There’s something truly enchanting about crafting pastries that looks as delightful as they taste. When I first took a bite of Nutella macarons, I was transported to a world of velvety chocolate and rich hazelnut flavors, all wrapped in delicate, airy shells. This recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress guests or simply indulge in a moment of self-love with a sweet treat.
Imagine a gathering where these beautiful little confections steal the show, with their crisp outer shells giving way to a luscious Nutella ganache that oozes perfection in every bite. It’s elegance and ease combined, making it possible for anyone, regardless of skill level, to whip up a dessert that feels remarkably sophisticated. Not to mention, they’re a great way to evoke the joy of homemade goodness while steering clear of mundane takeout.
Join me in the kitchen as we embark on this delightful journey of making Nutella macarons—a truly irresistible treat that is bound to make your palate sing!
Why are Nutella Macarons a must-try?
Decadent flavor awaits you! The delightful blend of Nutella and creamy ganache creates a rich sensation that melts in your mouth. Impressive yet simple to make, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices. Perfectly crafted shells are surprisingly light, complementing the indulgent filling beautifully. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, these macarons shine on any occasion—from elegant dinner parties to casual gatherings. Craving more sweet inspiration? Check out my other enticing macaron recipes!
Nutella Macaron Ingredients
• Dive into the delicious world of Nutella Macarons with these must-have ingredients!
For the Macaron Shells
- Egg whites – Bring them to room temperature for better volume when whipping.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness and stability to the meringue.
- Almond flour – This gives macarons their signature texture and nutty flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Helps achieve a smooth macaron shell and balances sweetness.
- Cocoa powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the macaron’s outer layer.
For the Ganache Filling
- Milk chocolate – Choose a good quality chocolate for a deliciously smooth ganache.
- Nutella spread – The star ingredient that adds indulgent hazelnut flavor to the filling.
- Heavy cream (hot) – Used to melt the chocolate and create a silky ganache.
- Heavy cream (cold) – Incorporating this makes the ganache light and fluffy.
How to Make Nutella Macarons
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Chop chocolate: Break or finely chop the milk chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl with the Nutella. This combination will form the luscious ganache filling!
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Heat cream: In a saucepan, heat half of the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil!
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Combine: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and Nutella mixture, letting it sit for about 1-2 minutes. Stir until you achieve a silky smooth ganache.
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Mix in cold cream: Add the remaining cold cream and mix it in thoroughly. If needed, you can use an immersion blender to reach the perfect texture.
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Chill ganache: Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface and refrigerate for approximately 3-4 hours. This chilling lets the ganache firm up beautifully.
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Prepare dry ingredients: In a food processor, mix the almond flour, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Transfer to a medium bowl; it will give your macarons that lovely, sweet texture.
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Whip egg whites: In a stand mixer, whip the egg whites at medium speed until they become frothy. This helps build the structure for the shells.
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Add sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, allowing 30 seconds to 1 minute between each addition. This step promotes a stable meringue.
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Achieve stiff peaks: Increase the speed to high and whip for 5-10 minutes until you reach stiff peaks—your meringue should be glossy and hold its shape!
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Fold in dry ingredients: Gently pour the dry mixture onto the meringue and fold with a spatula until combined. Stop when you reach a glossy, ribbon-like batter.
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Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 140°C (284°F) while you prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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Pipe macaron shells: Transfer the macaroon mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a 10 mm round tip and pipe mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving some space in between.
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Dry macarons: Let the piped macarons dry for around 10-15 minutes until they feel touch-dry. This step is crucial for getting that smooth shell.
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Bake: Bake the macarons for approximately 14 minutes, and rotate the sheet halfway through if necessary. They should be delicate and slightly firm to the touch!
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Cool shells: Once baked, let them cool slightly before gently removing them from the baking sheet. Patience is key here!
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Whip ganache: Whip the chilled ganache for up to one minute to firm up its texture, making it perfect for filling!
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Fill macarons: Transfer the ganache into a pastry bag, fill the center of one macaron shell, and add a little Nutella before sandwiching with another shell.
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Refrigerate: Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving. This will enhance their flavor and texture!
Optional: Dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Nutella Macarons
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Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature. This helps achieve a better volume and stability when whipped, leading to perfect macaron shells.
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Avoid Overmixing: When folding the dry ingredients into the meringue, be gentle and stop as soon as the batter is uniform. Overmixing can lead to flat macarons rather than the desired height.
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Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so check for doneness a minute or two early. Perfectly baked Nutella macarons should feel firm on the outside with a soft, chewy interior.
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Let Shells Dry: Allow the piped macarons to dry until touch-dry before baking. This crucial step helps form a nice “skin” that prevents cracking during baking.
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Chill Before Serving: For the most flavorful experience, let your assembled Nutella macarons chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!
