Cinnamon Roll Macarons

These Cinnamon Roll Macarons are a delightful fusion of French pastry and classic cinnamon roll flavors. With their delicate shells and rich filling, they are perfect for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it’s fall festivities, holiday gatherings, or just an afternoon treat, these macarons bring warmth and joy to any setting. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them stand out from traditional desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The warm spices and creamy filling perfectly mimic your favorite cinnamon rolls.
• Impressive Presentation: These macarons look stunning on any dessert table, impressing guests with their gourmet appearance.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the glaze or filling flavors to suit your taste preferences, making them versatile for various occasions.
• Perfect for Sharing: With about 20-24 macarons per batch, they’re great for parties or as gifts!
• Baking Challenge: Perfect for those who enjoy a baking challenge, these macarons will improve your skills in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the process and help you create perfect macarons.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Piping bags with round tips

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Essential for achieving the stiff peaks needed in the egg whites.
• Piping bags: Important for controlling the shape and size of each macaron shell.
• Silicone mats or parchment paper: Prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells

• 1 ¾ cups (200g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (100g) almond flour (finely sifted)
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional Drizzle)

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Macarons

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells

1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and cinnamon together twice to ensure a fine, lump-free mixture.
3. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while whipping until stiff glossy peaks form.
4. Gently fold the dry mixture into the whipped egg whites using a spatula until the batter flows like “lava” and ribbons off without breaking.
5. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1 ½-inch circles onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Tap trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let shells rest for 30–40 minutes until they form a skin.

Step 2: Bake the Shells

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Bake for 15–17 minutes, rotating halfway through until shells are firm and can be lifted cleanly from parchment.
3. Allow to cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy.
3. Transfer filling to a piping bag.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Pair similar-sized macaron shells together.
2. Pipe cinnamon cream cheese filling onto one shell and sandwich with another shell on top.
3. Mix glaze ingredients together and drizzle over assembled macarons for that “cinnamon roll” effect.

With these steps completed, you’re now ready to enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Roll Macarons! Don’t forget to let them mature in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving for optimal flavor!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Macarons

Cinnamon Roll Macarons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging by yourself, these macarons offer versatility in serving options that enhance their delicious flavor.

Pair with Coffee

• Espresso: The strong flavor of espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the macarons.
• Latte: A creamy latte complements the cinnamon filling, making for a cozy pairing.

Serve with Tea

• Chai Tea: The spices in chai match perfectly with the cinnamon notes of the macarons.
• Green Tea: A light green tea offers a refreshing balance to the rich cream cheese filling.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Mini Pastries: Include other small desserts for variety and visual appeal.
• Fresh Fruit: Add seasonal fruits like apple slices or berries to brighten up the platter.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle on top of the macarons for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Toasted Almonds: Their subtle taste pairs well without overpowering the cinnamon profile.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Macarons

Achieving perfect Cinnamon Roll Macarons requires attention to detail and some helpful tips to ensure your macarons turn out beautifully every time.

• Boldly age egg whites: Letting egg whites sit overnight helps improve stability and texture.
• Boldly sift dry ingredients: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar twice ensures a smooth macaron shell without lumps.
• Boldly tap baking sheets: Tapping trays after piping helps release air bubbles, leading to smoother shells.
• Boldly monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the oven to prevent over-baking, as this can lead to cracked shells.
• Boldly let them mature: Refrigerating finished macarons for at least 24 hours enhances their flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Macarons

Cinnamon Roll Macarons can be complemented by a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the macarons.
2. Bold Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries adds creaminess and crunch, making for a delightful combination.
3. Bold Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone offer a rich counterpoint to the sweet flavors of the macarons.
4. Bold Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that pairs well with each bite.
5. Bold Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate flavor complements the cinnamon roll taste perfectly.
6. Bold Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon can echo the flavors while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cinnamon Roll Macarons can be tricky! Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not aging egg whites: Fresh egg whites can be too watery, leading to unstable macarons. Age them overnight in the fridge for better results.
• Skipping the sifting step: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar is crucial for smooth macaron shells. Always sift these ingredients twice to ensure no lumps.
• Overmixing the batter: If you overmix, your batter may lose its structure, resulting in flat shells. Fold just until the mixture flows like lava.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Oven temperatures may vary, so use an oven thermometer. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for perfect shells.
• Not letting shells rest: Skipping the resting period can lead to cracks. Allow your piped shells to sit until they form a skin before baking.
• Filling too early: Filling macarons too soon can make them soggy. Let the shells cool completely before adding the filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Macarons

• Place macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cinnamon Roll Macarons

• Oven: Preheat to 250°F (120°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat for a quick warm-up, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cinnamon Roll Macarons.

Can I use other flavors for Cinnamon Roll Macarons?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different spices or fillings like vanilla or chocolate for unique variations.

What should I do if my macaron shells are cracked?

Cracked shells usually result from either overmixing the batter or not allowing them to rest. Ensure both steps are done correctly next time.

How do I know when my macaron shells are done baking?

Macaron shells should feel firm and release cleanly from the parchment paper. They should not be sticky when touched lightly.

Are Cinnamon Roll Macarons gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free almond flour, these delightful treats are naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Macarons offer a delightful blend of French pastry finesse and comforting cinnamon roll flavors. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall day or a festive gathering. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or glazes to suit your taste!