Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons

Okay, these Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons? Total game changer. It’s like a fancy cookie and our fave sandwich had a baby.

We made a batch last weekend. And the combo of creamy peanut butter and sweet jam? Just melts in your mouth.

They’re chewy. They’re cute. And they taste like childhood—just fancier.

Wanna make some too? Let’s bake them together. You’re gonna love how fun they are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Peanut Butter & Jelly Lovers: A grown-up twist on the classic PB&J!
• Two-Toned Flavor: The combination of peanut butter buttercream and raspberry jam balances sweet and savory for a harmonious bite.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Though macarons have a reputation for being tricky, this recipe walks you through every step to ensure your success.
• Customizable: Change up the jam flavor or adjust the level of sweetness in the peanut butter buttercream to suit your taste.
• Delicious Texture: The crispy almond shell gives way to a chewy, flavorful center, making each bite an experience.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls: For preparing the meringue and combining dry ingredients.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Essential for whipping the egg whites to perfection.
• Rubber spatula: For folding ingredients together.
• Piping bags & piping tips: For piping the macaron shells and filling.
• Baking sheets: For placing the macarons as they bake.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: To prevent the macarons from sticking during baking.
• A kitchen scale: Macaron recipes are all about precision, and a scale ensures accurate measurements.
• Oven thermometer: Macarons are temperamental, so it helps to know your oven’s exact temperature.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delicious Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

Macaron Shells:

• 100 grams egg whites: These form the structure of the macaron shells.
• 100 grams white granulated sugar: To stabilize the egg whites and form a glossy meringue.
• 105 grams almond flour: The main dry ingredient for macaron shells, providing the signature delicate texture.
• 105 grams powdered sugar: Gives the macaron shells their smooth, crispy finish.
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional): Adds a slight tan color to the shells for a more sophisticated look.

Raspberry Jam:

• 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen, 283 grams or 10 oz): The fruity base of the jam.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup: For a natural sweetness to balance the tang of the raspberries.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds acidity to enhance the fruit’s flavor.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: To thicken the jam to a spreadable consistency.
• 1 tbsp cold water: To dissolve the cornstarch before adding it to the fruit.

Peanut Butter Buttercream:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: A creamy base for the buttercream.
• 2 tbsp peanut butter: Provides the signature flavor.
• 1/2-1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): The sweetness for the buttercream, adjusted to your liking.
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: For depth and warmth in the buttercream flavor.
• 1/2 tsp milk (if needed): To achieve the right consistency for spreading.

Variations for Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons

While these Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons are delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking!

• Different Jam Flavors: You can swap the raspberry jam for strawberry, blueberry, or even blackberry jam if you prefer. Just be sure to pick a jam that isn’t too runny.
• Chocolate Macarons: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to your macaron batter for a chocolatey twist on the shells.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter to add a delightful texture to the buttercream.
• More Nutty: Add finely chopped peanuts to the buttercream for extra crunch and peanut flavor.
• Make it Nut-Free: Replace the peanut butter with sunflower butter or a different nut butter of your choice for a nut-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Raspberry Jam

Make the jam first to allow it to cool before filling the macarons.

• In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture becomes jam-like (about 5-7 minutes).
• In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water and stir it into the raspberry mixture.
• Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the jam thickens to a spreadable consistency.
• Remove from heat and let the jam cool completely.

2. Make the Macaron Shells

• Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder (if using). Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are smooth and free of lumps.
• Whip the egg whites: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), begin whisking the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Slowly add the granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape.
• Macaronage (mixing the batter): Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix or undermix; you want the batter to flow like thick lava and form a figure-eight when lifted with a spatula.
• Pipe the macaron shells: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small rounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Rest the shells: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until they form a skin and are no longer sticky to the touch.
• Bake the macarons: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 14-16 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the shells are firm and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper. Let the shells cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.

3. Make the Peanut Butter Buttercream

• In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, starting with 1/2 cup and adjusting to your desired sweetness.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, and if the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of milk (1/2 tsp at a time) to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

4. Assemble the Macarons

• Once the macaron shells are completely cool, match up similar-sized shells.
• Spread or pipe a small amount of peanut butter buttercream onto the flat side of one shell.
• Spoon a small dollop of raspberry jam on top of the buttercream, being careful not to overfill.
• Gently sandwich the two shells together, pressing lightly to adhere.
• Let the filled macarons rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to soften.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons

• On a Dessert Platter: These macarons are perfect for serving at a party or as part of an elaborate dessert spread. Their delicate texture and playful flavor will impress your guests.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The rich peanut butter and fruity jam make these macarons an excellent pairing with a hot beverage, such as coffee, chai, or black tea.
• Giftable: These macarons are an excellent gift for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Package them in a cute box or jar for a personal touch.

Storing Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the macarons within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Macarons can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: If you need to store macarons longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount (per macaron)
Calories	~90
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	8g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons combine the nostalgia of a classic sandwich with the elegance of French pastry. These macarons are surprisingly easy to make and offer a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for fun, these treats will definitely impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of making and sharing these irresistible macarons!