Are you ready to impress your friends and family with some seriously delicious homemade treats? Then look no further! This Cookies and Cream Macarons recipe is surprisingly easy to make, delivering professional-looking results even for beginner bakers. Forget those store-bought versions – these delicate, creamy cookies are bursting with the irresistible flavor of cookies and cream, promising a delightful homemade experience. Get ready for a sweet adventure!
Ingredients:
For the Macaron Shells:
- 100g aged egg whites (aged for at least 2 days)
- 150g powdered sugar
- 100g almond flour, finely ground
- 100g granulated sugar
For the Cookies and Cream Buttercream:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 100g crushed Oreo cookies
Instructions:
Making the Macaron Shells:
- Prepare your ingredients: Ensure your almond flour is finely ground; sifting it with the powdered sugar helps avoid lumps in the macarons. Aged egg whites create a more stable meringue.
- Make the meringue: In a clean, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form. This is crucial for achieving that beautiful macaron shell.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gently fold the sifted powdered sugar and almond flour into the meringue in three additions, using a spatula and a folding motion to avoid deflating the meringue. Aim for a lava-like consistency.
- Pipe the macarons: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron.
- Tap the trays: Once piped, gently tap the baking sheets on the counter several times to release any air bubbles. This helps prevent cracks in the macarons during baking.
- Let them rest: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface. This is essential for a smooth shell.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the macarons are firm to the touch. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool completely: Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheets before removing them.
Making the Cookies and Cream Buttercream:
- Beat the butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Add milk/cream: Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Mix in Oreos: Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.
Assembling the Macarons:
- Pair the shells: Once the macarons and buttercream are completely cool, pair up shells of similar size.
- Pipe the filling: Use a piping bag or a knife to spread a generous amount of the cookies and cream buttercream onto the flat side of one macaron shell.
- Sandwich and enjoy! Top with another macaron shell and gently press down.
Tips and Variations:
- Food coloring: Add a few drops of your favorite food coloring to the macaron batter for a fun twist.
- Different fillings: Experiment with other fillings, such as chocolate ganache or raspberry buttercream.
- Flavor enhancements: Add a pinch of vanilla extract to the macaron batter or buttercream for enhanced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per macaron):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-8g
- Sugar: 15-18g
- Protein: 1-2g
Enjoy your homemade cookies and cream macarons! They're a perfect treat for any occasion, and a beautiful demonstration of the joy of homemade cooking and easy recipes for creating delicious dishes. These quick dinner alternatives are also a fun project to make with friends or family. These truly are some of the best recipes out there!