Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not just another dessert; they are a celebration of cozy flavors and beautiful presentation. With their crisp shells and creamy pumpkin spiced frosting, these little delights are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a fall party, or simply an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea.

What makes this recipe extra special is the nostalgia it brings. Each bite transports you to chilly evenings filled with warm spices and sweet memories. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home! Let’s dive into creating these charming Pumpkin Pie Macarons together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: Experience the cozy taste of pumpkin pie in a new way that will impress your friends and family.
• Fun to Make: Enjoy the process of crafting these delicate macarons—it’s a perfect kitchen project!
• Perfect for Fall: These macarons embody all the best flavors of autumn, making them ideal for seasonal celebrations.
• Visually Stunning: With lovely decorations like pie crust cutouts and dollops of frosting, they look as good as they taste.
• Versatile Treat: Perfectly suited for dessert tables, gift-giving, or just indulging yourself on a quiet evening at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Pumpkin Pie Macarons is simple with wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather your supplies, and let’s get started!

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 Spiced Frosting

• 1/2 cups organic shortening or vegan butter (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

For Assembly

• 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
• pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe offers plenty of room for creativity! If you want to switch things up a bit or try something different, here are some fun variations:

• Change the Filling: Swap out the pumpkin frosting for other flavors like chocolate ganache or caramel for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into your macaron batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Colors: Use various food colorings to create seasonal designs—think festive reds, greens, or even spooky colors for Halloween!
• Make Mini Versions: Use smaller piping tips to create bite-sized macarons that are perfect for parties.

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 is crucial as it removes any grease that could prevent your egg whites from whipping up properly. Then, measure all your ingredients using a kitchen scale—precision is key in macaron-making!

Step 2: Make Your Macaron Batter

Combine almond meal and powdered sugar in a bowl. Sift once to remove lumps; this ensures a smooth texture in your finished macarons. Create a well in the center and add 41 grams of egg whites. Gently fold until blended before incorporating orange and brown food coloring until fully mixed.

Step 3: Cook Your Sugar Syrup

In a pot on medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water while attaching a candy thermometer to monitor temperature closely. Once it reaches about 200 degrees F, whisk the remaining 45 grams of egg whites until soft peaks form in your mixer. This step builds stability into our batter!

Step 4: Combine Meringue with Dry Ingredients

Once your syrup hits 248 degrees F, carefully pour it into your whipped egg whites while mixing on medium speed. Increase speed to high until glossy medium peaks form. Gently fold this meringue mixture into your almond/powdered sugar blend until smooth ribbons form—be careful not to over-mix!

Step 5: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer your batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1½ inch rounds spaced one inch apart on lined baking sheets. Give them three firm taps on the counter to release any air bubbles before letting them rest until dry to touch.

Step 6: Bake Those Shells!

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and bake your macarons for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll see lovely feet forming as they bake!

Step 7: Prepare Your Pie Crust Cutouts

While waiting for those macarons to cool, mix flour and salt in another bowl. Cut in coconut oil until you have crumbs resembling coarse sand. Add ice-cold water gradually until dough forms. Roll out and cut festive shapes before baking them at 375 degrees F until golden brown.

Step 8: Assemble Your Macarons

Once everything has cooled completely, it’s time to assemble! Match up macaron shells by size. Pipe pumpkin frosting onto one shell, place a pie crust cutout on top followed by another layer of frosting before finishing off with another shell.

Step 9: Final Touches

Top each macaron with a dollop of vanilla frosting mimicking whipped cream and dust lightly with pumpkin pie spice. Voilà! You now have gorgeous Pumpkin Pie Macarons ready to delight anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Enjoy every moment spent making—and devouring—these delicious treats!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can be a bit tricky, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to baking perfect Pumpkin Pie Macarons in no time!

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements; this ensures that your macarons have the right texture and consistency.

• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the almond meal and powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, helping to create the delicate macaron shells you desire.

• Be Patient During Resting Time: Allowing your piped macarons to rest until they form a skin is crucial. This step helps develop the characteristic feet during baking, ensuring that your shells rise beautifully.

• Keep an Eye on Oven Temperature: Every oven is different! It’s essential to monitor the temperature closely as uneven heating can lead to cracked or undercooked macarons.

• Practice Your Piping Technique: Hold the piping bag steady and at a consistent height while piping. This will help you achieve evenly shaped shells that bake uniformly.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

These delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ways to present them at your next gathering!

Garnishes

• Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the overall aesthetic of your macarons.

• Add Edible Gold Leaf: For a touch of elegance, adorn your macarons with small pieces of edible gold leaf, making them perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully, creating a cozy pairing that’s perfect for autumn gatherings.

• Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy coconut whipped cream makes a wonderful accompaniment, enhancing the dessert’s creaminess without dairy.

• Apple Cider: Serve these macarons alongside chilled apple cider for a refreshing contrast that perfectly balances the richness of the pumpkin pie flavor.

• Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add a crunchy texture and savory note that contrasts delightfully with the sweet macarons.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with your exceptional Pumpkin Pie Macarons! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh or save some for later. With a little planning, you can have these delightful treats ready whenever a craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Place the fully assembled macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen macarons in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• For best taste, allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

If you’re curious about Pumpkin Pie Macarons, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some common questions that might help.

Can I make Pumpkin Pie Macarons without dairy?

Absolutely! You can use plant-based butter or shortening as substitutes for any dairy ingredients in this recipe.

How do I get the perfect macaron shell for my Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

The key is in the macaronage process. Be gentle but thorough when folding your meringue into the dry ingredients until you achieve smooth batter that flows like thick ribbons.

What makes these Pumpkin Pie Macarons special?

These macarons capture all the flavors of traditional pumpkin pie while providing a unique twist with their delicate French pastry shell. They’re not only visually stunning but also bursting with seasonal flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons! They’re not just a treat; they’re a celebration of fall flavors wrapped up in a beautiful bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging yourself, these macarons are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!