Name: Nutella Macarons Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/4 cup granulated white sugar; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 2/3 cups powdered icing sugar; 1 cup ground hazelnuts (or hazelnut flour); 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional); 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional); 3 egg whites, room temperature; 1/2 cup Nutella; 1 cup powdered icing sugar (optional, for thicker filling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 66 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the perfect delicate yet indulgent treat, this Nutella Macarons Recipe is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. These little French gems combine the crisp outer shell with that heavenly chewy center, all sandwiched around a silky, luscious Nutella filling that takes every bite to cloud nine. It’s a dessert that impresses without intimidating, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a moment of pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three steps of making macarons. The first part has a clear bowl with a white, smooth and fluffy mixture that looks whipped. The second part shows several round, smooth, gray macarons shells resting evenly spaced on pink silicone mats with round white patterns. The final part shows a woman's hand holding a gray macaron shell while spreading thick dark brown chocolate filling with a yellow spreading tool on top. The background is pink with white patterns. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create the magic of these Nutella macarons. Each one plays a vital role in giving the cookies their signature texture, flavor, and irresistible look, making this recipe as rewarding as it is accessible.

Egg whites (3, room temperature): Whipping these just right creates the fluffy, airy base needed for those classic macaron shells.
Granulated white sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue for that shiny, glossy finish on top.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich chocolate depth and beautiful color to the shells.
Powdered icing sugar (1 2/3 cups): Ensures the batter is delicate and smooth to the bite while balancing sweetness.
Ground hazelnuts or hazelnut flour (1 cup): Gives a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with Nutella and adds texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate and hazelnut notes.
Instant espresso powder (1 teaspoon, optional): A secret ingredient that brightens the cocoa flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Nutella (1/2 cup): The luscious chocolate-hazelnut spread that ties the whole recipe together with creamy richness.
Powdered icing sugar (1 cup, optional for filling): Used to thicken the Nutella filling when desired, making it easier to pipe between shells.

How to Make Nutella Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by separating your egg whites into a large bowl, letting them come to room temperature. This step is crucial because room temperature egg whites whip up to a higher volume, giving your macarons that essential airy texture.

Step 2: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the hazelnut flour, powdered icing sugar, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder if using, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and that each ingredient is evenly distributed, creating a smooth, uniform batter.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

Beat the egg whites on medium speed for about 2 minutes until frothy, then gradually add in the granulated sugar, continuing to whisk for another 4 minutes until glossy peaks form. When your beaters lift from the bowl, soft peaks should stand tall but slightly curve at the tips—this tells you the meringue is just right!

Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Meringue

With care, fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue. This is where patience truly pays off—fold enough to incorporate everything well but avoid overmixing, which could deflate your batter. Aim for a smooth, shiny consistency that flows slowly like lava when dripped off your spatula.

Step 5: Pipe the Macarons

Place the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe out evenly sized circles about 3 inches across onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. After piping, firmly tap your baking tray on the counter to release air bubbles, then gently smooth over any peaks with a wet finger for perfectly smooth shells.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 285 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the macarons for about 10 minutes, watching for a matte finish and the signature “feet” forming at the bottom. If they seem undercooked, pop them back in for a few more minutes. They’re done when they lift easily from the parchment without sticking.

Step 7: Prepare the Nutella Filling

While the shells cool on a wire rack, decide on your filling texture: use pure Nutella for a softer spread or blend Nutella with powdered sugar to create a thicker filling that’s easier to pipe and holds its shape better between shells.

Step 8: Assemble Your Nutella Macarons

Finally, pair shells of similar size and spread or pipe your Nutella filling onto one half before sandwiching with the other. Press gently to secure and repeat until all macarons are beautifully filled and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Nutella Macarons Recipe

Two chocolate macarons with a smooth Nutella filling are shown on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two light brown shells dusted lightly with white powdered sugar and a thick dark brown Nutella layer sandwiched in the middle. One macaron lies flat while the other leans against it at an angle, showing its filling clearly. In the background, there is a blurry jar of Nutella and a knife smeared with some of the chocolate spread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Nutella macarons recipe, consider lightly dusting them with cocoa powder or powdered sugar just before serving. Chopped toasted hazelnuts sprinkled on the filling can add a delightful crunch and a luxurious, nutty finish that complements the creamy Nutella perfectly.

Side Dishes

These macarons pair wonderfully with a cup of rich espresso or a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. Alternatively, serve alongside fresh berries to balance the richness with a bright, juicy contrast that keeps your palate refreshed.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your macarons in a beautiful glass jar on a dessert table or nestle them in pastel-colored cupcake liners for a charming look. You could also stack them in a pyramid on a tiered stand for parties, making these elegant treats the star of your gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The great news is that Nutella macarons keep beautifully when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This gives the flavors time to meld while keeping the shells crisp and the filling deliciously creamy.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats around longer, they freeze well. Freeze assembled macarons in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve their perfect texture.

Reheating

When your macarons are chilled or frozen, it’s best not to reheat in the microwave, as that can soften the shells too much. Instead, bring them to room temperature naturally or enjoy chilled for that cool, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of hazelnut flour?

Absolutely! Almond flour is a classic choice for macarons and will work fine in this Nutella Macarons Recipe, though hazelnut flour adds an extra layer of nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with Nutella.

Why are my macaron shells cracking?

Cracking can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if the macarons haven’t formed a proper skin before baking. Make sure to pipe evenly, tap out bubbles, and allow them to rest for 30-60 minutes before baking for the best results.

Can I make these without an electric mixer?

It’s possible but very challenging to achieve stiff peaks by hand whisking. An electric mixer helps reach the perfect meringue consistency crucial for macarons, so it’s highly recommended for this recipe.

How important is the room temperature of egg whites?

Very important! Room temperature egg whites whip up more easily and reach higher volume, creating that light, airy structure that gives macarons their delicate texture.

Can I use store-bought Nutella for the filling?

Yes! Store-bought Nutella works wonderfully as the filling. If you’d like a firmer filling, just mix it with powdered sugar to thicken it up before piping.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Macarons Recipe is a fantastic way to dive into the art of French baking without feeling overwhelmed. Each bite offers that perfect harmony of crunchy shell, tender interior, and rich, creamy Nutella filling that simply melts your heart. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished staple in your dessert repertoire, guaranteed to impress all who get to taste them.