Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve found it! These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not just any dessert; they combine the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin pie with the delicate texture of French macarons. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge in something sweet at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Perfect for family celebrations or cozy weekends, these little bites of heaven will make your heart flutter.

What makes these macarons truly special is their unique flavor profile, featuring pumpkin spiced frosting and adorable pie crust cutouts. They serve as a wonderful conversation starter and are bound to bring smiles to everyone around the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously unique: The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy frosting creates a flavor explosion that is perfect for fall.
• Perfect for sharing: With 24 macarons in one batch, they’re great for parties or family gatherings.
• Fun to make: The process of creating these macarons is engaging and rewarding; you’ll love seeing them come together!
• Visually appealing: These macarons are not only tasty but also look stunning on any dessert table, making them a feast for the eyes.
• Customizable: You can play around with colors and decorations to match any occasion or personal style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making these Pumpkin Pie Macarons, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. Here’s what you 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

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 gf vanilla)
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of non-dairy milk
• 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 and put your own twist on these delicious macarons. Here are some fun ideas:

• Use different colors: Swap out the orange and brown food coloring for seasonal colors like red or green to suit various holidays.
• Add chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into your macaron shells for a chocolate version that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Change the filling: Experiment with different frostings like maple or cinnamon cream cheese for a unique flavor experience.
• Decorate differently: Consider using chopped nuts or sprinkles instead of dusting with pumpkin spice for added texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by wiping down your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar. This step ensures there’s no residue left that could hinder your egg whites from whisking up properly. Having everything prepped makes the process smoother, so go ahead and measure all your ingredients using a kitchen scale.

Step 2: Make the Macaron Batter

Combine almond meal and powdered sugar in a bowl, sifting them once to remove lumps. Creating a well in the center, add 41 grams of egg whites and gently fold until blended. This method helps create a smooth batter. Add your food coloring here until fully incorporated—this gives your macarons their beautiful autumn hue.

Step 3: Prepare Sugar Syrup

In another pot, heat granulated sugar and water on medium heat with a candy thermometer attached. Be cautious: ensure that the thermometer isn’t touching the pot’s bottom! Once it reaches about 200 degrees F, start whisking 45 grams of egg whites in your stand mixer until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Combine Syrup with Meringue

Once your syrup hits 248 degrees F, quickly pour it down the side of your mixing bowl into the meringue while whisking at medium speed. This is where magic happens—the glossy meringue forms as you mix until medium peaks appear!

Step 5: Fold Everything Together

Gently fold one-third of the meringue into your almond mixture at a time until fully incorporated before adding more. Use careful circular motions; this technique ensures you don’t over-mix—aiming for thick ribbons that hold shape as they fall from your spatula.

Step 6: Pipe Your Shells

Now it’s time to pipe! Fill your prepared piping bag and pipe small rounds onto lined baking sheets about one inch apart. Don’t forget to tap them gently on the counter three times to release air bubbles before letting them rest until dry to touch—this skin formation is key!

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven while you wait! Bake those beauties at 300 degrees F for about 12-14 minutes until they have formed feet—a sign that they’re coming along just right.

Step 8: Prepare Pie Crust Cutouts

While waiting for the macarons to cool completely, let’s whip up those cute pie crust shapes! Mix flour and salt before cutting coconut oil into this mixture. Gradually add ice-cold water until dough forms; roll it out thinly before cutting festive shapes with mini cookie cutters.

Step 9: Assemble Your Macarons

Match up macaron shells so they pair nicely together. Pipe pumpkin frosting onto one shell, placing a pie crust cutout in between swirls—this adds both flavor and charm! Cap them off with another macaron shell upside down before finishing with dollops of vanilla frosting on top.

Voilà! You’ve created gorgeous Pumpkin Pie Macarons that taste just as delightful as they look! Enjoy sharing (or savoring all by yourself) this seasonal treat!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tips, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!

• Use a kitchen scale: Measuring your ingredients by weight ensures accuracy, which is essential for achieving that perfect macaron texture and consistency.
• Rest the piped macarons: Allowing the piped batter to rest until it forms a skin will prevent cracking during baking, giving you those beautiful smooth tops that macarons are known for.
• Control your oven temperature: Every oven is different, so it’s important to monitor your macarons while they bake. If you notice uneven cooking, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.
• Avoid over-mixing the batter: The macaronage process is crucial; stop mixing as soon as the batter flows in thick ribbons. Over-mixing can lead to flat shells instead of those perfectly domed delights.
• Practice patience: Macarons benefit from aging! Allowing them to rest overnight in the fridge after filling enhances their flavors and gives them that signature chewy texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Presenting your Pumpkin Pie Macarons beautifully can turn them into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or dessert table. Here are some clever ideas to elevate their appearance!

Garnishes

• Sprigs of mint: A fresh mint sprig adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet pumpkin flavor.
• Cinnamon stick: A decorative cinnamon stick placed beside the macarons brings out their spiced notes and adds an inviting touch.
• Crushed pecans: A sprinkle of crushed pecans on top of the vanilla frosting mimics pie crust crumbs and adds delightful texture.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: Warm spiced apple cider served alongside these macarons creates a cozy, autumnal pairing that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
• Chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea resonate beautifully with the pumpkin flavors, making for a comforting beverage choice.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a rich contrast to the lightness of the macarons and makes for an indulgent treat.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a bright and zesty accompaniment that balances out the sweetness of the macarons.

Now that you know how to make and serve these delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons, you’re all set to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not only delightful to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for special occasions or simply to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover macarons in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the macarons cool completely.
• Layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If desired, let frozen macarons thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• For a quick refresh, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons:

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

Yes, you can use regular butter if you prefer! Just keep in mind that this will change the recipe’s dietary restrictions.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness!

What makes these Pumpkin Pie Macarons so special?

These macarons feature a unique blend of pumpkin spice flavors and creamy frosting that captures the essence of fall desserts. They’re perfect for any occasion!

Can I make Pumpkin Pie Macarons ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these macarons a few days in advance or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to create these delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons! They not only bring a touch of autumn into your kitchen but also serve as a charming addition to any gathering. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!