Oreo Macarons: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the delicate, airy texture of a classic French macaron, but infused with the irresistible flavor of everyone’s favorite cookie. Yes, you read that right! We’re taking the iconic Oreo and transforming it into a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth treat that will have everyone begging for more.
While macarons themselves boast a rich history, dating back to 8th century Italy and later popularized in France, this particular twist is a modern marvel. It’s a playful fusion of cultures and flavors, a testament to the endless possibilities of baking. The Oreo, a symbol of childhood joy and simple pleasures, meets the refined elegance of the macaron, creating a truly unique and unforgettable dessert.
What makes these Oreo Macarons so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crisp, delicate shells give way to a creamy, Oreo-infused buttercream filling. The slight bitterness of the chocolate cookie perfectly complements the sweetness of the meringue, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home with our step-by-step guide! Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful little bites of heaven.
Ingredients:
- For the Macarons Shells:
- 125g almond flour, finely ground
- 125g powdered sugar
- 50g egg whites, aged (see instructions below)
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 10 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (remove the filling)
- For the Oreo Buttercream Filling:
- 115g (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (including the filling)
Preparing the Macaron Shells
Okay, let’s dive into making these delightful Oreo macarons! The macaron shells are the foundation, so we’ll start there. Don’t be intimidated; with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be a macaron master in no time!
Aging the Egg Whites
This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect macaron texture. Aging the egg whites helps to reduce their moisture content, resulting in a more stable meringue. Here’s how I do it:
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks a day or two before you plan to bake. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites!
- Place the egg whites in a clean, airtight container.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
- Before using, bring the egg whites to room temperature.
Making the Macaron Batter
Now for the fun part! We’re going to create the macaron batter, also known as “macaronage.”
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This is super important to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth batter. Discard any large pieces that don’t sift through.
- Add Crushed Oreos: Add the finely crushed Oreo cookies (without the filling!) to the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar. Whisk everything together until well combined. This will give our macarons that signature Oreo flavor and speckled appearance.
- Make the Meringue: In a clean, grease-free bowl (I like to use a stainless steel or glass bowl), beat the aged egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add Cream of Tartar: Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites. This helps to stabilize the meringue and prevent it from collapsing.
- Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites, about a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on medium-high speed. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. The meringue should be firm enough to hold its shape.
- Macaronage: This is the most important step! Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in three additions. Use a rubber spatula and be careful not to overmix. The goal is to deflate the meringue slightly, creating a batter that flows like lava.
- The Ribbon Test: To test the consistency of the batter, lift the spatula and let the batter fall back into the bowl. It should flow in a thick ribbon and slowly incorporate back into the rest of the batter within 20-30 seconds. If it’s too thick, gently fold a few more times. If it’s too runny, you’ve overmixed it.
Piping and Resting the Macarons
Almost there! Now we’ll pipe the batter onto baking sheets and let them rest before baking.
- Prepare the Piping Bag: Fit a piping bag with a round tip (about 1/2 inch in diameter).
- Fill the Piping Bag: Carefully fill the piping bag with the macaron batter.
- Pipe the Macarons: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Pipe even circles of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1.5 inches in diameter, leaving some space between each macaron.
- Tap the Baking Sheets: Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter several times to release any air bubbles. You can also use a toothpick to pop any visible air bubbles.
- Rest the Macarons: This is another crucial step! Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface. You should be able to gently touch the surface without the batter sticking to your finger. This skin is what gives macarons their signature “feet.”
Baking the Macarons
Time to bake these beauties! The baking time and temperature can vary depending on your oven, so it might take a few tries to get it just right.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake the Macarons: Bake the macarons for 12-15 minutes, or until they have “feet” and are firm to the touch.
- Cool the Macarons: Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheets before removing them. They should easily peel off the parchment paper or silicone mat. If they stick, they’re not quite done.
Making the Oreo Buttercream Filling
While the macaron shells are cooling, let’s whip up the Oreo buttercream filling! This filling is creamy, decadent, and packed with Oreo flavor.
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, beating on low speed until combined.
- Add Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Crushed Oreos: Add the finely crushed Oreo cookies (including the filling!) to the buttercream and gently fold until evenly distributed.
Assembling the Macarons
The final step! Now we’ll assemble the macarons and let them mature in the refrigerator.
- Match the Shells: Pair up the macaron shells by size and shape.
- Pipe the Filling: Transfer the Oreo buttercream filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell.
- Sandwich the Macarons: Gently sandwich the filled macaron with another shell.
- Mature the Macarons: Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the shells to soften slightly, resulting in a perfectly chewy macaron.
Enjoy your homemade Oreo macarons! They’re best enjoyed within a few days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Conclusion:
This Oreo Macaron recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The delicate almond meringue shells, infused with the subtle flavor of Oreo crumbs, give way to a creamy, dreamy Oreo buttercream filling that will have you reaching for another before you even finish the first. The contrasting textures and the familiar, comforting taste of Oreos elevated to a sophisticated treat make these macarons an absolute must-try for any baking enthusiast or Oreo lover.
Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly achievable, even for beginner macaron makers! I’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, with plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your success. Plus, the wow factor is undeniable. Imagine presenting a platter of these stunning black and white beauties at your next gathering. They’re guaranteed to impress!
But the best part? The taste! The slight bitterness of the Oreo crumbs perfectly balances the sweetness of the meringue and buttercream, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
These Oreo Macarons are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:
* Serve with a glass of cold milk: A classic pairing that never fails.
* Pair with coffee or tea: The subtle sweetness of the macaron complements the bitterness of coffee or the delicate flavors of tea.
* Crush extra Oreos and sprinkle them on top: For an extra dose of Oreo goodness and a beautiful textural contrast.
* Drizzle with melted white chocolate: Adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
* Make mini macaron ice cream sandwiches: Use two mini macarons to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream.
* Experiment with different Oreo flavors: Try using Golden Oreos for a vanilla twist, or Peanut Butter Oreos for a nutty surprise. You could even use the limited-edition flavors for a truly unique macaron experience!
* Add a touch of sea salt to the buttercream: This enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect Oreo Macaron. The possibilities are endless!
I know the thought of making macarons can be intimidating, but trust me, with this recipe and a little patience, you can do it! I’ve poured all my macaron-making knowledge into this recipe to make it as foolproof as possible. Remember to read through the entire recipe before you start, gather all your ingredients, and don’t be afraid to ask questions in the comments section. I’m here to help you every step of the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a macaron-making adventure. I’m confident that you’ll be thrilled with the results.
And most importantly, once you’ve made these delicious Oreo Macarons, please share your experience! I’d love to see your creations and hear about any variations you tried. Tag me in your photos on social media and let me know what you think. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your beautiful macarons.
Oreo Macarons: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide
Decadent Oreo macarons with crisp shells and a creamy Oreo buttercream filling.
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Aging the egg whites is crucial for a stable meringue.
- Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smooth batter.
- Macaronage (folding the dry ingredients into the meringue) is the most important step; be careful not to overmix.
- Resting the macarons before baking is essential for developing the “feet.”
- Baking time and temperature may vary depending on your oven.
- Maturing the assembled macarons in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and the shells to soften.
Leave a Comment