Chocolate Orange Macarons

These Chocolate Orange Macarons are a delightful way to indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange. These delicate French pastries make the ideal sweet treat any time of year, or they're great for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• Orange food coloring optional
• For the chocolate ganache filling:
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 300F 150C and line two baking sheets with parchment paper

In a food processor, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder

Pulse until well combined and set aside

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they start to foam

Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form

Add the orange extract and a few drops of orange food coloring if desired to the egg white mixture and gently fold them in until evenly distributed

Carefully fold the almond flour mixture into the egg white mixture in three parts until you have a smooth, glossy batter

Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart

Tap the baking sheets on the counter to remove air bubbles and let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes until they form a skin on top

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the macarons are set and easily lift off the parchment paper

Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets

While the macarons are cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to boil

Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute

Stir until smooth and add orange zest and butter, mixing until well combined

Once the macarons are completely cool, match them up in pairs of similar size

Pipe a small amount of chocolate ganache onto the flat side of one macaron and sandwich it with another

Repeat with all the macarons

Place the filled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld

Bring to room temperature before serving

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Macarons!