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Hot Chocolate Macarons

Hot chocolate macarons pair crisp cocoa shells with a smooth chocolate ganache and a marshmallow creme center. After a long chill, the shells soften slightly around the rich filling.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 39 minutes
Resting and chilling 13 hours 22 minutes
Total Time 14 hours 31 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

For the shells
  • 3.5 oz almond flour finely ground blanched; about 1 cup
  • 3.5 oz powdered sugar about 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 oz egg whites from about 3 large eggs; room temperature
  • 3 oz granulated sugar about 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon
For the ganache filling
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup marshmallow creme

Equipment

  • 2 large rimmed baking sheets

Method
 

Make the shells
  1. Heat the oven to 300°F with a rack in the center, and line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Sift the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder together into a bowl.
  3. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy, about 1 minute.
  4. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high until glossy, stiff peaks form, 5-7 minutes.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in three additions, scraping and folding until the batter flows in a thick ribbon and a figure eight settles back into the batter in about 10-15 seconds.
  6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip and pipe 1 1/2-inch rounds about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
  7. Tap each sheet firmly on the counter and pop visible air bubbles with a toothpick.
  8. Let the shells stand at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until the tops feel dry and are no longer tacky.
  9. Bake one sheet at a time for 15-18 minutes, until the tops are set and do not shift when gently nudged.
  10. Cool completely on the sheet before removing.
Make the ganache filling
  1. Put the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Warm the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming and just bubbling at the edges, 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour the cream over the chocolate, let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  4. Cool the ganache at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until thick enough to pipe.
Fill and mature
  1. Pipe a ring of ganache onto 24 shells.
  2. Add about 1/2 teaspoon marshmallow creme to the center of each, and top with the remaining shells.
  3. Refrigerate the macarons in an airtight container for 12-24 hours.
  4. Bring to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, let the filled macarons mature in the refrigerator before serving. Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; they can be frozen for up to 1 month. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free chocolate, butter, and cream alternatives.