Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe

If you have a soft spot for delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a warm cinnamon twist, this Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These elegant little delights combine the airy chewiness of classic French macarons with the unmistakable cinnamon-sugar charm of snickerdoodles, creating a cookie experience that’s both refined and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, these macarons deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery richness that will have you hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe keeps things simple but impressive, with each ingredient playing a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. From the finely ground almond flour that gives the shells their signature chew to the cinnamon that brings the cozy snickerdoodle essence, every element is essential.

• Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups for shells, 1 1/2 cups for filling): Ensures a smooth texture and sweetness in both shells and buttercream filling.
• Almond flour (1 cup): Provides that unmistakably light, nutty macaron texture.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup for shells, 2 tbsp for coating): Stabilizes the meringue and adds a gentle crunch when combined with cinnamon.
• Egg whites (3 large, room temperature): The foundation of the airy macaron shells, whipped to perfection.
• Cream of tartar (1/4 tsp): Helps stabilize the whipped egg whites for a fluffy meringue.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp for shells, 1 tsp for filling, 1 tsp for coating): The star spice that delivers the warm, cozy snickerdoodle flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp for shells, 1/2 tsp for filling): Adds depth and enhances the sweetness in both components.
• Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a rich, creamy base for the cinnamon buttercream filling.
• Heavy cream or milk (1 tbsp): Lightens the buttercream, making it luscious and spreadable.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the macaron shells

Begin by sifting together powdered sugar, almond flour, and cinnamon in a food processor. This step is crucial for a smooth, lump-free batter, which will help your shells come out perfectly smooth and crack-free.

Step 2: Whip the egg whites

In a clean, dry bowl, whip the room temperature egg whites along with the cream of tartar until they reach stiff peaks. This fluffy meringue is the secret to those delicate, airy shells that macarons are famous for.

Step 3: Fold in the dry ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the whipped egg whites, using a spatula. The key here is to mix until the batter falls in thick ribbons – not too stiff, not too runny – ensuring your macarons have just the right texture.

Step 4: Pipe the macaron shells

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, even circles onto lined baking sheets, spacing them so they don’t crowd each other as they bake and expand.

Step 5: Rest the macaron shells

Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for about 20-40 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface. This step helps develop the classic macaron “feet,” giving them that perfect rise in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the macaron shells

Bake the shells in a preheated oven, usually around 300°F (150°C), for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should develop feet and a crisp shell while staying chewy inside.

Step 7: Prepare the cinnamon buttercream filling

Cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. This rich filling brings that classic snickerdoodle flavor to life inside each macaron.

Step 8: Assemble the macarons

Once the shells have cooled completely, pair similar-sized shells and pipe the cinnamon buttercream onto one side, then sandwich them together gently.

Step 9: Roll in cinnamon sugar (optional)

For an extra touch of snickerdoodle magic, roll the edges lightly in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon right after assembling. It adds a pleasant crunch and an extra burst of spice.

Step 10: Let the macarons mature

Store the macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld wonderfully and the texture to reach optimum chewiness.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny dash of cinnamon powder or dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar for a charming, rustic look. You can even add a small edible gold leaf for a festive touch that makes these macarons look as incredible as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve your snickerdoodle macarons alongside a warm cup of spiced chai, coffee, or even vanilla bean ice cream. These pairings enhance the cinnamon notes and add a soothing, cozy contrast that complements the sweet, nutty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these macarons in a beautiful tiered dessert stand or nestled in small, colorful boxes tied with twine for gift-giving. You can also serve them with seasonal fruits like fresh apples or poached pears to tie into the cinnamon theme and add an elegant flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days while maintaining their signature chewy texture and flavorful filling.

Freezing

You can freeze baked and assembled macarons by separating layers with parchment paper in an airtight container. When properly stored, they freeze well for up to 2 months without losing much of their texture or flavor.

Reheating

Allow frozen macarons to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Before serving, bring them to room temperature to enjoy their ideal texture—avoid microwaving as it can make shells tough or gooey.

FAQs

What makes this a Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe rather than regular macarons?

This recipe infuses traditional macaron shells and the buttercream filling with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors characteristic of snickerdoodle cookies, blending two beloved treats into one delightful bite.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

For best results, use finely ground almond flour as almond meal is often coarser and can result in rougher, less smooth macaron shells.

Why do I need to let the macarons rest before baking?

Resting allows the surface to dry and form a thin skin, which helps create the classic macaron feet during baking and prevents cracking.

How can I fix cracked or hollow macarons?

Common causes include over-mixing or under-mixing the batter, baking at the wrong temperature, or insufficient resting. Precise timing and technique are key for perfect shells.

Is there a vegan version of this Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe?

Traditional macarons rely on egg whites, so creating a vegan version requires alternative methods like aquafaba macarons, but replicating the exact snickerdoodle flavor and texture takes some experimentation.

Final Thoughts

This Snickerdoodle Macarons Recipe is truly a game changer if you love both the delicate art of French macarons and the cozy warmth of snickerdoodles. Don’t hesitate to dive in and try your hand at these charming cookies; once you do, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for every occasion.

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