If there’s one sweet delight that effortlessly marries sophistication with decadence, it’s the enchanting world of double chocolate macarons. Imagine delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shells giving way to a luscious, velvety center that oozes rich chocolate goodness.
Let’s embark on a tantalizing journey into the realm of these exquisite treats, where every bite unveils a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to delve into the seductive allure of double chocolate macarons and discover why they are the epitome of indulgence for any connoisseur of fine desserts.
What are Double Chocolate Macarons?
Double chocolate macarons are a delectable twist on the classic French treat, elevating the experience with a dual dose of chocolate flavors. These delightful confections consist of two almond meringue cookies sandwiching a luxurious filling that boasts the richness of dark or milk chocolate ganache, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes in every bite.
To complement the indulgent nature of double chocolate macarons, consider pairing them with a refreshing cup of espresso to enhance the chocolate notes, a glass of velvety red wine for a sophisticated touch, and fresh raspberries for a burst of fruity contrast that complements the decadent sweetness of the macarons.
Double Chocolate Macaron Ingredients
For the Macaron Cookie:
4 oz. Confectioners Sugar minus 2 tbsp – brings a fine, powdery sweetness that blends perfectly into the recipe, minus 2 tbsp to ensure a balanced sweetness.
2 oz. Almond Flour (I recommend Bob’s Red Mill) – adds a wholesome, nutty flavor, and can make your recipe gluten-free.
2 tbsp Cocoa Powder – gives a rich, intense chocolate flavor and a deep color to your dish.
1 oz. Granulated Sugar – brings a classic sweetness that can be adjusted to taste.
2 Egg Whites at room temperature – whips up fluffier at room temperature, adding volume and lightness to your recipe.
1/4 tsp Salt – a touch of salt can sharpen and enhance the flavors of your other ingredients.
Ganache
For the Filling:
1 cup Chocolate Chips – these tiny morsels of sweetness will melt down to provide the rich, chocolatey base for your ganache. Choose high-quality chips for the best flavor.
½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream – brings a creamy and luscious consistency to the ganache, making it perfect for filling. It also complements the chocolate, balancing out its intense flavor.
For the Topping:
½ cup Melted Chocolate – drizzled on top, this adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. It gives the treat a mouthwatering finish and an irresistible shine.
How to Make Double Chocolate Macarons
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this delightful recipe to life.
- Begin by weighing out all your ingredients.
- Sift your powdered sugar on a scale, removing two level tablespoons.
- Add cocoa powder, followed by the sifted almond flour, and give these ingredients a quick whisk to eliminate any lumps.
- Add the egg whites to your mixer and mix on medium speed until frothy, adding in the salt.
- Gradually introduce the sugar to the egg whites while continuing to mix on medium speed until you achieve a soft peak consistency.
- Place approximately half of the dry mixture into the egg whites and fold until no dry spots remain.
- Add the remaining dry mixture to the meringue and fold until all is well incorporated. Look for the “ribbon” stage where the batter falls off in ribbons and allows you to make a figure 8 without breaking off.
- Once this consistency is achieved, stop folding.
- Prepare your piping bag with a round tip and place it in a large cup for easier batter refill.
- Slowly add in your batter.
- Place the macaron template under a silicon mat on your baking sheet.
- Hold your piping bag completely vertical when piping and lift straight up to create 1 1/2 to 2-inch circles.
- After you’ve piped all the batter, tap the baking sheet on the counter 10-20 times to remove all air bubbles.
- Use a toothpick or a sharp object to pop any bubbles.
- Leave them to dry for 30-60 minutes until a “shell” forms over them. No batter should come off when touched.
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Bake your macarons for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- When touched, the top of the macaron should not wobble on the “feet”. Allow them to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
- Finally, assemble the macarons. Place the ganache frosting into a piping bag or large ziplock bag with a star tip.
- Pipe a generous amount of ganache on half of the shells.
- Top with the remaining shells, dip half of them in the melted chocolate, and add a generous drizzle of chocolate as desired.
- Allow them to “mature” in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before serving.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Weighing is Winning: When it comes to recipes like this, precision is key. Ensure that all your ingredients are accurately weighed for best results.
- Sift for Success: Sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour can ensure that there are no lumps in your batter. This smoothness is what gives macarons their iconic texture.
- Patience with Piping: When piping out the macaron batter, keep your piping bag completely vertical to get the perfect circular shape of the macarons.
- Bubble Bursting: Don’t skip the step of banging your baking sheet on the counter. It helps to remove any air bubbles that can ruin your macaron’s texture. Use a toothpick to pop any stubborn ones.
