Pumpkin Pie Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional desserts, these Pumpkin Pie Macarons are just the treat you need! These little French confections capture the essence of fall with their pumpkin flavor and festive appearance. I can’t help but smile every time I see them on my dessert table. They’re perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just as a special treat to brighten your day. Trust me, once you try these macarons, they’ll become a favorite in your home too.

I love making these Pumpkin Pie Macarons not only because they taste amazing but also because they let me get creative in the kitchen. The combination of the spiced frosting and the cute pie crust cutouts makes them fun and visually appealing. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating these delicate treats from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: These macarons bring the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie into a delightful cookie form.
• Festive Presentation: With their adorable pie crust cutouts and whipped cream-like topping, they look as good as they taste.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual get-together, these macarons will impress your guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shells in advance and fill them later, making it easy to enjoy fresh treats anytime!
• Fun to Make: The process of whipping up meringue and piping batter is not just rewarding; it’s also a great way to spend an afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 cups + 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
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Vanilla Frosting

• 1/2 cup shortening (plant-based butter or dairy butter)
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Try Different Flavors: Swap pumpkin puree for other purees like sweet potato or butternut squash for a unique twist.
• Add Some Crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts into your macaron batter for added texture.
• Change Up Colors: Use different gel colors to match any occasion—think pastels for spring or deep hues for winter!
• Make Mini Versions: Use smaller piping tips for bite-sized macarons that are perfect for sharing!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Wipe down your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with vinegar before starting. This ensures that no residue interferes with whipping your egg whites properly.

Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients

Prep and measure all ingredients using a kitchen scale. Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving that perfect macaron texture!

Step 3: Create Your Piping Bag Setup

Prep a piping bag fitted with a round tip—Wilton tip 12 works wonders! Line two baking sheets with Silpat mats or parchment paper.

Step 4: Mix Almond Meal and Sugar

In a bowl, combine almond meal and powdered sugar, then sift once to remove lumps. This step helps create smooth macaron shells.

Step 5: Color Your Batter

Make a well in your dry mix and pour in 41 grams of egg whites. Fold gently until blended. Then add food coloring until fully incorporated; this creates that beautiful pumpkin hue!

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Syrup

For the sugar syrup, heat granulated sugar and water over medium heat while monitoring with a candy thermometer. This syrup is key to achieving glossy meringue.

Step 7: Whip Egg Whites

Once your syrup reaches around 200°F, whisk the remaining egg whites until soft peaks form. Add lemon juice or cream of tartar to stabilize them.

Step 8: Combine Meringue and Dry Mix

Carefully fold the meringue into your almond mixture in thirds until combined. This step is essential for creating those lovely macaron feet!

Step 9: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer batter to your piping bag and pipe out rounds onto lined baking sheets. Be sure to maintain even spacing between each round.

Step 10: Let Them Rest

Allow piped macarons to rest until they form a skin—this takes about 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial so they don’t crack during baking!

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 300°F and bake macarons for about 12-14 minutes until feet form beautifully!

Step 12: Cool Before Filling

Once baked, let them cool before carefully removing from parchment paper. Cooling allows them to firm up nicely.

Step 13: Make Your Fillings

Prepare both pumpkin pie frosting and vanilla frosting by mixing all ingredients until smooth. Transfer each filling into separate piping bags.

Step 14: Assemble Your Macarons

Match up shells, pipe pumpkin frosting onto one shell, top with pie crust cutout, add more frosting on top before placing another shell on top.

Step 15: Finish with Frosting

To mimic whipped cream, pipe a dollop of vanilla frosting atop each completed macaron followed by a light sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice.

And there you have it—your very own batch of scrumptious Pumpkin Pie Macarons! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family during those cozy moments together!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Macarons

Making macarons can be a delightful challenge, but with these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that perfect texture and flavor!

• Use aged egg whites: Letting your egg whites sit in the fridge for a day or two helps them lose moisture, which can lead to a better meringue structure.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the almond meal and powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, resulting in lighter and more delicate macaron shells.

• Monitor oven temperature closely: Every oven is different! Using an oven thermometer ensures you’re baking at the right temperature, preventing over- or under-baking.

• Be patient while resting: Allowing the piped macarons to rest until they form a skin is crucial; this step prevents cracking during baking and helps create those beautiful feet.

• Practice makes perfect: Don’t worry if your first batch doesn’t turn out perfectly. Each attempt teaches you something new about the macaron-making process!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Macarons

These charming Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Presentation is key when serving these treats—here are some ideas to make them shine at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin Spice Dust: A light sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top of the vanilla frosting adds an aromatic touch and enhances the fall flavors.
• Caramel Drizzle: A thin drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over the tops can add a sweet contrast and a touch of elegance.
• Toasted Pecans: Chopped toasted pecans sprinkled on top offer a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage pairs beautifully with your macarons, offering a cozy fall experience that highlights seasonal flavors.
• Vanilla Almond Milk: A glass of chilled vanilla almond milk will enhance the creamy sweetness of the macarons without overpowering them.
• Pumpkin Soup: A silky pumpkin soup served as an appetizer will set the tone for a fall-themed dinner party, creating harmony with the dessert.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and earthy flavor make roasted sweet potatoes a perfect side dish that complements the spiced notes in your macarons.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delightful Pumpkin Pie Macarons. Enjoy every moment of baking (and eating) these seasonal delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Macarons are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, they store well, making them a fantastic treat for gatherings or just a cozy evening at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the assembled macarons in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat macarons; they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If you’ve frozen them, allow them to thaw naturally rather than using heat, which could compromise their texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Macarons!

Can I use other flavors instead of pumpkin pie?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors by adjusting the frosting and filling. Chocolate or vanilla also makes delicious variations.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

To get that signature macaron texture, focus on properly whipping your egg whites and gently folding the mixture. The batter should flow like thick ribbons off your spatula without being too runny.

What is the best way to store Pumpkin Pie Macarons?

Store these delectable treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. Freezing is also an option if you want them last longer!

Are there any substitutes for dairy in the Frosting?

Yes! You can use plant-based butter or shortening as alternatives to dairy butter. Non-dairy milk works great too if you need a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Pie Macarons! They bring together the comforting flavors of fall in a delightful little package. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, these macarons are sure to impress. Happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite of your creation!