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Hot Chocolate Macarons

hot chocolate macarons - featured image

These Hot Chocolate Macarons feature crisp chocolate shells filled with rich dark chocolate ganache and a gooey marshmallow fluff center. Perfect for holidays, weddings, or cozy nights in, they bring the nostalgic flavors of hot cocoa to an elegant French treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (100g) almond flour, super-fine
  • 1 3/4 cups (200g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed preferred
  • 3 large egg whites (90g), room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate, chopped (at least 60% cacao)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120g) marshmallow fluff or creme
  • Mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
  • Extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Weigh out all ingredients. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder together into a large bowl; repeat if you see lumps.
  2. In a clean, grease-free bowl, whisk egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, then whip on high until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Add dry ingredients in two parts to the meringue. Gently fold with a spatula, scraping around the bowl and cutting through the center. Continue folding until the batter falls in thick ribbons and settles back into itself in about 10 seconds.
  4. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. Tap the trays firmly on the counter 3-4 times to release air bubbles. Pop any visible bubbles with a toothpick.
  5. Let the piped shells rest at room temperature until they form a dry, matte skin (30–45 minutes, or longer if humid).
  6. Bake one tray at a time in the center of a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 12–15 minutes. Rotate halfway through if needed. Shells are done when they lift cleanly from the mat and have set bottoms.
  7. Let shells cool completely on the pan before removing. Pair similar size shells together for filling.
  8. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl; let sit 2 minutes. Add butter and vanilla, then stir until smooth and glossy. Cool until thick enough to pipe (about 20 minutes at room temp or 8 in the fridge).
  9. Pipe a ring of chocolate ganache onto one shell, leaving the center empty. Spoon or pipe a dollop of marshmallow fluff into the center. Sandwich with a second shell and press gently. Optionally, use a kitchen torch to brown the marshmallow slightly before topping.
  10. For best texture, store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours before serving. Let come to room temperature before enjoying.

Notes

Age your egg whites for a sturdier meringue. Sift dry ingredients thoroughly for smooth shells. Let shells rest until a skin forms to prevent cracking. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan butter in the ganache. Macarons taste best after maturing in the fridge for 24 hours. Freeze shells ahead for easy party prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot chocolate macarons, chocolate macarons, holiday dessert, wedding dessert, French macarons, marshmallow, ganache, gluten-free dessert, Christmas cookies