Gluten-Free Hazelnut Macarons

Ingredients:

For the Macaron Shells:

1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup hazelnut flour (finely ground hazelnuts)
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

1/2 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prep and Preheat:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Macaron Batter:

In a food processor, pulse the powdered sugar and hazelnut flour together until well combined and finely ground.

Whip the Egg Whites:

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy.

Add Sugar and Beat:

Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip the egg whites. Whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Fold in the Dry Ingredients:

Gently fold the hazelnut flour and powdered sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Pipe the Macarons:

Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Pipe small rounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Rest and Form a Skin:

Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow a thin skin to form on the surface.
 This helps create the characteristic macaron shell.

Bake:

Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are set and firm. They should not brown.

Cool and Assemble:

Remove the baked macarons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Fill and Garnish:

Spread a small amount of hazelnut spread on the flat side of one macaron shell.

Sandwich another shell on top to create the macaron.
If desired, roll the edges of the filled macarons in chopped hazelnuts for added flavor and decoration.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these delicious Gluten-Free Hazelnut Macarons as a delightful treat. They're perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence.

Enjoy these delicate and flavorful Gluten-Free Hazelnut Macarons that combine the nuttiness of hazelnuts with a smooth, sweet filling. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your own sweet cravings.