Meringue Macaron Recipe

There is something truly magical about Pretzel Macarons — a delightful dance between crisp, delicate shells and a rich, buttery pretzel buttercream filling. If you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combo, then this treat will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Every bite offers that perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it almost impossible to stop at just one. To get all the details and techniques just right, Click here to see the full Swiss Meringue Macaron Recipe, which forms the perfect base for these scrumptious creations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Pretzel Macarons is surprisingly simple, but every ingredient plays a key role in achieving that iconic macaron texture and flavor harmony.

• Swiss Macaron shells dyed with fuchsia gel food coloring: This delivers the light, airy, and colorful base needed for the perfect macaron.
• Gold chocolate chips (42 grams): Used to bring a rich, mellow sweetness and a gorgeous golden hue to the buttercream.
• Cream cheese, softened (56 grams): Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, softened (28 grams): Essential for a smooth, creamy frosting texture and subtle richness.
• Powdered pretzels (1/3 cup): Gives the buttercream its signature salty crunch and depth of flavor.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup or 125 grams): Sweetens and helps achieve that smooth frosting consistency.
• Milk (2 to 4 tablespoons, as needed): Helps adjust the buttercream to the perfect creamy texture.
• Mini pretzels (20 pieces): Perfect decorative topper to amp up the pretzel theme visually and taste-wise.
• Sprinkles (1/4 cup): For that playful pop of color and extra fun.
• White chocolate, chopped (170 grams): Used for decorative dipping that adds elegance and sweetness.

How to Make Click here to see the full Swiss Meringue Macaron Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Pretzel Buttercream

First, melt the gold chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to avoid burning. Set aside to cool—if you prefer, white chocolate, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche work just as well here, each giving a unique twist to your buttercream flavor.

Step 2: Mixing the Cream Cheese and Butter

Using an electric mixer, whip the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and totally smooth. This provides a luscious base for the filling that will melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Incorporating the Chocolate

Add the cooled melted chocolate to the cream cheese and butter mixture, blending everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure an even flavor throughout the buttercream. This step is what makes the filling richly decadent.

Step 4: Adding the Pretzels and Powdered Sugar

Stir in the powdered pretzels and powdered sugar on low speed so they don’t fly everywhere. Then turn the mixer to medium-high for about a minute until your frosting is thick, creamy, and fluffy. If the texture feels too stiff, add milk a little at a time, or if it’s too runny, stir in some extra powdered sugar.

Step 5: Filling the Macaron Shells

Fill a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (a 6B is perfect for smooth dollops) with the pretzel buttercream. Pipe it generously onto the underside of half your macaron shells, then sandwich with the tops, pressing just slightly to hold them together.

Step 6: Decorating with the Chocolate and Pretzels

Next, melt the white chocolate and dip half of each mini pretzel into it. Place these on parchment paper and sprinkle while the chocolate is still wet for a festive look. Then, dip half of each assembled macaron in the white chocolate and immediately top with sprinkles and a dipped pretzel. Gorgeous and irresistible!

How to Serve Click here to see the full Swiss Meringue Macaron Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling some extra powdered pretzel dust or finely crushed salted pretzels can elevate your presentation and give an extra textural contrast. Fresh edible gold flakes also add a touch of elegance if you want to wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These sweet and salty macarons pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé. For a dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a light citrus sorbet to cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter or a sleek acrylic tray embellished with small bowls of pretzels and sprinkles. Layering macarons with mini milkshakes or shot glasses of salted caramel makes for a fun party display that invites everyone to dig in happily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This resting period actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.

Freezing

If you want to hold onto these delights for longer, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 1 to 2 months. Just remember to thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Macarons taste best chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you find the texture a bit firm after refrigeration, leaving them out for 15 minutes will soften them perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular pretzels instead of powdered pretzels in the buttercream?

While regular pretzels can be finely crushed and used, powdered pretzels blend more smoothly into the frosting, providing even flavor without affecting the texture too much.

Is it necessary to use gold chocolate chips?

Not at all! Gold chocolate chips add a lovely color and subtle taste, but white chocolate, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche can also make delicious buttercream variations.

How long do these macarons take to prepare?

Counting all steps including resting and decorating, you’re looking at approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Planning ahead ensures these beauties turn out perfectly.

Can I make the macarons without food coloring?

Of course! You can skip the fuchsia coloring or swap it for any color you prefer to customize your macarons to suit your style.

Why should I Click here to see the full Swiss Meringue Macaron Recipe?

The Swiss meringue technique is key to a smooth, shiny shell with that ideal crisp outside and chewy inside. Mastering it elevates your macarons from average to unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring an exciting spin to classic macarons, these Pretzel Macarons with their irresistible buttercream filling are just what you need. Don’t hesitate — Click here to see the full Swiss Meringue Macaron Recipe and start your delicious journey today. Once you master this, you’ll be impressing friends and family with every bite, guaranteed!