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Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 68 reviews

Hey there! If you’re anything like me, Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen and whip up treats that are both fun and delicious. Today, I’m super excited to share my Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe with you. These charming little dessert mash-ups combine the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth magic of macarons with the playful look of Halloween-themed donuts—think colorful glazes and spooky sprinkles. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, you’ll be the star of every fall gathering, and maybe even a little obsessed like I am!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Balance: The almond meal and confectioners sugar create smooth, delicate shells that contrast beautifully with the pumpkin butter filling.
  • Festive Yet Elegant: The colored glaze and sprinkles transform simple macarons into eye-catching Halloween donuts.
  • Simple But Impactful: Minimal ingredients come together for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly straightforward once you know the steps.
  • Fun for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a macaron novice or a baking pro, the step-by-step process helps you nail it every time.
The image shows multiple small round cookies, each with two layers: a light beige cookie base and colorful frosting on top. Some cookies have orange frosting with a large white and black candy eye in the middle, decorated with small white ghost shapes and purple, black, and orange sprinkles. Other cookies have dark purple frosting topped with a small orange pumpkin candy and pumpkin-shaped sprinkles. There are also cookies with white frosting and colorful candy petals in red, green, yellow, and orange arranged like a flower around a dark chocolate center. The cookies are placed on a crinkled gray paper over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I first tried making these Halloween donut macarons, I learned how important the quality and handling of ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role, so let me share some tips to help you shop smart and prep right.

  • Almond Meal: Make sure it’s finely ground and fresh—this keeps your macaron shells smooth and prevents any gritty texture.
  • Confectioners Sugar: Sifting it together with the almond meal ensures your shell tops stay perfectly smooth and crack-free.
  • Granulated White Sugar: Provides that essential sweetness and helps stabilize the egg whites for stiff peaks.
  • Egg Whites: Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume and structure—cold egg whites won’t whip up as well.
  • Cream of Tartar: This little acid punch stabilizes the egg whites so your macarons come out with the ideal texture.
  • Pumpkin Butter: Adds a cozy fall flavor with a luscious, spreadable texture perfect for the filling.
  • Confectioners Sugar (for glaze): Gives the glaze a smooth, shiny finish that’s just sweet enough without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
  • Water: Helps thin the glaze to just the right consistency.
  • Food Colors (black, orange, purple): These give you those iconic Halloween vibes and really bring the donut look to life.
  • Spooky Sprinkles: Because what’s Halloween without a little fun decoration? I love mixing shapes and colors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe is. Once you’ve mastered the base, it’s easy to twist it to suit your own vibe or dietary needs. Here’s what I recommend if you want to mix it up or put your own stamp on things.

  • Flavor Variation: I once swapped pumpkin butter for a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling, and it was a total hit—still festive, but with a creamier twist.
  • Color Play: Feel free to use any food colors that match your party theme. Pastels for a spooky chic look? Totally doable.
  • Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just make sure your almond meal and other ingredients are certified if allergies are a concern.
  • Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar slightly and tweak the glaze accordingly—it still works beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients for a Smooth Start

First things first, sift your almond meal and confectioners sugar together—not once, but three times if you can! It sounds like overkill, but this extra step is my secret to getting those smooth, flawless macaron tops. I learned this the hard way after my first batch came out bumpy. Trust me, a few extra sifts pay off.

Step 2: Whip That Egg White Magic

Separate your egg whites while they’re cold—this makes it easier—but then let them warm up to room temperature for about an hour. This is crucial because cold whites won’t reach that stiff peak stage as well. Start whipping the egg whites on high speed until foamy, then add the cream of tartar. Keep beating until you see shiny, stiff peaks form—when you lift the whisk, the peaks should stand tall without drooping. If this step sounds daunting, don’t worry—just keep at it, and your mixer will do most of the work.

Step 3: Fold Gently, But Thoroughly

Fold the dry almond meal and confectioners sugar mix into your egg whites carefully. I like to add it in two or three parts to make folding easier. Remember: Don’t undermine the folding or overdo it! The batter should be thick but flow slowly off your spatula in a blob. The batter consistency is the trickiest part, so take your time and watch how it moves.

Step 4: Pipe & Rest Your Macaron Shells

Next, transfer your batter to a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip. Pipe small blobs about an inch wide onto a prepared baking sheet or silicone mat. Here’s a tip: practice piping a couple of test dots to get your spacing right before going all in. Once piped, let the shells rest for 30–45 minutes at room temperature until they develop a dry skin on top—this step helps prevent cracking and gives you that classic macaron “foot.”

Step 5: Bake Your Macarons Perfectly

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes—oven times can vary, so keep an eye on them starting at 15 minutes. You want them to have risen and formed the little frilly base (the foot), but not browned. I like to rotate my tray halfway through for even baking.

Step 6: Mix Up the Glaze Colors While Baking

While the shells bake, make your glaze by whisking together confectioners sugar and water. Divide the glaze evenly into four bowls, then color three with your Halloween shades of black, orange, and purple food coloring. This part is so fun because it’s your chance to get creative and festive!

Step 7: Assemble Your Donut Macarons

Let the baked macaron shells cool completely before handling them—trust me, patience pays here to avoid cracking or sticking. Once cooled, take one shell as your base and pipe a small dollop of pumpkin butter in the center. Then, take the matching shell (the “donut ring” shape), dip it in your chosen colored glaze, and decorate it with spooky sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Sandwich the glazed shell over the base, and voila—your Halloween Donut Macaron!

