Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, then you’ll absolutely love these Pumpkin Pie Macarons! These little gems are not just beautiful to look at; they are bursting with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a sweet surprise during a busy weeknight, these macarons will bring joy to any occasion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen.

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a delicate French treat. With their creamy pumpkin spiced filling and cute pie crust cutouts, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, they’re fun to make together—so gather your loved ones and get ready for some quality baking time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These macarons may look fancy, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll be whipping them up like a pro!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just an afternoon treat, these macarons will fit right in.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich pumpkin flavor paired with the sweetness of the frosting is simply irresistible.
• Customizable Fun: You can easily mix and match the fillings or colors to suit your taste or seasonal celebrations.
• Impressive Presentation: They look stunning on any dessert table, making them an instant showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these Pumpkin Pie Macarons shine! They come together beautifully and create that scrumptious flavor we all love in pumpkin treats.

For the Macaron Shells:

• 106 grams of almond meal
• 106 grams powdered sugar
• 41 grams of egg whites
• 45 grams of egg whites
• 115 grams of granulated sugar
• 79 grams of water
• Dash of cream of tartar or lemon juice for stabilizing
• Orange and brown powdered or gel food coloring

For the Coconut Oil Pie Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp ice cold water
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon for dusting (optional)

For the Pumpkin Pie Frosting:

• 1/2 cup organic shortening or vegan butter (you can also use regular butter)
• 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp confectioners sugar
• Seeds from 1/4 vanilla bean (or gf vanilla)
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of non-dairy milk
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to put your own spin on these delightful macarons. Here are some fun ideas:

• Try Different Fillings: Swap out the pumpkin filling for chocolate ganache or even a fruity jam for a unique twist.
• Change Up the Colors: Use different gel food colors to match your theme—think green for St. Patrick’s Day or red for Christmas!
• Add Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts or toasted coconut into your frosting for added texture.
• Make Mini Versions: Pipe smaller rounds for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Start by wiping down your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar. This important step removes any residue that could prevent your egg whites from whipping up properly. A clean workspace sets you up for success!

Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients

Prep and measure all ingredients using a kitchen scale. This ensures accuracy and helps achieve that perfect macaron texture. Baking is all about precision!

Step 3: Mix Almond Meal and Sugar

In a bowl, combine measured almond meal and powdered sugar. Sift this mixture once to remove lumps before mixing it well. This process helps create smooth macaron shells without any gritty texture.

Step 4: Create Your Meringue

To make the meringue, heat granulated sugar and water in a pot until it reaches 248°F while whisking your egg whites to soft peaks in your mixer. The combination of warm syrup poured into whipped egg whites creates that glossy meringue we want in our shells.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the meringue into the almond mixture until fully incorporated but be careful not to over-mix! The goal is smooth batter that can hold its shape when piped.

Step 6: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer the batter into prepared piping bags and pipe 1½ inch rounds on lined baking sheets. Tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles before letting them rest until dry to touch.

Step 7: Bake!

Preheat your oven and bake those beautiful macarons until they form their signature feet! After baking, let them cool completely before removing them from parchment.

Step 8: Make Your Frosting

While waiting on those shells, whip up your frosting by mixing shortening (or butter), powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, spices, vanilla, and salt until fluffy!

Step 9: Assemble Your Macarons

Match up shells by size. Pipe frosting onto one shell, place a cute pie crust cutout in the center, then top with another shell. Finish with vanilla frosting dollops resembling whipped cream!

Now you have perfectly delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons ready to share—or keep all to yourself! Enjoy each bite as you celebrate the flavors of fall!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can be a bit tricky, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful Pumpkin Pie Macarons!

• Measure precisely: Accurate measurements are crucial for macarons. Using a kitchen scale ensures that your almond meal and powdered sugar ratios are just right for the perfect texture.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the almond meal and powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, which helps create those signature macaron feet.

• Watch the meringue temperature: Keeping an eye on both the egg whites and sugar syrup temperatures is key. The meringue needs to be at soft peaks before you pour in the hot syrup; this helps achieve stability and volume.

• Rest before baking: Allowing the piped macarons to rest until they form a skin is essential. This step prevents cracks during baking and helps develop that lovely smooth top.

• Practice patience: Baking time can vary depending on your oven. Don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely on the parchment paper ensures that they won’t stick or break when you remove them.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

These delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! Present them beautifully at gatherings or as part of your dessert table during festive occasions.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice: A light dusting of pumpkin pie spice adds an extra touch of flavor and enhances visual appeal.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream mirrors traditional whipped cream, adding a creamy texture without dairy.
• Candied pecans or walnuts: A few pieces placed strategically can add crunch and elegance to your presentation.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the flavors of pumpkin while offering a cozy drink option alongside your macarons.
• Pumpkin soup: A smooth, flavorful pumpkin soup serves as a comforting appetizer that ties in beautifully with your dessert’s theme.
• Autumn salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal and balances out the sweetness of the macarons.
• Cheese platter: An assortment of cheeses (vegan options included) paired with some fruit preserves can provide a savory contrast to these sweet treats, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Pumpkin Pie Macarons! They’re sure to impress your friends and family during any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive flavors without the last-minute rush. Here’s how to store them properly for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Allow macarons to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• Macarons do not require reheating; serve them chilled or at room temperature.
• If you prefer slightly warmed macarons, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes after removing from the fridge.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Pie Macarons have feet?

To achieve those lovely feet on your Pumpkin Pie Macarons, ensure you allow the piped batter to rest until a skin forms before baking. This process is crucial for proper rising!

Can I use regular butter instead of shortening for the frosting?

Yes! You can substitute regular butter for shortening in the frosting. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

What is the best way to prevent macaron shells from cracking?

Preventing cracks in your macaron shells starts with properly measuring your ingredients and incorporating air into the meringue gently. Also, avoid overmixing during the macaronage stage!

How can I customize my Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

You can customize your Pumpkin Pie Macarons by experimenting with different food colorings or adding nuts or chocolate chips into the frosting!

What makes these Pumpkin Pie Macarons special?

These macarons combine traditional pumpkin pie flavors with a delightful French pastry technique, creating a unique dessert that celebrates holiday spirit!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! The combination of pumpkin spice and delicate macaron shells creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every moment of making these delicious Pumpkin Pie Macarons and share them with friends and family. Happy baking!