Eggnog Macarons
Delight in the festive flavors of Eggnog Macarons, delicate almond meringue shells infused with nutmeg and filled with a rich, creamy white chocolate eggnog ganache. Perfect for holiday celebrations or a sophisticated treat any time of year.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes drying time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (average)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 macarons 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Whipping, Folding
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Macaron Shells
- 60 g egg whites (room temperature)
- 65 g granulated sugar
- 78 g almond flour
- 55 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Ganache Filling
- 150 g white chocolate, chopped
- 50 g eggnog
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Place the almond flour, powdered sugar, and ground nutmeg in a food processor. Process until the mixture begins to clump together.
- Sift Dry Mixture: Sift the mixture through a fine sieve, discarding any large bits that do not pass through. Set aside for later use.
- Whip Egg Whites: Beat the room temperature egg whites until they become a loose foam. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until the meringue is stiff and glossy.
- Fold Dry into Meringue: Carefully fold the sifted dry mixture into the meringue using a spatula or spoon. Mix gently to maintain airiness without overmixing.
- Pipe Macarons: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a 1A tip. Pipe small rounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Firmly tap the baking sheet on the counter at least three times to release any trapped air bubbles from the piped batter.
- Dry Macarons: Allow the piped macarons to dry at room temperature until a dry, non-sticky skin forms on the surface. This should take approximately 1 hour and is crucial for a good texture.
- Make Ganache: While the macarons dry, finely chop the white chocolate and place it in a bowl. Heat the eggnog to boiling and pour it over the white chocolate. Do not stir immediately. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring gently to emulsify the ganache. Refrigerate until firm.
- Bake Macarons: Once dry, bake the macarons in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-20 minutes. The baking time varies based on oven and macaron spacing; bake until they stick slightly to the pan but peel off easily when cooled.
- Cool Completely: Remove macarons from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling to avoid breaking.
- Assemble Macarons: Pipe the chilled ganache onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Sandwich together with another shell and gently twist to seal the edges.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume when whipping.
- Do not skip the drying step before baking; it helps create a smooth shell and characteristic ‘feet’.
- Temperature and baking time may vary depending on your oven – keep a close eye the first time you try this recipe.
- Ganache can be made ahead and stored refrigerated; bring to room temperature before piping.
- Use fresh nutmeg for the best flavor impact.
- Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 macarons
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: eggnog macarons, holiday macarons, white chocolate ganache, nutmeg macarons, festive desserts