Introduction
Welcome to my kitchen where we’re about to embark on a delightful adventure of baking! Today, we’re whipping up some scrumptious Oreo Macarons. These charming little treats are the perfect blend of chewy and creamy, with a rich chocolate flavor that’s elevated by the iconic taste of Oreo cookies. Picture this: a perfectly smooth and shiny macaron shell, filled with a luscious Oreo buttercream that will make your taste buds sing! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these macarons are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites, aged
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon black cocoa powder
- 1 package Oreo cookies (crushed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: About 24 macarons
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal of your delightful confections.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour, ensuring a light and airy texture. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the aged egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy and start to take on some volume.
- Add the cream of tartar, continuing to beat until soft peaks form, which will help stabilize our mixture.
- Gradually sprinkle in the granulated sugar while beating, until you achieve strikingly stiff peaks—this is the magic of meringue!
- Mix in the vanilla extract and black cocoa powder until everything is combined and looks beautifully rich.
- Gently fold in the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture, being cautious not to deflate all that wonderful air we’ve whipped into the egg whites.
- Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag and pipe it onto the prepared baking sheets in 1.5-inch circles, leaving space between each for spreading.
- Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, creating a perfectly smooth surface.
- Allow the macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until the tops feel dry to the touch—a crucial step for that perfect shell!
- Bake one sheet at a time for 15-17 minutes, or until the macarons have risen gracefully and developed their characteristic “feet.”
- Remove from the oven and let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before delicately transferring them to a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar until combined.
- Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until you have a silky filling.
- Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies for that irresistible crunch and flavor.
- Match up the macaron shells and pipe a generous amount of Oreo filling onto half of them, creating little clouds of cream.
- Top with the other half of the macaron shells to form delightful sandwiches.
- For the best flavor experience, let the assembled macarons mature in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This waiting game is so worth it!
Notes or Tips
Make sure to age your egg whites by leaving them in the refrigerator for a few days before using them. This helps create a more stable meringue. Additionally, avoid any moisture getting into your meringue mixture; it’s the enemy of macarons!
Cooking Techniques
Macarons can be a little temperamental, so don’t stress if they don’t come out perfect the first time. The key is to practice patience. Sifting the dry ingredients is crucial for a smooth shell, and the folding technique requires a gentle touch to maintain the lightness of the batter. This drying period before baking is essential for developing that beautiful top layer and preventing cracks.
FAQ
Can I use different flavors for my macarons? Absolutely! You can use any flavored extract or add a bit of fruit puree to the batter for a fruity twist.
What should I do if my macarons crack? Cracked macarons usually signify that they may have been overbaked or that moisture got into the batter. Ensuring the eggs are aged and whipped properly can help achieve the right texture.
Conclusion
These Oreo Macarons are more than just a treat—they’re a sweet little hug in a delicate shell! Perfect for gifting or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of tea or coffee, this recipe reminds us that baking is all about joy and sharing delightful moments. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner pastry chef, and let the magic of macarons brighten your day!