Cookies & Cream Macarons are delightful French pastries made with almond flour and filled with a creamy cookies and cream filling. These elegant treats are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence anytime.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Black cocoa powder (for color, optional)

For the Cookies & Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)

Timing

Making Cookies & Cream Macarons takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling and assembling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
3. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar using an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
4. Add Vanilla and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and, if desired, a small amount of black cocoa powder for color.
5. Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites in three additions. Be gentle to avoid deflating the mixture; stop when the batter flows like lava and forms a figure-eight.
6. Pipe the Shells: Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron.
7. Rest the Shells: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface. They should not stick to your finger when touched.

Step 2: Bake the Macaron Shells

1. Bake: Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. The macarons are done when they have risen and formed a smooth top. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Fold in Cookies: Gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Macarons

1. Pair Shells: Match up the cooled macaron shells in pairs of similar size.
2. Fill Macarons: Pipe or spread a generous amount of the cookies and cream filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Top with the matching shell to create a sandwich.
3. Chill: For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to soften.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve your Cookies & Cream Macarons chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy these delightful treats!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Cookies & Cream Macarons (per macaron, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Macaron
Calories	100
Protein	1g
Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	9g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavored fillings, such as vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache.
• Coloring: Use food coloring to tint the macaron shells in various shades for a fun presentation.
• Add Texture: Consider adding more crushed cookies to the filling for extra crunch.

Conclusion

Cookies & Cream Macarons are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry, combining the flavors of chocolate sandwich cookies with a creamy filling. These elegant treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!