Pumpkin Macarons

These Pumpkin Macarons are my fall favorite — crisp, chewy, and filled with a silky pumpkin spice buttercream that tastes just like autumn.These pumpkin macarons are beautiful for Thanksgiving dessert tables or edible gifts.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from making hundreds of macarons, it’s that these delicate little cookies keep you humble — and hooked! There were so many batches that didn’t make the cut (literally cracked, hollow, or lopsided, lol), but every failure taught me something new. After a lot of experimenting, perfecting macarons with pumpkin flavor finally became a treat with smooth tops, chewy centers, and those perfect little feet we macaron lovers dream about.

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So grab your sifter, a little patience, and let’s mix it up — because these RIDIC-ULICIOUS pumpkin-flavored macarons are worth every minute!

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🧡 Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells

• 100 g egg whites (about 3 large eggs)
• 1 ½ cups (140 g) almond flour
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (90 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Orange gel food coloring (optional)

For the Pumpkin Spice Buttercream

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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🍂 Instructions For Pumpkin Macarons

Step 1: Age the Egg Whites

This step isn’t mandatory, but I find it’s one of those little insurances that really helps when making pumpkin macarons! Separate your egg whites and place them, uncovered, in the fridge for about 24 hours before baking. Aging helps release some moisture, leading to stronger meringue and smoother shells.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Place the almond flour and powdered sugar into a food processor and pulse a few times. Then sift the mixture twice. Not all almond flour is “super fine,” so this double-sifting step really helps ensure smooth, bump-free macaron tops essential for good pumpkin macarons.

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Step 3: Make the Meringue

In a clean mixing bowl, beat your egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, then gradually add the granulated sugar a little at a time. Keep beating until your meringue is stiff and glossy — when you lift the whisk, it should hold a firm peak that doesn’t flop over. Add vanilla and a touch of orange food coloring if desired.

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Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Add about one-third of the almond flour mixture into the meringue. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold by scraping around the sides of the bowl, then cutting through the center — this helps preserve the air while incorporating the dry ingredients crucial for pumpkin macarons. Repeat two more times, folding in the next two thirds gradually.

You’ll know it’s ready when the batter flows like lava. Try making a figure 8 with the spatula — if the ribbon doesn’t break, stop folding immediately. (Overmixing will make the shells flat and lose their feet.)

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Step 5: Pipe and Rest The Macarons

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe uniform circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets — try to keep them consistent in size. I use this macaron baking mat template.

Tap the baking sheets firmly a few times on the counter to release any air bubbles. Then let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30–40 minutes, or until a thin “skin” forms on top. You should be able to lightly touch them without any batter sticking to your finger.
This step is important — it helps the macarons rise properly and form those signature feet instead of cracking on top. Depending on your home’s humidity, resting time can vary, so don’t rush it.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they no longer wobble when lightly touched.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before gently removing. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 7: Make the Pumpkin Buttercream

Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, pumpkin purée, spices, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip until smooth and creamy, perfect for our pumpkin macarons.

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Step 8: Assemble The Macarons

Once shells are completely cooled, pipe the pumpkin spice buttercream onto half of them, then sandwich with the remaining shells. Refrigerate the assembled pumpkin macarons for 24 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture set.

Decorate with tiny fondant or royal icing fall leaves for that cozy seasonal touch!

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💡 Notes

• Storage: Store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Humidity matters: If your kitchen is humid, let the shells dry a little longer before baking.
• Smooth shells: Pulse and sift — it really makes a difference in how your tops look!

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🍁 FAQ

Why do my macarons crack on top?

They probably didn’t rest long enough, or there’s too much air in the batter. Make sure to tap the trays well and allow that skin to form before baking.

Can I skip aging the egg whites?

You can but aging them helps reduce moisture and strengthens your meringue — just one of those little steps that makes a big difference!

How do I know when they’re baked?

They should lift easily off the parchment and not wobble when touched.

🎃 Let’s Talk Pumpkin

Pumpkin season is truly one of my favorites! There’s just something about that warm, earthy flavor and cozy spice that makes every recipe feel like home. From pies and muffins to creamy soups and coffee drinks, pumpkin brings out the best of fall in every bite.

In these pumpkin macarons, that same comforting flavor shines through the delicate shells and velvety pumpkin spice buttercream. It’s the perfect little dessert to bridge elegance with comfort — crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with a whisper of autumn in every bite.

Beyond these macarons, there are so many ways to celebrate pumpkin season in your kitchen. Here are some of my other ridic-ulicious pumpkin recipes from The Recipe Bowl that you’ll want to bake next:

🍂 More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

• 🥞 Pumpkin French Toast Casserole — An overnight breakfast bake bursting with pumpkin flavor and warm spices. Perfect for cozy weekend mornings or holiday brunch.
  Alt text suggestion: “Pumpkin French toast casserole topped with pecans and powdered sugar.”
• 🍪 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies — Soft, chewy, and ready in under 30 minutes. These cookies are packed with chocolate chips and pure pumpkin goodness.
  Alt text suggestion: “Stack of soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with melted chocolate chips.”
• 🎃 Pumpkin Whoopie Pies — Fluffy pumpkin cakes sandwiched with a tangy cream cheese filling — a fall favorite that never lasts long in our house!
  Alt text suggestion: “Pumpkin whoopie pies filled with cream cheese frosting on cooling rack.”
• 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Tarts — Mini versions of classic pumpkin pie with buttery crusts and perfectly spiced filling. Great for parties or gifting.
  Alt text suggestion: “Mini pumpkin pie tarts with dollops of whipped cream.”
• 🍰 Pumpkin Pie with Cream Cheese Swirl — The timeless classic made simple. Silky smooth, perfectly spiced, and ideal for Thanksgiving dessert tables.
  Alt text suggestion: “Slice of homemade pumpkin pie with whipped cream swirl.”

Each one captures the same cozy, comforting essence that makes fall baking so special. Whether you start with these pumpkin macarons or end with a warm slice of pie, pumpkin season is the perfect time to slow down, bake something delicious, and make sweet memories in your kitchen.

FOODIE & GRILLER APPAREL

🍴 Reader Favorites

If you loved these Pumpkin Macarons, you’re going to adore some of my other cozy, comfort-food recipes that readers keep coming back to again and again! Each one has that homemade touch — simple ingredients, full of flavor, and always ridic-ulicious.

Here are a few reader favorites to explore next from The Recipe Bowl:

• 🥣 Easy Homemade Chili Recipe — A hearty, flavor-packed chili that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for game days or chilly nights.
  
• 🥔 Old Fashion Apple Crisp — Warm, buttery apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble — a true taste of fall comfort.
  
• 🍞 Homemade Stuffing Balls — A fun twist on traditional stuffing, baked into golden, crispy portions perfect for holiday tables.
  
• 🧀 Cheesy One-Pot Goulash — Quick, cheesy, and so satisfying — a family favorite that’s ready in under an hour.
  
• 🍔 Cheeseburger Pita Pockets — Juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings tucked inside warm pita bread.
  

No matter which recipe you try next, each one is tested, loved, and made to bring a little joy to your kitchen. Don’t forget to tag @nettiesrecipebowl if you make one — I love seeing your delicious recreations!