Why make this recipe
Chocolate and orange Italian macarons are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with the bright, zesty taste of orange. They are perfect for special occasions, gifts, or simply as a way to enjoy a moment of sweetness. The unique flavor pairing creates a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. Plus, making macarons is a fun and rewarding baking experience!
How to make Chocolate & Orange Italian Macarons
Ingredients:
- 4.6 oz icing (confectioners’) sugar
- 4.6 oz almond meal
- 0.7 oz Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 fl oz water
- 4.6 oz caster (superfine) sugar
- 1.5 oz egg whites (A)
- 1.7 oz egg whites (B)
- Brown food colouring, optional (I didn’t use colouring)
- 12.3 oz good-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 94.4 fl oz heavy cream
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 0.07 oz sea salt
Directions:
Preparation:
- Start by preparing your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper and set them aside.
For the macaron shells:
- In a bowl, sift together the icing sugar, almond meal, and cocoa powder.
- In a small saucepan, heat the water and caster sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and reaches 248°F (120°C).
- While the syrup is cooking, beat egg whites (A) in a stand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Once the syrup is ready, carefully pour it into the egg whites while mixing.
- Continue beating until the mixture is glossy and fully cooled.
- Gently fold in the almond mixture until well combined and the batter flows like lava.
- Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Let the piped shells rest for about 30 minutes until a skin forms.
For the macaron filling:
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, orange zest, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt.
- Stir until smooth and well combined. Let cool in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up.
For storage:
- Once the macaron shells are baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container.
- The filling can also be stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Chocolate & Orange Italian Macarons
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 20 macarons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful chocolate and orange macarons that combine rich chocolate flavors with a bright zesty touch, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 4.6 oz icing (confectioners’) sugar
- 4.6 oz almond meal
- 0.7 oz Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 fl oz water
- 4.6 oz caster (superfine) sugar
- 1.5 oz egg whites (A)
- 1.7 oz egg whites (B)
- Brown food colouring, optional
- 12.3 oz good-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 94.4 fl oz heavy cream
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 0.07 oz sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Sift together icing sugar, almond meal, and cocoa powder in a bowl.
- Heat water and caster sugar in a saucepan until it reaches 248°F (120°C).
- Beat egg whites (A) in a stand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while mixing until glossy and cooled.
- Gently fold in the almond mixture until smooth and flowing.
- Pipe small circles onto the baking sheets and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Remove from heat.
- Add dark chocolate, orange zest, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt to the cream and stir until smooth. Cool in the refrigerator for about an hour.
- Store filled macarons in an airtight container; keep filling separate in the fridge until ready to use.
Notes
Ensure accurate measurement of ingredients and allow shells to rest for the best texture. Experiment with different flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How to serve Chocolate & Orange Italian Macarons
These macarons are best served at room temperature. You can fill them with the chocolate-orange filling just before serving. Arrange them on a beautiful plate or in a gift box for a lovely presentation. They are perfect for tea parties, dessert tables, or as a sweet treat for friends and family.
How to store Chocolate & Orange Italian Macarons
Store the filled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 5 days. If you have leftover shells, you can store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to a week. The filling should be kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Tips to make Chocolate & Orange Italian Macarons
- Make sure to weigh your ingredients accurately for the best results.
- Use room temperature egg whites for optimal volume and stability.
- Sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Don’t skip the resting phase for the shells; it helps create that perfect smooth top.
- Experiment with flavors; you can adjust the orange zest for a stronger or milder flavor.
Variation
You can swap out the orange zest for other citrus fruits, like lemon or lime, for a different twist. Adding mint extract could also give a refreshing flavor to the filling.
FAQs
1. Can I make macarons without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but it may take a bit longer to achieve the right consistency for the meringue.
2. What should I do if my macarons crack?
Cracking usually happens if the macarons did not rest long enough, or the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to let them sit until dry and ensure your oven is calibrated correctly.
3. Can I freeze macarons?
Yes, you can freeze the shells without filling. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they can last for up to a month. Just let them thaw before filling and serving.
