If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s both elegant and utterly irresistible, Nutella Drizzle Macarons are your answer. These delicate French cookies have crackly, pastel-hued shells and a creamy Nutella center, all finished off with a luxurious drizzle of chocolate hazelnut goodness. Each bite is a perfect balance of crisp exterior, chewy interior, and melt-in-your-mouth filling, making them ideal for celebrations or simply spoiling yourself. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring with a coffee, this recipe will win hearts and satisfy chocolate cravings in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Nutella Drizzle Macarons lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the nutty almond flour to the rich Nutella filling, ensuring your macarons have the classic texture and unforgettable flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sifts smoothly into the almond flour for that signature macaron shell sweetness and silkiness.
- Almond flour (3/4 cup): Provides the essential nutty flavor and delicate crumb that sets macarons apart from ordinary cookies.
- Egg whites, room temperature (2 large): Whip up to create the airy meringue base, crucial for those iconic feet and chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue, helping your shells achieve their glossy finish.
- Cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon): Gives extra stability to your meringue, helping your egg whites reach perfect stiff peaks.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and fragrance that complements both the almond shell and chocolate filling.
- Nutella (1/2 cup, for filling): The star of the recipe, bringing creamy, chocolate-hazelnut richness to every bite.
- Nutella (2 tablespoons, for drizzle): Elevates your finished macarons with a glossy, extra burst of flavor and artistry.
- Vegetable oil (1 teaspoon, optional): Loosens the Nutella for a smoother, more elegant drizzle on top.
How to Make Nutella Drizzle Macarons
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step is essential for ensuring your Nutella Drizzle Macarons lift off effortlessly after baking, keeping those delicate shells intact and picture-perfect.
Step 2: Pulse and Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a food processor, pulse the powdered sugar and almond flour together until they’re ultra-fine. Sift this mixture into a bowl to eliminate any lumps. This double-processing guarantees that your shells turn out silky-smooth, with that signature macaron sheen.
Step 3: Whip the Meringue
In a sparkling-clean mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until they become foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, then crank up the speed and beat until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. This meringue is the backbone of your Nutella Drizzle Macarons, giving them height and their iconic texture.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the sifted almond mixture into your meringue, working in batches. Use a spatula and a light hand—the goal is to combine without deflating the airy whites. Stop folding when the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons when lifted; this is the sweet spot for perfect macarons.
Step 5: Pipe and Rest the Shells
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto your prepared sheets, spacing them evenly. Tap the trays firmly on the counter to pop any air bubbles. Let the shells rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, until they’re dry to the touch; this helps create those classic macaron “feet.”
Step 6: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 15 to 18 minutes, rotating if needed for even cooking. The shells are ready when they lift cleanly from the parchment and have a slight shine. Let them cool completely before attempting to remove.
Step 7: Fill with Nutella
Pair up the shells by size. Pipe or spread a generous dollop of Nutella onto the flat side of half the shells, then sandwich them with the remaining halves. The Nutella adds creamy, chocolatey richness that makes these Nutella Drizzle Macarons absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Drizzle with Nutella
Warm 2 tablespoons of Nutella with a bit of vegetable oil if needed to make it pourable. Using a spoon or a small piping bag, artfully drizzle the Nutella over the macaron tops. Allow the drizzle to set before serving for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
How to Serve Nutella Drizzle Macarons
Garnishes
To really make your Nutella Drizzle Macarons shine, consider adding a few finishing touches. A sprinkling of crushed hazelnuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even edible gold leaf can elevate the look and offer a hint of extra flavor. These small details make your macarons feel truly special and gift-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve your Nutella Drizzle Macarons with a cup of espresso, a creamy latte, or a pot of Earl Grey tea. The rich, nutty flavors pair beautifully with coffee and tea, making for a sophisticated afternoon treat or a dreamy dessert platter at your next gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your macarons in a pretty tower, arrange them in a vintage tin, or gift-wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present. For parties, try placing each macaron in a mini cupcake liner or on a tiered dessert stand to create a “wow” centerpiece that’s both elegant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Nutella Drizzle Macarons are best enjoyed after maturing for 24 hours in the fridge, which allows the flavors and textures to meld beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, separating layers with parchment to keep the shells crisp and intact.
Freezing
If you want to keep your macarons longer, you can freeze them (assembled or unfilled) for up to one month. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight before bringing to room temperature for serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed! If your Nutella Drizzle Macarons have been refrigerated or frozen, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This brings out their best texture and flavor, making each bite just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Why do my macaron shells crack?
Cracked shells usually happen if the macarons haven’t rested long enough, if there’s too much moisture in the batter, or if your oven temperature is too high. Make sure the shells are dry to the touch before baking, and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use another chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella gives these macarons their signature flavor, you can swap in any chocolate-hazelnut spread you love. Try other brands or even a homemade version for a unique twist on Nutella Drizzle Macarons.
Why is my macaron batter too runny or too thick?
Getting the right batter texture is all about the folding technique. If you under-mix, the batter will be too thick; over-mix, and it’ll become runny. Fold gently and check often for that lava-like consistency that ribbons off the spatula.
Can I color the macaron shells?
Yes! Add a few drops of gel food coloring to the meringue just before you start folding in the dry ingredients. Avoid liquid food coloring as it adds moisture and can affect the batter’s consistency.
How do I make my Nutella drizzle look professional?
For the neatest drizzle, thin the Nutella with a little vegetable oil and use a piping bag or small spoon. Practice drizzling over a piece of parchment first, and let the macarons set before handling to keep your designs sharp and glossy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate a patisserie experience at home, Nutella Drizzle Macarons are the sweet treat you need. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and every batch feels like a little celebration. Give them a try and get ready for rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to share them with you!
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Nutella Drizzle Macarons Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes plus 30-60 minutes resting time
- Yield: 20 macarons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these delicate Nutella Drizzle Macarons, featuring crisp almond meringue shells filled with creamy Nutella and finished with a luscious Nutella drizzle. Perfectly balanced sweetness and texture make these French-inspired treats an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour
Meringue
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Drizzle
- 1/2 cup Nutella (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons Nutella (for drizzle)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for thinning drizzle, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Pulse powdered sugar and almond flour together in a food processor until fine, then sift into a bowl to remove any lumps for a smooth macaron batter.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating a perfect meringue.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the meringue in batches, using a spatula to fold until the batter flows like lava and ribbons off the spatula, ensuring a smooth and airy texture.
- Pipe Macaron Shells: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheets. Firmly tap the trays on the counter several times to release air bubbles and create smooth shells.
- Rest the Macarons: Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until the tops are dry to the touch, allowing a skin to form for better texture during baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 15–18 minutes. Remove and let cool completely on the baking sheets before handling to avoid cracking.
- Assemble Macarons: Pipe Nutella onto the flat side of half the macaron shells, then sandwich with the remaining shells to create the classic macaron shape with a rich filling.
- Drizzle Nutella: Warm 2 tablespoons of Nutella with a teaspoon of vegetable oil if needed to thin it. Drizzle over the assembled macarons using a spoon or piping bag for an elegant finishing touch.
- Set and Serve: Allow the drizzle to set before serving to ensure a neat and delicious presentation.
Notes
- Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For optimal texture and flavor, let macarons mature for 24 hours before serving.
- You can freeze assembled macarons for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 6.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.5 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
