If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave a lighter, more elegant treat, this Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe is going to steal your heart. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth macarons capture the warm spice of cinnamon and the rich, creamy goodness of classic cinnamon roll frosting in every bite. They’re not just gorgeous to look at; they are a stunning fusion of French technique and American favorite flavors that make for the perfect party treat or a sweet gift that’s packed with personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the nutty almond flour that gives the shells their signature texture to the cinnamon that spices things up just right. The filling combines creamy butter, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla to tie everything together, creating that unmistakable cinnamon roll flavor we all adore.
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth macaron shell texture.
- 1 cup almond flour: Adds nuttiness and the essential base for delicate macaron shells.
- 3 large egg whites: Build the meringue that gives macarons their airy lift.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Stabilizes the meringue and adds a clean sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Creates a rich, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon spice.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds tang and luscious creaminess to the filling drizzle.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that transforms these macarons into a cinnamon roll experience.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple prep is key because a properly heated oven ensures your macaron shells develop their characteristic smooth tops and “feet” during baking.
Step 2: Blend and Sift the Dry Ingredients
Combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cinnamon in a food processor. Blitz until the mixture is fine and well-incorporated to keep the shells smooth. Then sift the blend to remove any lumps for the best texture possible.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites Into Meringue
Beat your egg whites until foamy, then slowly add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. This meringue stage is crucial because it gives your macarons their lightness and structure. Stir in the vanilla extract gently to infuse subtle aromatic sweetness.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Mix
Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue using a spatula in a careful motion until it flows like lava. This “macaronage” step isn’t just about mixing—it’s about getting the perfect batter consistency to make those iconic smooth, glossy shells.
Step 5: Pipe and Rest the Shells
Pipe small rounds onto your lined baking sheets, aiming for uniform size so they bake evenly. Let the piped rounds rest for 30 to 45 minutes. This drying period forms a delicate skin on the surface that helps them bake up with the perfect texture and foot.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the shells lift easily from the parchment paper. Watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking, which could dry out your macarons.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Buttercream Filling
While the shells cool, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of heavy cream to reach your preferred spreading consistency. This filling brings creamy sweetness and spiced warmth to every bite.
Step 8: Assemble With a Cream Cheese Drizzle
Pair matching macaron shells and pipe the cinnamon buttercream between them. For the finishing touch, drizzle a luscious cream cheese mixture over each sandwich to mimic that classic cinnamon roll frosting vibe—rich, tangy, and irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair with a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a tiny sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top of the cream cheese drizzle. These garnishes add texture and make your macarons look as stunning as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm cinnamon flavors. These macarons also make a delightful accompaniment to a creamy latte for a luxurious treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe on a tiered dessert stand at your next brunch or dessert party. For gifting, package them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper for an elegant and charming sweet surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep their delicate texture and flavors intact. They typically stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect to bake ahead for special occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled macarons by placing them in a single layer within an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to enjoy the same delightful texture and cinnamon-infused taste.
Reheating
Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before eating to let the flavors open up. Avoid heating in the microwave, which can soften their delicate shells.
FAQs
Can I use another type of flour instead of almond flour?
Almond flour is essential for the classic macaron texture and flavor. Other flours usually won’t give the same nutty taste or delicate structure, so it’s best stuck to for this Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe.
What causes macarons to crack during baking?
Cracked shells often happen if the batter is too dry or hasn’t rested long enough before baking. Ensuring you fold to the right consistency and letting the shells dry sufficiently will help prevent cracks.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes! Mascarpone works wonderfully as a substitute and will add a rich, smooth texture to your drizzle with a milder tang than cream cheese.
Why do my macarons stick to the parchment paper?
If macarons stick, it could be from underbaking or not resting the batter enough. Bake until the shells can be lifted easily and always allow them to rest before baking to create a sturdy skin.
Can I tint the shells to look more like cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Adding a tiny pinch of brown or red food coloring to the batter before folding in the dry ingredients can give your macarons a warm cinnamon-toned hue perfect for the theme.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe, it will become one of your most cherished ways to enjoy the timeless cinnamon roll flavor with a sophisticated twist. The delicate shells paired with creamy, cinnamon-spiked filling make every bite a little celebration. Give it a go—you won’t regret adding these to your baking repertoire!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 24 macarons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delightfully delicate Cinnamon Roll Macarons combine the airy texture of classic French macarons with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. These bite-sized treats feature crisp almond meringue shells filled with a rich cinnamon buttercream and a smooth cream cheese drizzle, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon, to taste (approximately 1-2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Buttercream Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (to desired consistency)
Cream Cheese Drizzle
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sweetness, optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Blend and Sift Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pulse until the mixture is very fine, then sift to remove any lumps, ensuring smooth macaron shells.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they become foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract gently.
- Fold Mixtures: Carefully fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the meringue. Use a silicone spatula to fold until the batter flows like lava, ensuring it is well combined but not overmixed.
- Pipe and Rest: Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small rounds onto the prepared baking sheets. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake: Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the shells rise and lift easily from the parchment paper.
- Prepare Buttercream Filling: Beat the softened butter together with powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream a little at a time to achieve your desired spreading consistency.
- Assemble Macarons: Once cooled, pair the macaron shells by size and pipe the cinnamon buttercream onto one shell. Sandwich it with the matching shell and drizzle the top with the cream cheese mixture for an added tangy sweetness and elegant presentation.
Notes
- Allow the piped shells to rest before baking; this step helps develop the characteristic “feet” on macarons.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume when whipping.
- Ensure the almond flour is finely ground and sifted to avoid gritty textures.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For best results, let assembled macarons age in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Bring macarons to room temperature before eating for optimal texture and flavor.