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Pro Tips for Making Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe

  • Patience with Egg Whites: Letting the whites come fully to room temperature makes whipping so much easier—and yields better volume.
  • Don’t Skip the Resting Time: That 30-45 minute wait before baking is what gives you gorgeous feet and crack-free shells.
  • Use a Light Hand Folding: Overmixing the batter can cause flat macarons, so fold just enough until it flows off the spatula.
  • Cool Completely Before Filling: Filling warm shells makes them soggy; they stay perfectly crisp and balanced if fully cool.

How to Serve Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe

The image shows small round treats with two beige biscuit layers. Between the layers is a thin layer of white cream. The top biscuit is decorated with a thick layer of bright orange icing that drips a little down the sides. On top of the icing is a large edible eye with a white base and a black pupil in the center. Around the eye are sprinkles in black, white, purple, and orange shapes, some shaped like bats or ghosts. Other similar treats with different colored icing, like deep purple with orange and white decorations, appear slightly out of focus in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually go all out with spooky sprinkles—tiny bats, pumpkins, and glittery sandstone dust are my favorites. You can even sprinkle edible glitter or little candy eyes for an extra pop of fun. I find garnishing right after glazing while the surface is still sticky works best to keep decorations in place.

Side Dishes

These Halloween Donut Macarons are actually great standing alone, but if I’m serving a spread, I love pairing them with a warm spiced apple cider or a lightly brewed chai tea. Their delicate sweetness balances beautifully with those warm, cozy drinks.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve tried displaying these macarons on tiered cake stands sprinkled with fall leaves and mini pumpkins for a festive table centerpiece. Another fun idea is arranging them inside mini Halloween-themed boxes as party favors—guests loved the surprise! You could even thread ribbon through holes in the macarons (careful when doing this!) for a spooky edible garland.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and actually taste better after resting overnight as flavors meld. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving so the filling softens up.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the macaron shells separately before they’re filled and glazed. Freeze them flat on a tray, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. When ready to use, let the shells thaw at room temp before assembling. This method keeps texture intact and is a great time saver for parties.

Reheating

Since macarons are best served at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. But if you find they’ve chilled too long, just let them sit out for 20-30 minutes before enjoying. If your glaze has hardened, a gentle warm-up in a dry oven (under 200°F for a few minutes) can soften it without melting the shells.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Halloween Donut Macarons without cream of tartar?

    Yes, you can skip the cream of tartar if you don’t have any, but it helps stabilize the egg whites for better volume and texture. If you don’t use it, just be extra careful to whip your egg whites until stiff and shiny, and consider adding a pinch of lemon juice as an alternative.

  2. Why do my macarons crack during baking?

    Cracking usually happens if the macaron shells haven’t rested long enough before baking, or the oven temperature is too high. Make sure you let them form that dry skin for 30–45 minutes, and try an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is steady at 300°F.

  3. Can I substitute pumpkin butter with something else?

    Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, mascarpone blended with pumpkin puree, or even a spiced buttercream for a different twist. Just keep the filling thick enough that it doesn’t leak out when assembled.

  4. How long do Halloween Donut Macarons last?

    When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll last about 3 days. For best flavor, enjoy within 24 hours after assembling. You can freeze shells for longer storage and assemble fresh later.

Final Thoughts

This Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. I love how a few simple steps and ingredients become something whimsical and delicious—perfect for spooky season or anytime you want to impress without fuss. Once you get the hang of the technique, you’ll find yourself making these every fall (and maybe beyond!). So grab your mixer, get those colors ready, and have fun with it—you’re going to love the smiles these bring!

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Halloween Donut Macarons Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 25 donut macarons
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Halloween Donut Macarons are festive and fun treats featuring delicate almond macaron shells filled with creamy pumpkin butter, topped with colorful glazes and spooky sprinkles. Perfect for celebrating Halloween with a sweet twist on classic macarons.

Ingredients

Macaron Shells

  • 1 cup almond meal
  • 1.5 cups confectioners sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 egg whites at room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

Filling

  • ½ cup pumpkin butter

Glaze

  • ¾ cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • black food color
  • orange food color
  • purple food color
  • spooky sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the macaron batter: In a bowl, sift together almond meal and confectioners sugar three times to ensure a smooth macaron top. Separate the egg whites and let them come to room temperature for one hour before starting.
  2. Whip the egg whites: Beat the egg whites at high speed until foamy, add cream of tartar, then continue beating until stiff, shiny peaks form, gradually adding granulated sugar.
  3. Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold the almond meal and confectioners sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites in 2-3 additions until the batter is smooth and falls in a thick blob from the spatula without being runny.
  4. Pipe the macarons: Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a ½ inch round tip. Pipe small blobs about an inch wide onto a lined baking sheet or mat.
  5. Rest the macarons: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to form a skin before baking.
  6. Bake the shells: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the macarons for 20 minutes until set.
  7. Make the glaze: While macarons bake, mix confectioners sugar and water to make a glaze. Divide into four parts and color three parts with black, orange, and purple food coloring.
  8. Cool the macarons: Remove macarons from oven and allow to cool completely before handling.
  9. Assemble the donuts: Pipe a small dollop of pumpkin butter onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Take another shell shaped like a donut ring, brush the top with colored glaze, and decorate with spooky sprinkles.
  10. Finish decorating: Place the glazed “donut” top on the filled base to assemble the donut macaron. Decorate all macarons as desired.

Notes

  • Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for best volume and texture.
  • Sifting dry ingredients multiple times helps create smooth macaron tops.
  • Allowing the piped shells to rest before baking prevents cracking and helps form the classic macaron “feet.”
  • Be careful not to overmix or undermix the macaron batter to maintain proper consistency.
  • Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy removal of macarons after baking.
  • Let the macarons cool completely before filling and glazing to avoid melting the filling or glaze.
  • You can substitute pumpkin butter with another spiced fruit butter or jam for different flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut macaron
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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