Churro Macarons

FOR THE MACARON:

Prepare circle templates (1 1/2 inch circle, 1/2 inch apart) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, placing template under parchment.

In a food processor, pulse 1/3 of the powdered sugar and all the almond flour to form a fine powder. Then sift sugar mixture 2 times. Sift remaining powdered sugar 2 times also. In a large bowl combine almond flour mixture, remaining powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Add egg whites to stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment. Whisk whites on medium speed until foamy. Then gradually add the granulated sugar. Once all sugar is added, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase mixer speed to high and whisking until stiff, firm, glossy peaks form.

Next sift the powdered sugar mixture 1/3 at a time over the egg white mixture and carefully fold using a large silicone spatula until mixture is smooth and shiny. Repeat process for the remaining 2/3 of the powdered sugar mixture.

Place the macaron mixture into a piping bag with a round tip ( I used Ateco # 804). With piping tip 1/2 inch above the template , pipe 1 1/2 inch circles onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Once finished gently tap baking sheet on your work surface to release and air bubbles and help form the “feet” of the macarons.

Let macarons stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. (Go read a book or surf the web.)
During this time, preheat oven to 375°F. Macarons will be ready to bake when they no longer stick to your finger when lightly touched. (Do not forget to remove the template paper before baking.)

When ready, bake the macarons at 375°F for 10-13 minutes (Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn). Rotate baking sheets halfway through to promote consistent baking. Macarons will be ready when they are crisp and firm.

Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Then carefully remove the macarons from parchment paper and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

FOR THE TOPPING:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to a thin spreadable consistency.
Brush the tops of each macaron with a light coat of glaze and sprinkle with about an 1/8 teaspoon or less of cinnamon sugar each. Set aside and let the glaze dry.

FOR THE FILLING:

In a stand mixer, beat the butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and salt and mix until well combined. Then add 1/4 cup dulce de leche and mix until fully incorporated. Place the mixture in a piping bag or Ziplock bag with the tip cut off.

Using the remaining dulce de leche, spread on thin layer (about a teaspoon or less) on half the macarons. Then over that, pipe on a bit of the dulce de leche buttercream.

Place the remaining macarons over the filled ones and carefully sandwich together.
Place macarons in the fridge and wait 24 hours before eating. (I know it’s torture, but you can go lick the bowl of buttercream instead.)

Notes:

Macarons can be kept sealed in an airtight container up to 1 week in the fridge.
McCormicks does sell a premade cinnamon sugar mix, but if you want to make your own, you can find my recipe here.
For the dulce de leche, I used Gaucho Ranch brand that I found at World Market. I like it because it is thick.

Macaron recipe adapted from Sur La Table Mango Macarons
Dulce de Leche Buttercream Frosting by Cupcake Project