Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons

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Few things evoke nostalgia like the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly. It’s a staple that most of us grew up with, cherished in lunchboxes or as a quick after-school snack. Now, imagine that iconic duo transformed into something far more delicate and sophisticated—a dessert that captures the playful essence of childhood but with an elegant twist. Enter Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons.

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These macarons merge the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the sweet-tangy burst of grape jelly, encased in delicate almond-flour shells. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with a smooth, rich filling. The purple and brown macaron shells add a visual appeal that makes these treats not just tasty but a feast for the eyes.

This recipe, by Angie Barrett, gives a fun twist to the beloved PB&J, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a tea party, treating yourself to an indulgent afternoon snack, or impressing your friends with some Instagram-worthy homemade macarons. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these beautiful and flavorful macarons step by step.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Purple Macaron Shells:

• 1 1/4 cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar: This finely ground sugar gives the macaron shells their characteristic smooth texture.
• 4 ounces fine almond flour: Almond flour adds a delicate nutty flavor and keeps the macarons gluten-free while providing the structure needed to form the shells.
• 3 egg whites, room temperature: Egg whites are crucial for achieving the airy, meringue-like consistency that makes macarons so light.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor and helps stabilize the egg whites.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps whip the egg whites into stiff peaks and adds a touch of sweetness to the shells.
• 3-4 drops light purple gel food coloring: Adds that vibrant, playful hue reminiscent of grape jelly.

For the Brown Macaron Shells:

• Same ingredients as above, except replacing the purple food coloring with brown to represent peanut butter.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter acts as the star of the filling, offering a rich, nutty base that complements the grape jelly perfectly.
• 1/2 cup Confectioners Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter and gives it a thick, pipeable consistency.
• 1-2 teaspoons milk: Used to smooth out the peanut butter filling, making it easier to spread.
• 1/4 cup grape jelly: The classic partner to peanut butter, bringing that fruity, nostalgic flavor to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Macaron Shells

1. Whisk Together Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together 1 1/4 cups of confectioners powdered sugar and 4 ounces of almond flour in a large bowl. This combination forms the base for both the purple and brown macaron shells. Make sure there are no lumps, as you want the shells to have a perfectly smooth texture.
2. Whip the Egg Whites: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the room-temperature egg whites and a pinch of salt. Whip on medium speed until the egg whites turn frothy and white. This initial stage is crucial for giving the macarons their light, airy texture.
3. Add Granulated Sugar Gradually: Slowly sprinkle in the granulated sugar while continuing to whip the egg whites. Once all the sugar is incorporated, turn the mixer to high speed and whip for 15 minutes. The result should be stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape.
4. Incorporate Food Coloring: For the purple macarons, add 3-4 drops of light purple gel food coloring and whip just until the color is evenly distributed. Repeat this process with brown food coloring for the second batch of macaron shells.
5. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape. The batter should have a flowing consistency, similar to hot lava.
6. Pipe the Macarons: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone macaron mat. Fill a piping bag with the batter and pipe 1.5-inch circles onto the prepared sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each macaron. Gently tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
7. Rest the Shells: Allow the macarons to rest at room temperature for at least one hour before baking. This step is crucial for forming that characteristic macaron “foot” or ruffled edge at the bottom of the shells.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the macarons for 15 minutes or until they are dry to the touch and have a matte finish. To test, gently lift one macaron from the baking sheet—if the bottom sticks, bake for another 3-5 minutes.
9. Cool Completely: Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to remove or fill them.

Making the Filling

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of smooth peanut butter with 1/2 cup of confectioners powdered sugar until well combined. Slowly add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2. Pipe the Filling: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to a piping bag and pipe a ring of peanut butter filling onto the flat side of half the macaron shells.
3. Add Grape Jelly: Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of grape jelly into the center of each peanut butter ring. The jelly should sit snugly inside the peanut butter without spilling over.
4. Assemble the Macarons: Top each filled macaron with a second shell, gently pressing to create a sandwich. The peanut butter should just peek out around the edges, with the grape jelly providing a burst of color and flavor in the middle.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

One bite of these Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons, and you’re immediately transported back to childhood. The nutty, slightly savory taste of the peanut butter filling contrasts beautifully with the sweet, fruity jelly center. The delicate almond shells offer a light, crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, chewy interior, creating a perfect textural balance.

The aroma of these macarons is equally enticing. As they bake, the scent of almond flour fills the air, while the combination of peanut butter and jelly creates a warm, comforting fragrance that’s hard to resist.

Tips and Tricks

Substitutions

• Almond Flour: For those with nut allergies, you can try using finely ground sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute. Note that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
• Grape Jelly: While grape jelly is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruit jellies or jams. Strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot preserves would pair wonderfully with the peanut butter filling.
• Food Coloring: If you prefer natural food coloring, you can use powders made from beets, spinach, or turmeric to achieve a similar effect without synthetic dyes.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, try drizzling melted chocolate over the assembled macarons before serving.
• Salted Peanut Butter Filling: To enhance the nutty flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt into the peanut butter filling. The added salt brings out the sweetness of the jelly even more.
• Coconut Macarons: For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut to the macaron batter or using coconut-flavored jam in place of the jelly.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enhance the flavor, let the macarons sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

These macarons make an excellent dessert or snack and pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a fun dessert display, consider serving them alongside mini peanut butter cups or other bite-sized confections for a themed treat table.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons combine nostalgia with sophistication, turning a childhood favorite into a gourmet delicacy. With their delightful texture, stunning colors, and balanced flavors, they’re sure to impress guests and delight anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re new to baking macarons or a seasoned pro, this recipe is an irresistible way to experiment with flavors and create something truly special. Happy baking!