- Take Your Time: Wait for the macarons to form a shell before baking them. The shell gives macarons their unique, crisp outer layer.
- Cool Completely: Allow your macarons to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet. This can help prevent them from breaking or sticking to the sheet.
- Frost with Flair: When filling the macarons, don’t skimp on the ganache. A generous amount can enhance the taste of your macarons.
- Mature for Magic: Let your macarons “mature” in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating them. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together, making your macarons even more delicious.
- Check Out These 12 Hacks for Perfect Macarons for more insights on making your macarons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the filling of double chocolate macarons to suit my preferences?
Absolutely! Double chocolate macarons offer endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate ganache or cream fillings to tailor the recipe to your taste.
What can I use instead of Almond Flour?
When substituting almond flour, you can consider using hazelnut flour or cashew flour as alternative options. These alternatives can impart a unique flavor profile to your macarons while maintaining a similar texture to the traditional almond flour version.
Experimenting with different nut flours can add a delightful twist to your recipe and cater to varying taste preferences. Be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly to achieve the desired consistency and taste in your double chocolate macarons.
How should I store double chocolate macarons to keep them fresh?
To preserve the freshness and texture of your double chocolate macarons, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Can I freeze double chocolate macarons for later enjoyment?
Yes, you can freeze double chocolate macarons. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they are well protected. Thaw them in the refrigerator before consuming them, and they should retain their deliciousness for weeks.
Conclusion
Creating double chocolate macarons opens up a new realm of indulgence and culinary delight. I encourage you to dive into the kitchen, whip up a batch of these exquisite treats, and experience the joy of crafting something truly extraordinary.
Once you’ve tried your hand at making these delectable double chocolate macarons, don’t forget to capture a snapshot of your creation. Share a photo of your beautifully crafted macarons on social media and let others in on the blissful experience.
Your feedback matters, so be sure to rate the recipe and spread the love for these heavenly delights. Happy baking, and may your culinary adventures always lead you to moments of sheer delight and satisfaction!
Double Chocolate Macarons
Indulge in decadence with our exquisite Double Chocolate Macarons. Rich, velvety, and utterly irresistible. Treat yourself today!
Ingredients
- 4 oz. confectioners sugar minus 2 tbsp
- 2 oz. almond flour (I recommend Bob’s Red Mill)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 oz granulated sugar
- 2 egg whites at room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
Ganache For Filling:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For Topping:
- ½ cup melted chocolate
Instructions
To make the ganache frosting
Place the chocolate and heavy crema in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-second increments until completely melted. Stir until nice and smooth. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for 4 hours or in the fridge for 2. Before piping, whip with a whisk attachment for 4-5 minutes.
- Weigh out all your ingredients.
- Next, sift your powdered sugar on a scale, and remove 2-level tbsp. Add in two tablespoons of cocoa powder, then add in your sifted almond flour. Give all of these ingredients a quick whisk to make sure there are no lumps.
- Add your egg whites to the bowl of your mixer and start mixing on medium speed until they get frothy. Add in the salt.
- Gradually add in your sugar to the egg whites and mix on medium speed until you get a soft peak consistency.
- After the egg whites are the right consistency, add about ½ of the dry mixture to the egg whites and fold in until there are no dry spots left.
- Add in the remaining dry mixture to the meringue and fold in until there are no dry spots. Begin to check for the “ribbon” stage, where the batter falls off in ribbons and you can make a figure 8 without it breaking off. Once you get to this consistency stop folding.
- Prepare your piping bag with a small round tip. Place your bag in a large cup to make it easier to add your batter. Slowly add in your batter.
- Place the macaron template under a silicon mat on a baking sheet.
- Hold your piping bag completely vertical when piping and lift it straight up. Making about 1 1/2 to 2-inch circles.
- After you have piped all the batter, bang the baking sheet on the counter 10-20 times (seriously) to remove all air bubbles. Use a toothpick or something sharp to pop them.
- Now it is time to let them dry. Leave them sitting on the counter for 30-60 minutes until you can touch them and you can feel a “shell” form over them. No batter should come off on your finger.
- preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. and bake your macarons for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. When you touch the top of the macaron it should not wiggle around on the “feet”.
- Allow them to cool COMPLETELY before taking them off the baking sheet.
- To assemble the macarons. Place the ganache frosting into a piping bag or large ziplock bag with a star tip. Pipe a generous amount of ganache on half of the shells. Top with the remaining shells. Dip half of the shells in the melted chocolate and add a drizzle of chocolate if desired.
- Allow to “mature” in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours and enjoy!!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 378Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 135mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 4gSugar: 31gProtein: 6g