Name: Chocolate Macarons with Nutella Filling Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 130 grams almond flour; 120 grams powdered sugar; 10 grams unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process or natural); 100 grams egg whites (about 3 large egg whites, at room temperature); ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; 90 grams granulated sugar (or caster sugar); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); ½ cup Nutella; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; pinch of salt; ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted); Crushed hazelnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 63 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamt of indulging in a delicate yet utterly decadent treat, look no further than this Chocolate Macarons with Nutella Filling Recipe. These little French delights combine crispy, chewy chocolate shells with a rich and luscious Nutella buttercream that melts in your mouth, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just craving an elegant homemade dessert to impress, these macarons will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface in a loose circular shape. Each bowl contains a different ingredient: a coarse white powder, a light yellow translucent liquid, fine white sugar, a pale yellow powder, a small amount of white salt, and a dark brown powder. The bowls are clear, round, and smooth, placed so all ingredients are clearly visible from above, with soft natural light highlighting their colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, high-quality ingredients form the foundation of these macarons, each playing a crucial role in achieving that flawless texture and irresistible taste. From finely ground almond flour to rich Nutella, every element is essential for creating this French classic with a chocolaty twist.

130 grams almond flour: Provides the macaron shells with their signature light, nutty crumb.
120 grams powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the shells a smooth surface.
10 grams good quality unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful rich color.
100 grams egg whites (room temperature): Creates the airy meringue that lifts and structures the shells.
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for perfect peaks.
90 grams granulated sugar: Sweetens and strengthens the meringue’s volume.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): The base for the silky Nutella filling’s buttercream.
½ cup Nutella: Brings the iconic creamy hazelnut chocolate flavor to the filling.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the filling.
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Adds lightness and a fluffy texture to the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Enhances flavor depth with a natural vanilla aroma.
Pinch salt: Balances sweetness and enriches chocolate notes.
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted): For drizzle decoration, adding a touch of extra chocolate luxury.
Crushed hazelnuts: Optional topping for delicious crunch and nutty contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Macarons with Nutella Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a food processor. Blitz this mixture several times to break up any lumps, then sift it into a bowl to ensure your batter will be smooth and even. Discard any coarse bits left behind — they can ruin the delicate texture of your shells.

Step 2: Make the Meringue

Using a clean, dry bowl, whisk your room temperature egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until frothy. Slowly add granulated sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form. This meringue is the backbone of your macaron shells, so get this step just right — the peaks should hold firm without collapsing.

Step 3: Fold Dry Ingredients into Meringue

Gently fold half of your dry mixture into the meringue with a spatula, using a sweeping motion from the outside of the bowl towards the center. Repeat with the remaining dry mix, folding carefully until your batter reaches a molten lava consistency — smooth and thick but still flowing. This is the art of macaronage and the key to perfect shells.

Step 4: Pipe the Macaron Shells

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe 1½ to 2-inch circles onto lined baking sheets. Tap the sheets firmly on the counter to pop air bubbles, then let the macarons rest for about 45 minutes or until a delicate skin forms on top — it should feel dry and not stick to your finger.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the shells for 15 to 17 minutes. They’re done when their tops are firm and the “feet” at the base don’t wiggle. Let them cool completely before trying to remove them from the baking surface.

Step 6: Decorate with Chocolate Drizzle

Melt the semisweet chocolate chips and drizzle over half of the cooled shells using a piping bag or a simple plastic bag with a corner snipped. Add crushed hazelnuts on top if you like a nutty crunch alongside the smooth chocolate.

Step 7: Prepare the Nutella Filling

In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and Nutella at high speed until creamy and smooth. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, then add heavy cream, increasing the speed again to whip the filling light and fluffy. This filling makes the macarons irresistible and perfectly balances the crunchy shells.

Step 8: Assemble the Macarons

Pipe a generous dollop of the Nutella buttercream onto the flat side of half the macaron shells. Sandwich with the chocolate-drizzled shells, pressing gently so the filling reaches the edges. Voilà! Your Chocolate Macarons with Nutella Filling Recipe is complete.

How to Serve Chocolate Macarons with Nutella Filling Recipe

A close-up picture of a single light brown macaron with two textured cookie layers and a thicker creamy filling layer in the middle. On top, there are several thin lines of dark chocolate drizzle, scattered with small pieces of chopped nuts, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your macarons’ visual appeal and flavor by adding a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder just before serving. You can also drizzle extra melted chocolate over the display tray for a decadent touch that invites guests to indulge.

Side Dishes

These macarons shine on their own but are a stunning pairing with a cup of rich espresso, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm drinks and cold desserts intensifies the Nutella’s nutty sweetness and chocolate’s deep richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking macarons on a tiered dessert stand or arranging them in a pretty gift box for a charming homemade present. You can also use them as elegant cupcake toppers or serve alongside fresh berries for a colorful, festive dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover macarons in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They remain fresh for up to 3 days, during which the flavors have time to meld beautifully, making the shells even softer and the filling creamier.

Freezing

You can freeze these macarons for up to one month. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to protect their delicate texture.

Reheating

Macarons are best served at room temperature, so simply remove from the fridge or freezer and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it can soften shells too much and melt the filling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Nutella for the filling?

Absolutely! Store-bought Nutella is perfect for this recipe and brings the rich, creamy hazelnut chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the delicate macaron shells.

What if the macaron shells crack or don’t develop feet?

Common reasons include over- or under-mixing the batter, not letting shells rest long enough before baking, or incorrect oven temperature. Be patient with the resting time and use an oven thermometer to get precise heat.

Can I make these macarons without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can use a hand mixer to beat your egg whites and make the filling, though it might take a bit longer to achieve stiff peaks and creamy buttercream.

How important is the almond flour quality?

Very important! Fine, fresh almond flour results in smoother shells and better texture. Avoid almond meal with larger chunks or added skins.

Can I substitute Nutella with another filling?

Definitely. If Nutella isn’t your thing, try a flavored buttercream, jam, or ganache. However, the unique nutty chocolate flavor of Nutella perfectly complements this chocolate macaron shell recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Macarons with Nutella Filling Recipe is an incredible way to treat yourself or impress loved ones with a stunning, café-worthy dessert made right at home. The balance of textures and flavors, combined with the joy of creating such a delicate French classic, makes it worth every minute in the kitchen. Go ahead, grab those ingredients and fall in love with macarons all over again!