Picture this: you’re strolling through a quaint French bakery, and your senses are enveloped by the sweet scent of fresh pastries. Amidst the delightful array of desserts, one treat captures your heart—macarons. Inspired by this enchanting experience, I decided to create my own twist on the classic French favorite: donut macarons. These whimsical confections combine the richness of chocolate and the brightness of strawberry buttercream, bringing you a taste of pure joy in every bite.
Perfect for special occasions or a casual indulgence, these donuts-in-macarons form a cute and colorful dessert that will have everyone at the table smiling. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and fill your home with delightful aromas. Let’s embark on this sweet adventure together!
Why are Donut Macarons a must-try?
Uniquely Delightful: These donut macarons offer a charming mix of two beloved treats, delivering whimsical flavors and stunning aesthetics.
Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy strawberry and rich chocolate buttercream, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Easy to Make: While they might look fancy, this recipe is surprisingly beginner-friendly—perfect for home bakers of all skill levels!
Showstopper Appeal: Impress guests at gatherings or special occasions with these eye-catching desserts that spark joy in every bite.
Perfect Texture: With a crisp shell and soft, chewy interior, these macarons mimic the beloved texture of mini donuts, making them irresistible!
Make sure to serve these alongside coffee or tea for a delightful experience that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Donut Macaron Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and essential structure for the macaron shells.
• Almond Flour – Adds a nutty flavor and essential texture; it’s the key base for these delightful donut macarons.
• Egg Whites – Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal whipping to achieve that airy texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Helps stabilize the meringue, contributing to the glossy finish of the macarons.
• Egg White Powder (optional) – A great addition for extra meringue stability.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ivory Gel Food Coloring – Adds a beautiful aesthetic touch and can be adjusted to personal preference.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the flavor of the shells.
For the Buttercream Filling
• Salted Butter – Adds a creamy richness to the buttercream.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides luscious creaminess and stability.
• Strawberry Milk Powder – Infuses your buttercream with irresistible strawberry flavor.
• Cocoa Powder – Introduces a chocolate flavor to half of your buttercream for a delightful twist.
For the Royal Icing
• Meringue Powder – Essential for the royal icing’s stability and structure.
• Powdered Sugar – The base sweetener for a perfect drizzleable consistency.
• Water – Adjust the consistency of the icing to your preferred thickness.
For Decoration
• Colorful Sprinkles – These add a fun and festive touch to your beautifully crafted donut macarons.
How to Make Donut Macarons
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by sifting together the powdered sugar and almond flour. This ensures a clump-free mix, which is key to achieving smooth, beautiful macarons.
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Meringue Preparation: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form. Don’t forget to add a splash of vanilla and your desired gel food coloring!
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Combine Dry Mixtures: Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients in three increments. Be careful not to deflate the meringue; you’re aiming for a smooth batter that flows lovingly in ribbons.
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Pipe the Shells: Scoop the batter into a piping bag and pipe out circles onto silicone mats following a template. Let them rest for about 30 minutes, or until a skin forms on top.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°-305°F. Bake the macarons for about 13-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they no longer shift when lightly touched.
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Buttercream Preparation: In a mixing bowl, whisk the salted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Divide the mixture and mix cocoa powder into one half and strawberry milk powder into the other for the delightful buttercream fillings.
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Royal Icing: Whisk together the meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water until it reaches your desired consistency. Color as desired, then set aside for decoration!
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Assembly: Pair up your macaron shells, fill half with buttercream, and top with decorated halves. Refrigerate them for 24 hours to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional: Drizzle leftover royal icing over the assembled macarons for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Donut Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their whimsical goodness while saving time. You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crisp texture. The buttercream filling can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated until needed—just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and whip it lightly before use. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the macarons and refrigerate them for an additional 24 hours to enhance the flavors. This approach means you’ll have crowd-pleasing treats ready with minimal effort, ensuring just as delicious results!
What to Serve with Donut Macarons?
Picture an enchanting dessert spread that highlights your delightful creations, where every bite sparks happiness and conversation.
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Creamy Coffee: The smooth richness of coffee beautifully complements the sweet flavors of the macarons, creating a cozy pairing that’s hard to resist.
