Dark Chocolate Raspberry Macarons

Delicate, elegant, and bursting with bold flavor — Dark Chocolate Raspberry Macarons are a match made in dessert heaven. These colorful French cookies combine the richness of dark chocolate ganache with the tart brightness of raspberry jam, all sandwiched between perfectly crisp and chewy almond meringue shells.

Whether you’re a home baker or a pastry lover, this recipe brings Parisian patisserie right into your kitchen.

🧾 Ingredients

Macaron Shells:

These ingredients follow the French meringue method:

• 100 g almond flour (finely ground, blanched almonds only – sifted)
• 100 g powdered (icing) sugar
• 90 g egg whites (aged 24–48h in the fridge, then brought to room temp)
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (or a few drops of lemon juice – to stabilize the meringue)
• Red or raspberry pink gel food coloring (avoid liquid coloring – affects texture)

Dark Chocolate Ganache:

Smooth and pipeable when chilled.

• 100 g high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa, finely chopped)
• 100 ml heavy cream (35–40% fat)
• 15 g unsalted butter (adds gloss and richness)

Raspberry Filling:

• Raspberry jam or raspberry compote (seedless for best texture, about 2–3 tbsp)
  Optional: Make your own quick jam with:
• 125 g fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Cook gently until thickened, then strain for a smoother result.

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Sift the Dry Ingredients

1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl.
2. Discard large particles to ensure smooth, lump-free shells.

🔹 Step 2: Make the Meringue

1. In a clean, grease-free bowl, start whipping egg whites at medium speed until foamy.
2. Add cream of tartar and increase speed to medium-high.
3. Gradually sprinkle in granulated sugar (in 3 parts).
4. Beat to stiff peaks – glossy and firm, not dry.
5. Add a small amount of gel food coloring and beat just until incorporated.

🔹 Step 3: Macaronage (Folding)

1. Add dry ingredients into the meringue.
2. Use a spatula to fold and press against the bowl in a circular motion.
3. Batter is ready when it flows like lava — ribbons should fall slowly and blend into the surface in ~10 seconds.

🔹 Step 4: Piping the Shells

1. Transfer the batter into a piping bag with a round tip (e.g., Wilton #12).
2. Pipe uniform 3.5 cm (1.4-inch) rounds on a silicone mat or parchment paper.
3. Tap the tray several times to release air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop surface bubbles.

🔹 Step 5: Rest the Shells

Let macarons rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or until the tops are dry to the touch. This forms a skin and helps prevent cracking during baking.

🔹 Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) – conventional heat (no fan).
2. Bake 12–14 minutes, one tray at a time.
3. Let cool completely before removing from the mat.

🔹 Step 7: Make the Ganache

1. Heat the cream until steaming (not boiling).
2. Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 1 minute.
3. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Add butter, stir until incorporated.
5. Chill until thick enough to pipe (20–30 minutes in the fridge).

🔹 Step 8: Assemble

1. Pair macaron shells of similar size.
2. Pipe a ring of ganache on one shell.
3. Add 1/4 tsp raspberry jam in the center.
4. Gently sandwich with a second shell.

🔹 Step 9: Maturation (Optional but Recommended)

Place assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours. This allows moisture to blend flavors and soften the shells slightly.

Tips for Success

• Always weigh ingredients with a digital scale — accuracy matters.
• Don’t overmix the batter — stop when it flows consistently but slowly.
• If your shells crack, the batter may not have rested enough or oven heat is too strong.
• Ganache too runny? Let it chill longer or reduce cream slightly next time.

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
• Macarons freeze well (up to 1 month) — thaw in the fridge overnight.

Related Recipes

🍰 1. White Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake

A luxurious dessert that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of raspberries, creating a dreamy flavor profile.

🍫 2. Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

A rich, gooey, and nutty Southern classic that offers a delightful contrast to the delicate texture of macarons.

3. Pistachio Tiramisu

A creamy and nutty twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering a unique flavor that complements the richness of chocolate macarons.