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