Indulge in a sweet symphony of textures with these Nutella Drizzle Macarons—crisp almond shells enveloping a silky, chocolate‑hazelnut filling, finished with an artful drizzle of pure Nutella. They’re perfect for special occasions or elevating your everyday baking into something extraordinary.
These elegant treats combine timeless French technique with beloved Nutella decadence. Ideal for entertaining or gifting, they impress with pastel‑hued beauty and irresistible rich flavor, delivering luxury in each petite bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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100 g almond flour
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100 g powdered sugar
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75 g egg whites (about 2 large eggs), room temperature
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50 g granulated sugar
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Pinch of salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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100 g Nutella + extra for drizzle
Directions:
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Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl.
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In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites with salt until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat to stiff, glossy peaks. Fold in vanilla.
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Gently fold dry ingredients into meringue in three additions, using a spatula, until batter flows like lava.
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Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a ½‑inch round tip. Pipe 1½‑inch rounds onto prepared sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
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Tap baking sheets on the counter a few times to release air bubbles; let shells rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until a skin forms.
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Preheat oven to 300 °F (150 °C). Bake one sheet at a time for 14–16 minutes, rotating halfway through. Let cool completely.
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Sandwich two matching shells, spreading about 1 tsp Nutella between them. Pipe or spoon a drizzle of Nutella on top. Chill 1–2 hours before serving for best texture.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 16 minutes | Total Time: ~1h 45m | Kcal: ~90 kcal per macaron | Servings: ~20 macarons
Introduction to Nutella Drizzle Macarons
Nutella Drizzle Macarons are a fusion of French sophistication and the nostalgic comfort of chocolate-hazelnut spread. Combining the elegance of classic almond meringue cookies with the creamy indulgence of Nutella, this treat is both refined and approachable. Macarons, known for their delicate shells and chewy centers, can sometimes seem intimidating to make, but this version is surprisingly achievable with the right technique and patience.
These Nutella Drizzle Macarons deliver a mouthwatering blend of crisp, smooth, and creamy textures. Each bite provides the gentle crunch of the macaron shell followed by a luxurious Nutella filling that melts in your mouth. Adding a glossy drizzle of Nutella on top elevates both the visual appeal and the flavor intensity, creating an unforgettable dessert experience.
A French Classic with a Chocolate Twist
Macarons have long been a staple of French pâtisseries, traditionally filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam. With the popularity of Nutella worldwide, modern bakers have embraced it as a new twist on the classic. Its nutty richness complements the almond-based macaron shells beautifully, enhancing the dessert’s flavor complexity without overpowering its delicate nature.
Nutella’s smooth texture makes it an ideal macaron filling—easy to work with, naturally sweet, and capable of holding its shape without additional ingredients. As a bonus, it removes the need for elaborate ganache-making, making the recipe more accessible to beginners.
What Makes a Perfect Macaron?
Perfecting macarons requires practice, precision, and understanding your ingredients. A successful macaron shell should have a smooth, shiny top with characteristic “feet” around the bottom—those ruffled edges that form during baking. The interior should be soft and chewy, not hollow or dry.
Several factors affect macaron success: properly aged egg whites for stability, accurate measurements (ideally by weight), proper sifting of dry ingredients to avoid lumps, and careful folding to achieve the right consistency (often referred to as “macaronage”). Even the baking tray, oven temperature, and rest time influence the final outcome. This Nutella variation adds an extra incentive to master the method—it’s hard to resist the reward.
The Importance of Resting the Macaron Shells
One critical step in macaron-making is resting the piped shells before baking. This resting period allows the outer surface to dry and form a slight crust, which helps the macarons rise evenly and develop their signature feet. Skipping this step can lead to cracked tops or lopsided shells. For Nutella Drizzle Macarons, allowing enough drying time is especially important to maintain a sleek surface ready for that final chocolate drizzle.
Depending on your kitchen’s humidity, resting time can range from 30 to 60 minutes. A good test is to lightly touch the shell—if your finger comes away clean and the surface is no longer sticky, they’re ready for the oven.
Choosing the Right Almond Flour
Not all almond flour is created equal. For smooth macaron shells, you need finely ground, blanched almond flour. Coarser flours or those made from unblanched almonds (with skins) can lead to gritty textures and uneven tops. Many professional bakers recommend pulsing the almond flour and powdered sugar together in a food processor, then sifting the mixture to ensure an ultra-fine texture.
Quality flour not only affects the appearance of your macarons but also plays a role in their taste. Since almond is a major flavor component, using fresh, high-quality almond flour enhances the nuttiness of the shells and pairs wonderfully with the deep hazelnut flavor of Nutella.
Why Nutella is the Perfect Filling
Nutella isn’t just beloved for its taste—it’s also incredibly convenient. It requires no mixing or heating, spreads easily, and holds its shape beautifully between the macaron shells. Its flavor is universally loved, combining roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and just the right amount of sweetness.
What makes Nutella even more appealing for this recipe is its ability to slightly soften the macaron interior during chilling. This melding of flavors and textures creates that sought-after chewy, tender consistency that defines a perfect macaron.
The Art of the Nutella Drizzle
The finishing touch—the drizzle—serves both aesthetic and culinary purposes. Visually, it makes each macaron look artisanal and elegant, like something you’d find behind a glass counter in a high-end bakery. Taste-wise, it intensifies the Nutella flavor and adds a luscious texture to the first bite.
To get that picture-perfect drizzle, slightly warm the Nutella so it becomes more fluid but not hot or runny. Using a piping bag with a fine tip (or even a small spoon), zigzag the Nutella over each cooled macaron. Allow them to set before serving or packing.
Tips for Storing and Serving
Macarons are one of the few baked goods that actually improve with age. Once assembled, they should rest in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours. This resting period allows the filling to soften the shells slightly, resulting in that perfect chewy center. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent absorbing other odors.
Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This brings back the ideal texture and flavor clarity. Macarons also freeze well—just freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temp before eating.
Why Nutella Drizzle Macarons Are a Crowd Favorite
These macarons strike the ideal balance between classic technique and modern flavor trends. They’re fancy enough for formal celebrations—think bridal showers, birthdays, or elegant tea parties—yet simple enough to make for a weekend baking session. Kids and adults alike adore the creamy, familiar taste of Nutella, making these macarons a guaranteed hit with any audience.
They also photograph beautifully, making them a favorite among food bloggers and social media bakers. Their sleek tops, glossy drizzles, and rich chocolate interiors make them irresistible both on the plate and on screen.
A Rewarding Baking Challenge
Macarons are a notoriously finicky dessert, but that’s part of their appeal. Nailing the technique gives bakers a real sense of accomplishment. Each successful batch is a badge of honor and a sign of growing kitchen confidence. This Nutella variation simplifies the process slightly, removing the need for complex fillings while still delivering bakery-level results.
For those new to macarons, this recipe is an excellent place to start. With a few tries, you’ll begin to recognize the perfect batter texture and bake time for your oven. And once you master it, the sky’s the limit—color variations, flavored shells, and different fillings can follow.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treat with a Nutty Twist
Nutella Drizzle Macarons prove that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. They bring together the precision of French patisserie with the comforting familiarity of chocolate and hazelnut. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, these macarons deliver elegance, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.
With their crisp exterior, tender interior, and smooth Nutella center, they embody everything we love about sweets: beauty, taste, and joy. And while they may take a bit more effort than your average cookie, the payoff is more than worth it. They’re a testament to the magic that happens when time-honored techniques meet beloved ingredients.
Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or indulging solo, Nutella Drizzle Macarons are a must-try for anyone who loves baking or simply loves dessert.
