egg whites whisk up properly by removing any residue.

Step 2: Measure Ingredients

Prep and measure all your ingredients using a kitchen scale. Accurate measurements are key to achieving those perfect macaron shells!

Step 3: Pipe Your Shells

Prepare a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Line two baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper. Combine almond meal and powdered sugar in a bowl, sifting once to remove lumps. Make a well in the center and add 41 grams of egg whites, folding together until blended.

Step 4: Create Sugar Syrup

In another pot, heat granulated sugar and water on medium heat with a candy thermometer attached. Be cautious not to let it touch the bottom! When it reaches around 200 degrees F, start whisking the remaining egg whites until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Finish Your Meringue

Once your syrup hits 248 degrees F, pour it slowly into the meringue while whisking until glossy peaks form. This step is crucial as it gives your macarons their signature texture.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the meringue into the almond mixture in thirds until smooth ribbons form off your spatula—be careful not to over-mix!

Step 7: Pipe Rounds

Transfer batter into prepared piping bags and pipe 1½ inch rounds about an inch apart on lined sheets. Tap them gently on the counter three times to release air bubbles.

Step 8: Let Them Rest

Allow piped rounds to rest until they form a skin—this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. It’s essential for creating those lovely feet during baking!

Step 9: Bake

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and bake macarons for about 12-14 minutes. Once done, let them cool before carefully removing from paper.

Step 10: Assemble Macarons

Prepare your fillings as described earlier, then match up shells! Pipe pumpkin frosting onto one shell, place a pie crust cutout on top, add another swirl of frosting, then sandwich with another shell.

Now go ahead—enjoy every delightful bite of these Pumpkin Pie Macarons! They’re sure to be loved by all who taste them!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can be a delightful challenge, but with a few expert tips, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect Pumpkin Pie Macarons!

• Use a kitchen scale – Precise measurements are crucial in macaron making. A kitchen scale ensures that the almond meal, powdered sugar, and other ingredients are perfectly balanced for the right texture.
• Age your egg whites – Letting your egg whites sit in the refrigerator for a day or two before using can help achieve better volume and stability in your meringue.
• Watch your oven temperature – Every oven is different! Use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s at the correct temperature, as even slight variations can affect how your macarons bake.
• Rest the piped rounds – Allowing the piped macaron batter to rest until they are dry to touch is essential for forming that perfect skin. This step helps them rise properly and develop their characteristic ‘feet’.
• Practice patience during macaronage – When folding the meringue into the dry ingredients, take your time! Over-mixing can lead to flat shells, while under-mixing could result in lumpy ones. Aim for smooth, flowing batter that holds its shape.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table! Here are some presentation ideas to make them shine.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and contrast against the vibrant orange of the macarons.
• Pumpkin Spice Sprinkle – Dusting a little extra pumpkin spice on top mimics the classic pumpkin pie topping and enhances their festive flair.

Side Dishes

• Chai Tea Latte – The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of pumpkin pie beautifully, making it a cozy pairing for your macarons.
• Spiced Apple Cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider brings out the autumn vibes and pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of pumpkin.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of macarons, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle – A rich caramel sauce drizzled over your macaron plate adds decadence and enhances their flavor profile with a hint of salty sweetness.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re sure to impress friends and family with your delicious Pumpkin Pie Macarons at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home. You can prepare them in advance and store them without losing their delightful texture and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the macarons for up to a week.
• Always ensure they are well-separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place the filled macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy frozen macarons, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For immediate enjoyment, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons.

Can I use other flavors instead of pumpkin pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors by swapping out the pumpkin puree and spices for your favorite extracts or fruit purees.

How do I make sure my Pumpkin Pie Macarons have feet?

The key is to let the piped macaron batter rest before baking. This allows a skin to form on the surface, which helps create those lovely feet during baking.

What is the best way to fill Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

Start by matching shells by size. Pipe a swirl of pumpkin pie frosting onto one shell, add any decorative toppings like pie crust cutouts, then sandwich with another shell. Finish with a dollop of vanilla frosting.

Can I make these Pumpkin Pie Macarons gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use almond meal as your base and ensure that all other ingredients, like powdered sugar and vanilla extract, are gluten-free.

How do I achieve that smooth finish on my macaron shells?

Ensure that your egg whites are whipped correctly to stiff peaks and avoid over-mixing during the macaronage process. This helps achieve that smooth, glossy finish you want!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delicious Pumpkin Pie Macarons! With their charming appearance and festive flavor, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and journey along the way—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!