Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, these Pumpkin Pie Macarons will surely steal the show! Perfectly delicate and bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin pie, they are not only a treat for your taste buds but also an impressive addition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall get-together or simply want to indulge in something sweet at home, these macarons are sure to bring smiles all around.

What I love most about this recipe is how it beautifully combines two beloved desserts into one delightful bite. The creamy pumpkin spiced frosting paired with the light and airy macaron shells creates a delicious harmony that captures the essence of autumn. Plus, they’re so fun to make—perfect for spending an afternoon in the kitchen with friends or family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, these macarons can be made by bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a fun treat, these macarons fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: They look stunning on any dessert table, making them ideal for gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The pumpkin spice frosting offers a unique twist that everyone will adore.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak flavors and decorations to suit your preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients is half the fun! For these Pumpkin Pie Macarons, you will need some wholesome and straightforward items that pack a punch of flavor.

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 Spice Frosting

• 1/2 cup organic shortening or vegan butter (can use regular butter)
• 3/4 cup + 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 Decoration

• 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! Here are some ideas to customize your Pumpkin Pie Macarons:

• Swap the frosting flavor: Try using chocolate ganache or caramel instead of pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
• Change up the colors: Use different food colorings to personalize your macarons—think deep reds or golds for festive occasions!
• Add toppings: Sprinkle crushed nuts or edible glitter on top for extra flair.
• Make mini versions: Pipe smaller shells for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Bowl

Start by wiping down your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar. This little step ensures that any residue is removed, helping your egg whites whip up perfectly.

Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients

Prep and measure all ingredients using a kitchen scale. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun!

Step 3: Prep Your Piping Bag

Prepare a piping bag fitted with a round tip—Wilton tip 12 works great! This will help you create uniform rounds when piping out your macaron batter.

Step 4: Combine Almond Meal and Sugar

In a bowl, mix together the almond meal and powdered sugar. Sift once to remove lumps; this helps ensure smooth macaron shells. Make a well in the center and add your first batch of egg whites.

Step 5: Form Your Batter

Fold gently until blended, then add your food coloring. The mixture should be paste-like. Set aside while you prepare your sugar syrup.

Step 6: Make the Sugar Syrup

Heat granulated sugar with water over medium heat in a pot while monitoring with a candy thermometer. This syrup is crucial as it creates that lovely glossy meringue texture.

Step 7: Whip Egg Whites

As your syrup heats up, place your second batch of egg whites in your stand mixer. Whip them until soft peaks form, adding lemon juice or cream of tartar to stabilize.

Step 8: Combine Syrup and Meringue

Once your syrup reaches about 248 degrees F, carefully pour it into your whipped egg whites while mixing on medium speed until combined. Then increase speed to high until you achieve glossy medium peaks.

Step 9: Fold Meringue into Dry Mixture

Gently fold in the meringue into the almond meal mixture in three parts. Be cautious not to over-mix; you want thick ribbons forming when you lift the batter off the spatula.

Step 10: Pipe Your Rounds

Transfer batter into prepared piping bags and pipe rounds about 1½ inches wide onto lined baking sheets. Remember to keep them spaced out!

Step 11: Rest and Bake

Let piped rounds rest until dry to touch (about 20-30 minutes). Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and bake for about 12-14 minutes.

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, allow macarons to cool before gently removing them from parchment paper.

Step 13: Create Your Pie Crust Cutouts

While waiting for macarons to cool, preheat oven again for pie crust cutouts made from flour, coconut oil, salt, and ice water. Roll out dough and cut into shapes before baking until golden brown.

Step 14: Prepare Frostings

Mix shortening/butter with powdered sugar and vanilla bean seeds for one frosting; then mix pumpkin puree with more shortening/butter along with spices for another frosting.

Step 15: Assemble Your Macarons

Pair matching shells together; pipe pumpkin frosting onto one shell followed by placing pie crust cutout on top before adding another shell atop.

Step 16: Decorate

Finally, pipe dollops of vanilla frosting on top mimicking whipped cream finish it off with a dusting of pumpkin spice!

Enjoy each delightful bite as you share these Pumpkin Pie Macarons with loved ones! They are sure to be an unforgettable treat this season!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Creating the perfect pumpkin pie macarons can be a delightful challenge, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be on your way to impressing friends and family!

• Use a kitchen scale: Measuring your ingredients by weight ensures precision, which is crucial in macaron-making. This helps achieve the right texture and consistency for your batter.

• Be patient while resting: Allowing the piped macarons to rest until they form a skin—about 20-30 minutes—prevents them from cracking during baking. A proper skin will lead to smooth, beautiful shells.

• Monitor oven temperature: Every oven is different! Use an oven thermometer if possible to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature, as this can significantly affect the outcome of your macarons.

• Avoid over-mixing: During the macaronage process, stop mixing once you achieve thick ribbons that hold their shape. Over-mixing can lead to flat shells that lack the desired structure.

• Practice piping: If you’re new to piping, practice on some parchment paper before piping directly onto your baking sheet. This will help you get comfortable with controlling your piping bag for even-sized rounds.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

When it comes to serving these delightful pumpkin pie macarons, presentation is key! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a treat at home, here are some ideas to elevate your serving style.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the macarons adds a sweet and aromatic touch that beautifully complements the pumpkin flavor.
• Miniature cookie cutouts: Decorate each macaron with small pie crust cutouts for added charm and visual appeal. They echo the theme of pumpkin pie and make for a fun presentation.
• Edible glitter or sprinkles: For a festive touch, add edible glitter or colored sprinkles on top of the vanilla frosting dollops. This is especially fun for holiday gatherings!

Side Dishes

• Apple Cider Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet brings a crisp apple flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the macarons. It’s light yet satisfying!
• Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea complements the fall flavors in the macarons perfectly. The spices harmonize beautifully with pumpkin spice.
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate with hints of spice creates a cozy pairing for these sweet treats. It’s perfect for chilly evenings!
• Roasted Squash Salad: A salad featuring roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a savory contrast to sweet macarons while maintaining that autumnal vibe.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to create stunningly delicious Pumpkin Pie Macarons that not only taste amazing but also look fantastic on any dessert table! Enjoy crafting these sweet bites that will surely delight everyone who tries them.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful treats whenever you like without the fuss of making them from scratch each time.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Ensure they are separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unfilled macaron shells in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• You can also freeze filled macarons, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored them in the fridge, bring your macarons back to room temperature before enjoying.
• Avoid using a microwave as it can ruin their texture; simply let them sit out for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons:

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

Yes! You can substitute regular butter for shortening, which will give your frosting a rich flavor while still keeping it dairy free.

What makes Pumpkin Pie Macarons different from regular macarons?

Pumpkin Pie Macarons feature a delightful pumpkin spice flavor combined with creamy frosting that mimics the taste of traditional pumpkin pie, making them an ideal seasonal treat.

How do I know when my macaron shells are ready to bake?

Macaron shells are ready when they have formed a skin that is dry to the touch. You can lightly tap them; if no batter sticks to your fingers, they’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy in making and sharing as it has brought me! These Pumpkin Pie Macarons not only celebrate the flavors of fall but also offer a wonderful way to impress friends and family at any gathering. Enjoy every moment of creating these sweet treats, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me – happy baking!