Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not just any dessert; they’re a perfect blend of flavors that remind me of cozy gatherings with loved ones. With their creamy pumpkin spiced filling and whimsical pie crust cutouts, they make for a show-stopping addition to any celebration, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a fun weekend baking adventure. Trust me; once you try these macarons, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

These delicate French treats are surprisingly easy to make and are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Plus, they bring that warm pumpkin flavor we all adore into a unique and sophisticated form! So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this recipe together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy frosting makes these macarons irresistible.
• Perfect for Celebrations: They’re stunning enough for special occasions yet easy enough for everyday enjoyment.
• Fun to Make: The process is enjoyable and allows you to get creative with decorating!
• Customizable Options: You can easily tweak the flavors or colors to match your theme.
• Impressive Presentation: These macarons look beautiful on any dessert table, making them perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating your Pumpkin Pie Macarons. Most of these items you might already have in your pantry! 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 Coconut Oil Pie Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp ice cold water

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling

• 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 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Vanilla Frosting

• 1/2 cup shortening (plant-based butter or dairy butter)
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Add Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the macaron shells for a chocolate twist.
• Change the Spice: Swap out pumpkin pie spice for chai spice for an exotic flavor.
• Fruity Fillings: Use fruit purees like apple or pear instead of pumpkin for a refreshing change.
• Decorative Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the frosting for extra flair!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients

Start by wiping down your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar. This step is crucial as it removes any grease that could prevent your egg whites from whipping up properly. Next, gather all your ingredients and measure them using a kitchen scale. This ensures accuracy, which is key in macaron-making!

Step 2: Make the Almond Mixture

In a bowl, combine the almond meal and powdered sugar. Sift it to eliminate lumps—this will help create smooth macaron shells. Then, create a well in the center, add 41 grams of egg whites, and fold together until blended. If you’re feeling creative, add in your orange and brown food coloring now!

Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a pot on medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water with a candy thermometer attached. Watch closely as it heats up! When the thermometer reaches about 200 degrees F, begin whisking the remaining 45 grams of egg whites until soft peaks form. This step creates stability in your meringue.

Step 4: Combine Meringue with Almond Mixture

Once your syrup reaches 248 degrees F, remove it from heat. With your mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the syrup down the sides into your whipped egg whites until fully combined. Increase speed to high until glossy peaks form—this gives your macarons their signature texture!

Step 5: Fold and Pipe

Transfer one-third of the meringue into the almond mixture, folding gently but thoroughly before adding more meringue. Repeat until all is combined—this process is called macaronage! Be careful not to over-mix; aim for thick ribbons that hold shape when lifted with a spatula.

Step 6: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer your batter into prepared piping bags fitted with round tips. Pipe small rounds onto lined baking sheets about one inch apart. After piping each sheet, give them a few gentle taps against the counter to release air bubbles.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Allow piped macarons to sit at room temperature until they form a skin—this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. A proper skin helps achieve those lovely feet during baking!

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Once dry to touch, bake macarons on the middle rack for about 12-14 minutes. Watch them carefully; they should rise beautifully!

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from oven and cool completely before peeling them off from parchment paper or silpat.

Now that you’ve mastered these steps, you’re ready for filling those gorgeous shells with delicious pumpkin pie frosting! Just follow through with assembling instructions as detailed above—and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect pumpkin pie macarons that are sure to impress!

• Use a kitchen scale – Measuring ingredients by weight rather than volume ensures precision, which is crucial for the delicate macaron structure.
• Rest the piped shells – Allowing the piped macarons to rest until they form a skin helps develop their signature “feet” during baking, resulting in that beautiful texture.
• Room temperature egg whites – Using egg whites that have been aged at room temperature for 24 hours can lead to better meringue stability and volume.
• Don’t skip the sifting – Sifting your almond meal and powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also creates a finer consistency, leading to smoother shells.
• Keep an eye on oven temperature – Every oven is different! Use an oven thermometer to ensure your macarons bake evenly and correctly without over-baking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Presenting your pumpkin pie macarons beautifully can elevate their charm even more. Here are some ideas for making them shine at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle – A light dusting of cinnamon adds an aromatic touch and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• Miniature pie crust cutouts – Place tiny decorative pie crust shapes on top of each macaron for a whimsical touch that ties into the pumpkin pie theme.

Side Dishes

• Apple Crisp – This warm dessert features sweet baked apples topped with a crunchy oat topping. Its comforting flavors complement the spiced notes of the macarons perfectly.
• Chai Tea Latte – Serve with this cozy drink featuring spices like cardamom and ginger, which harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin pie flavor in the macarons.
• Spiced Pumpkin Soup – A smooth soup made from roasted pumpkin and warm spices provides a savory contrast to the sweet macarons while keeping the fall theme alive.
• Caramel Drizzled Cheesecake Bites – These rich bites add creaminess and decadence, balancing out the lighter texture of your macarons nicely.

Enjoy crafting and serving these delightful pumpkin pie macarons! They’re sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re planning for a festive gathering or simply indulging yourself, these treats can be made ahead of time and stored properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just be sure to allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying.
• Keep any filled macarons away from strong odors as they can absorb them easily.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the 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. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• Macarons are best enjoyed fresh but if you’ve refrigerated them, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before consuming.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can alter their texture; instead, simply allow them to warm naturally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons:

Can I use different flavors for these macarons?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on Pumpkin Pie Macarons, feel free to experiment with other flavors by replacing the pumpkin puree with your favorite fruit or nut butters.

How do I achieve perfect Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

To achieve perfect Pumpkin Pie Macarons, ensure your meringue is glossy with stiff peaks and that you don’t over-mix the batter during the macaronage process. Following the resting period before baking is crucial!

What should I do if my macarons crack?

If your macarons crack during baking, it may be due to overmixing or not letting them rest long enough before baking. Always make sure they form a skin on their surface.

How long do Pumpkin Pie Macarons last?

Pumpkin Pie Macarons can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, they can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I substitute ingredients in the frosting?

Yes! The frosting can be customized using different flavored extracts or sweeteners according to your preferences while still keeping it deliciously creamy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons! They encapsulate all the cozy flavors of fall and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether served at Thanksgiving dinner or as a special treat just for you, these macarons will bring warmth and joy. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!