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Experiment with Flavors: While Nutella is delicious, feel free to get creative with add-ins or fillings! Different chocolates or flavored ganaches can elevate your macarons further.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their baking routine! You can prepare the ganache and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance, covering it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. The macaron shells can also be made up to 24 hours ahead; simply store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to serve, whip the chilled ganache for a minute to achieve a delightful texture before filling the shells. With these make ahead tips, you’ll have time-saving, delicious treats that are just as impressive and enjoyable as freshly baked ones!
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Macarons
Fridge: Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezer: Macarons can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen Nutella macarons, transfer them to the fridge for several hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating: While macarons are best served chilled, if you want a soft bite, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging!
Nutella Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity flourish! There are so many delightful ways to customize your Nutella macarons to match your tastes.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, tropical twist that’s entirely dairy-free.
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Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour to make your macarons accessible for those with nut allergies without sacrificing texture.
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Chocolate Lovers: Increase the cocoa powder in the shell for a more intense chocolate flavor that will complement the Nutella filling perfectly.
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Flavored Ganache: Infuse the heavy cream with espresso or orange zest before mixing it with chocolate for a delightful twist that complements Nutella beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the ganache for an unexpected and exciting flavor burst!
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Crunchy Texture: Fold in finely chopped hazelnuts or crushed pretzels into the macaron batter for a delightful contrast to the smooth filling.
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Fruit Fillings: Swap out a portion of Nutella with raspberry or strawberry puree in the ganache for a fruity contrast that balances the richness.
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Colorful Macarons: Add a few drops of gel food coloring to your meringue to create vibrant macarons that brighten up any dessert table and add a visual appeal!
What to Serve with Nutella Macarons?
Create a delightful dessert table that draws everyone in with sweet indulgences and rich flavors.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich flavors of Nutella macarons.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a lovely balance, enhancing the decadence without overpowering.
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Espresso or Coffee: A strong brew complements the chocolate hazelnut filling, making each bite even more delightful. Sip it alongside for a cozy touch.
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Chocolate Mousse: A luscious chocolate mousse pairs perfectly with macarons, offering a velvety, indulgent experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert experience, providing a cool contrast to the macarons’ chewy texture.
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Hazelnut Praline: Chopped hazelnut praline adds a crispy texture and nutty flavor, perfectly echoing the hazelnut elements in the macarons.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea can cleanse the palate between bites, making it a nice, refreshing pairing.
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Dark Chocolate Tart: Pairing these macarons with a rich, dark chocolate tart creates a chocolate lover’s dream without losing the balance of flavors.
Nutella Macarons Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select egg whites for macarons?
Absolutely! Use fresh, high-quality egg whites for the best results. Room temperature egg whites whip up to a better volume, so let them sit out for about 30 minutes before whipping. Avoid using egg whites that are aged or stored in the refrigerator for too long, as they can yield runny results.
How should I store my Nutella macarons after baking?
Very! Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Layer parchment paper between shells to prevent sticking, and handle them gently to avoid damaging the delicate structures.
Can I freeze Nutella macarons, and if so, how?
Yes, you most certainly can! To freeze macarons, place them in a single layer inside an airtight container, making sure they’re not touching. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge for several hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
What should I do if my macaron shells are cracking?
Oh no! Cracked macarons can happen due to several reasons. Commonly, it’s caused by overmixing your batter or not allowing your piped macarons to dry long enough before baking. Make sure to gently fold the dry ingredients and let them sit for 10-15 minutes until touch-dry. Also, adjusting your oven temperature slightly lower may help prevent cracking.
Are Nutella macarons suitable for people with nut allergies?
Not at all! Since almond flour is a key ingredient in Nutella macarons, they are not recommended for individuals with nut allergies. You might experiment with alternative flours like oat flour or coconut flour for different macaron variations, but they may not yield the same texture or flavor profile. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens!
Irresistible Nutella Macarons You Can Make at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop chocolate: Break or finely chop the milk chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl with the Nutella.
- Heat cream: In a saucepan, heat half of the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Combine: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and Nutella mixture.
- Mix in cold cream: Add the remaining cold cream and mix it in thoroughly.
- Chill ganache: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 3-4 hours.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a food processor, mix the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Whip egg whites: In a stand mixer, whip the egg whites at medium speed until frothy.
- Add sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
- Achieve stiff peaks: Increase speed to high and whip until you reach stiff peaks.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold the dry mixture onto the meringue until combined.
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 140°C (284°F).
- Pipe macaron shells: Transfer the mixture into a pastry bag and pipe onto the baking sheet.
- Dry macarons: Let the piped macarons dry for around 10-15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the macarons for approximately 14 minutes.
- Cool shells: Once baked, let them cool slightly before removing from baking sheet.
- Whip ganache: Whip the chilled ganache for up to one minute.
- Fill macarons: Fill the center of one macaron shell with ganache and add a little Nutella.
- Refrigerate: Place assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 hour.