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Earl Grey Tea: The delicate hints of bergamot in Earl Grey infuse a refreshing touch, contrasting deliciously with the sweet buttercream filling.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors, enhancing every mouthful of your macarons.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: These colorful desserts add a delightful crunch and variety, making your dessert table visually appealing and extra festive.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Indulge in the classic pairing of strawberries and chocolate to elevate the fun theme of your donut macarons.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing coolness that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the macarons and adds a nostalgic touch.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A simple drizzle of homemade caramel over each macaron creates a delectable sweet contrast, taking the presentation and flavor to a whole new level.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and bubbly, sparkling lemonade complements the sweetness and adds a zesty kick that brightens each sugary bite.
Tips for the Best Donut Macarons
- Grease-Free Equipment: Make sure all mixing bowls and tools are completely grease-free. Any residue can prevent the meringue from reaching its full volume.
- Room Temperature Egg Whites: Using egg whites at room temperature allows for easier whipping, resulting in a stronger meringue for your donut macarons.
- Sifting Matters: Always sift your almond flour and powdered sugar well. This prevents clumps from forming in your batter, leading to smoother macaron shells.
- Time Your Rest: Let the piped macaron shells rest until a skin forms on the surface. This crucial step helps prevent cracking during baking.
- Refrigeration for Flavor: Allow your completed donut macarons to mature in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This enhances the flavors and texture beautifully!
Donut Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on classic donut macarons!
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- Vegan: Replace egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea brine) whipped to stiff peaks and use vegan butter for the filling.
- Flavor Burst: Add a teaspoon of your favorite extract, like almond or hazelnut, to the batter for an exciting flavor twist.
- Fruity Fun: Mix in crushed freeze-dried fruits (like raspberries or mango) into the buttercream for a fruity explosion.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the macaron batter for a cozy, spiced flavor that echoes fall delights.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the buttercream for an extra-rich, decadent filling.
- Citrus Zing: Swirl in lemon or lime zest into the buttercream for a refreshing citrusy bite that brightens the overall flavor.
- Decor Variation: Instead of sprinkles, use edible glitter or piped royal icing designs for a chic, elegant touch to your macarons.
How to Store and Freeze Donut Macarons
Room Temperature: Donut macarons can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze the assembled donut macarons by placing them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating: These macarons are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating them in the microwave as it may alter their texture.
Donut Macarons Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting egg whites?
Absolutely! Fresh egg whites are essential for achieving that perfect meringue. Look for egg whites that are clear and thick, and make sure they’re at room temperature before whipping. This helps them whip up better, providing volume and stability.
How should I store leftover donut macarons?
Very good question! Store your donut macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. For longer-lasting treats, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their delightful texture.
Can I freeze donut macarons?
Yes, you can freeze your donut macarons! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight—this helps maintain their texture beautifully.
Why did my macarons crack while baking?
Common issue! Cracking is often due to not allowing the piped shells to rest long enough before baking. Make sure a skin forms on the surface—this usually takes about 30 minutes. Additionally, check your oven temperature; if it’s too high, that can also lead to cracks. I recommend using an oven thermometer for accuracy!
Can I make variations of the buttercream filling?
Absolutely! You can customize the buttercream to your liking. For example, substitute the strawberry milk powder with other flavors like matcha or vanilla, or mix in a bit of fresh fruit puree for added zest. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment!
Are donut macarons suitable for people with allergies?
That’s an important consideration! Donut macarons contain nuts (almond flour), eggs, and dairy (butter and cream). If you’re making these for anyone with allergies, be sure to check with them first. You can try using alternative flours and egg substitutes, though the result will differ from the traditional macaron.
Irresistible Donut Macarons You Can Make at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by sifting together the powdered sugar and almond flour.
- Meringue Preparation: Whisk egg whites until frothy, gradually adding granulated sugar.
- Combine Dry Mixtures: Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients.
- Pipe the Shells: Pipe circles onto silicone mats and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat to 300°-305°F and bake for 13-15 minutes.
- Buttercream Preparation: Whisk salted butter and powdered sugar until light, then divide and mix fillings.
- Royal Icing: Whisk together meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water.
- Assembly: Pair macaron shells, fill with buttercream, and refrigerate for 24 hours.