If you are looking to impress with a delicate, sophisticated treat that combines the airy lightness of macarons with the indulgent richness of hazelnut chocolate, this Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe is your new best friend. These charming little confections are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, with a crisp shell that melts into a soft, chewy center, all beautifully accented by a luscious Nutella drizzle that takes every bite to the next level of yum. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe captures the essence of French elegance with a warm, approachable twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the essentials—simple, honest ingredients that come together in perfect harmony to create the delicate texture and irresistible flavor of these macarons. Each component is carefully selected: the almond flour provides that signature nutty base, the powdered sugar adds sweet finesse, egg whites bring the airy lift, and Nutella is the star that crowns every bite with molten delight.
- 1 cup almond flour: Finely ground to give macarons their classic texture and subtle nuttiness.
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar: Adds fine sweetness and helps create the smooth macaron shells.
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature): Whipped to fluffy perfection for that iconic macaron rise and chew.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Stabilizes the meringue and adds delicate sweetness and crunch.
- ½ cup Nutella (for drizzling): The irresistible creamy hazelnut chocolate that complements the macaron shells.
- Food coloring (optional): For adding a playful touch of color to your macarons without affecting flavor.
How to Make Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your macarons won’t stick and come off perfectly crisp and smooth. This small setup step lays the groundwork for macarons that bake evenly and look flawless.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Next, take the almond flour and powdered sugar and sift them together until they’re lump-free. This ensures your macaron shells get that signature silky texture without any gritty bits or uneven clumps, which is key to both appearance and mouthfeel.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean, grease-free bowl, whip those room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, keeping an eye out for stiff, glossy peaks. This perfect meringue base gives your macarons their structure and airy lightness, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Add Color (Optional) and Fold
If you’d like to sneak in a bit of color, gently fold in some food coloring here—just a little to keep the batter airy. Then, carefully fold in the dry ingredients a little at a time to the meringue. The batter should flow smoothly but not be too runny—this balance is the secret to that classic ‘macaronage’ process.
Step 5: Pipe the Macarons
Fit a piping bag with a round tip and pipe small, even circles onto your prepared sheets. Consistency here makes sure your macarons match up beautifully in size and bake evenly. Tap the trays gently a couple of times on your counter to release any air bubbles.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop those trays into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The macarons should feel firm to the touch when done but remain tender inside. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely on the parchment before attempting to remove them—this cool-down period prevents sticking and cracking.
Step 7: Drizzle with Nutella
Warm your Nutella slightly until it’s soft enough to drizzle but not too hot to lose its luscious, velvety texture. Use a spoon or a piping bag to artistically drizzle Nutella over each macaron, adding that signature finishing touch that brings irresistible flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, consider sprinkling your macarons with finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or a tiny dusting of cocoa powder. These garnishes add texture and a little extra flavor dimension that pairs brilliantly with the Nutella drizzle.
Side Dishes
Serve these macarons alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a delicate cup of tea. The bitterness of coffee or the floral notes of tea balance the sweetness and richness perfectly, making each bite feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking macarons in a charming little tower on a cake stand for a centerpiece that doubles as dessert. Alternatively, place them inside clear gift boxes tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift everyone will love. The Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe also works wonders as part of a dessert platter, adding a pop of color and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, macarons store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separated to avoid sticking and make sure they’re at room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze macarons for up to a month by placing them in a single layer inside a sealed container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, allowing the Nutella drizzle to soften a bit and the shells to regain their delicate crispness.
Reheating
Since macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature, it’s best to avoid reheating in the oven or microwave. Instead, let them sit out for about 20 minutes after refrigeration or defrosting to return to optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella for the drizzle?
Absolutely! While Nutella is classic, you can experiment with almond butter or peanut butter for a unique twist on flavor. Just make sure to warm the alternative spreads to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
Is it necessary to use aged egg whites?
Aged egg whites are ideal for macarons as they whip up better, but fresh room-temperature egg whites will work just fine if you whip them well and add sugar gradually until stiff peaks form.
Why do my macarons crack or have feet that don’t form properly?
Cracking and foot issues often come down to humidity, oven temperature, or under-mixing/over-mixing the batter. Make sure to let the piped batter rest until it forms a slight skin on top before baking, and double-check your oven temperature with a thermometer.
Can I make the macaron shells a day in advance?
Yes! You can bake the shells up to a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Drizzle the Nutella just before serving to keep the shells crisp and the topping fresh.
Is the food coloring necessary for this Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe?
No, it is completely optional! The macarons taste amazing without it, but adding food coloring is a fun way to personalize your treats for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s such a rewarding treat to see these dainty delights come to life—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and topped with that dreamy Nutella drizzle. Once you try baking these, your dessert game will reach new heights and you’ll have a nifty new recipe for celebrations, gifts, or simply treating yourself. Go ahead and dive in—the magic of macarons is waiting!
Print
Nutella Drizzle Macaron Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and flavorful Nutella Drizzle Macarons featuring a crisp almond meringue shell and a sweet Nutella topping. These French-inspired treats are perfect for special occasions or an elegant snack, combining light almond and powdered sugar macarons with a luscious Nutella drizzle.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Decoration
- ½ cup Nutella (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the macarons.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar until there are no lumps, ensuring a smooth macaron shell texture.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, achieving the meringue base.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): If desired, gently fold in food coloring to tint the meringue without deflating the mixture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites until just combined to maintain the airy texture required for macarons.
- Pipe Macarons: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small circles evenly onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for slight expansion.
- Bake: Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes until they are firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy inside.
- Cool: Allow macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to remove to avoid cracking.
- Drizzle with Nutella: Slightly melt the Nutella to a pourable consistency and drizzle it generously over the cooled macarons for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipping.
- Be gentle when folding to avoid deflating the meringue.
- Piping uniform-size circles helps in even baking and presentation.
- You can flavor the macarons with extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance taste.
- Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
