Are you struggling to create those perfectly delicate, Instagram-worthy macarons? Tired of hollow shells and cracked tops? I completely understand! As the heart behind FoodyDish, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the art of making irresistible chocolate dipped macarons that not only look stunning but taste heavenly too.
These chocolate dipped macarons deliver a perfect balance of crisp shells, chewy centers, and rich chocolate coating that will transform your dessert game forever. The secret lies in my special technique that ensures perfect feet and smooth tops every time.
Having dedicated years to mastering French pastry techniques, I’ve distilled the process into foolproof steps that even beginners can follow. Throughout this guide, I’ll share all my tips for shell perfection, ganache filling, and that gorgeous chocolate dip that takes these treats to the next level.
Ready to create bakery-worthy chocolate dipped macarons? Let’s dive into everything from ingredient selection to decoration tricks, troubleshooting common problems, and even how to store them properly to maintain that perfect texture.
Why This Chocolate Dipped Macarons Recipe Works
- Uses simple pantry staples transformed into elegant treats
- Detailed technique ensures perfect macaron “feet” every time
- The chocolate dip adds both flavor complexity and visual appeal
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
- Impresses guests with minimal effort once you master the basics
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
Best Ingredients for Macarons
Almond flour is the foundation of perfect chocolate dipped macarons. Look for blanched, super-fine almond flour for the smoothest shells. Standard almond meal is too coarse and will result in bumpy macarons. Aged egg whites (separated and left in the refrigerator for 24 hours) provide better stability during the meringue-making process.
Chocolate Selection Tips
For the chocolate dip, choose high-quality couverture chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids. The higher cocoa content creates a more intense flavor and ensures the coating sets properly without becoming too soft at room temperature.
Substitutions and Alternatives
Can’t find almond flour? Hazelnut flour makes a wonderful alternative that pairs beautifully with chocolate. For dairy-free chocolate dipped macarons, select high-quality dark chocolate that doesn’t contain milk solids and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for ganache filling.
Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
Macaron Shell Essentials
- 100g aged egg whites (about 3 large eggs, separated and refrigerated for 24 hours)
- 50g granulated sugar
- 200g powdered sugar
- 110g almond flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 drops gel food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Ganache Filling
- 100g high-quality dark chocolate
- 100ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Dipping Coating
- 200g couverture chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like grapeseed)
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible gold dust for decoration (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
Pre-Cooking Prep for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together twice to remove any lumps.
- Bring egg whites to room temperature for 30 minutes before beginning.
- Prepare piping bags with round tips for shells and filling.
Making Perfect Macaron Shells for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add gel food coloring if desired, beating just until incorporated.
- Gently fold in the sifted almond flour/powdered sugar mixture using a spatula, about 50-65 strokes until the batter flows like lava.
- Transfer to a piping bag and pipe 1.5-inch circles onto prepared baking sheets.
- Tap sheets firmly against counter 3-4 times to remove air bubbles.
- Let shells rest for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin and aren’t sticky to touch.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15-17 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
Creating the Filling for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add butter and vanilla, stir until incorporated.
- Refrigerate ganache for 30-45 minutes until thick enough to pipe.
Assembling and Dipping Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Match macaron shells by size and pipe ganache onto flat sides of half the shells.
- Sandwich with matching shells and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt dipping chocolate with oil in a double boiler or microwave in 15-second intervals.
- Dip each assembled macaron halfway into the melted chocolate.
- Add decorations immediately if using, before chocolate sets.
- Place on parchment paper and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Dipped Macarons
Avoiding Common Macaron Pitfalls
- Always measure ingredients by weight, not volume, for consistent results.
- Undermixing leads to peaked shells; overmixing creates flat, cracked macarons.
- Ensure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.
- Never open the oven door during the first 10 minutes of baking.
Tool Recommendations for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer for proper meringue
- Silicone macaron mats with guides for uniform sizing
- Candy thermometer for chocolate tempering
Storage & Serving for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Store finished macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Unfilled shells can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Looking for more delicious treats and detailed baking guides? Check out my collection of dessert recipes on Pinterest where I share new inspiration weekly!
Flavor Variations for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
Elevated Flavor Combinations
- Add espresso powder to the ganache for mocha chocolate dipped macarons
- Incorporate orange zest into shells for chocolate-orange perfection
- Use peppermint extract in the ganache for holiday-themed treats
Special Diet Adaptations
- Use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) instead of egg whites for vegan shells
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free ganache
- Choose certified gluten-free ingredients (most macarons are naturally gluten-free)
Seasonal Inspirations
| Season | Flavor Combination | Decoration Idea | Shell Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Raspberry chocolate | Fresh berries | Light pink |
| Summer | Coconut chocolate | Toasted coconut | White |
| Fall | Salted caramel chocolate | Sea salt flakes | Caramel |
| Winter | Peppermint chocolate | Crushed candy canes | White with red stripes |
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Pair with espresso or cappuccino for an elegant afternoon treat
- Serve with champagne for special celebrations
- Create a dessert board with chocolate dipped macarons, fresh berries, and chocolate truffles
- Stack in a pyramid for an impressive centerpiece at parties

FAQs About Chocolate Dipped Macarons
Why do my macarons crack on top?
Your oven might be too hot or you didn’t let the shells rest long enough to form a skin before baking.
Can I make chocolate dipped macarons in advance for a party?
Absolutely! They actually taste better after “maturing” in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours as the flavors meld and the texture improves.
My chocolate coating isn’t setting properly. What went wrong?
You may need to add a bit more oil to thin the chocolate or ensure your macarons are completely cooled before dipping.
How can I get vibrant colors in my macaron shells?
Use gel food coloring rather than liquid, and add it to the meringue before folding in dry ingredients.
Conclusion
Creating irresistible chocolate dipped macarons might seem intimidating at first, but with practice and the right technique, you’ll be making these elegant treats like a professional pastry chef in no time. The combination of delicate almond shells, rich ganache filling, and decadent chocolate dip creates a treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to try making chocolate dipped macarons in your own kitchen! Remember that even if your first batch isn’t perfect, each attempt brings you closer to mastery. Be sure to share your creations with me by tagging @foodydish on social media!
Ready for more baking adventures? Try my other favorite dessert recipes and let’s continue creating sweet memories together. Happy baking!

How to Make Irresistible Chocolate Dipped Macarons
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate French macarons with crisp shells and chewy centers, filled with a smooth buttercream and dipped in rich melted chocolate for an elegant bakery-style treat.
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
3. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg whites until batter flows like lava.
4. Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Tap the tray on the counter to release air bubbles and let rest 30–40 minutes until tops are dry.
6. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–18 minutes, then cool completely.
7. Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth to make filling.
8. Sandwich macarons with buttercream filling.
9. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
10. Dip half of each macaron into melted chocolate and place on parchment to set.
Notes
Use gel food coloring if adding color to avoid thinning the batter.
Ensure bowls and beaters are completely clean for best meringue results.
Store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: chocolate dipped macarons, french macarons, almond flour cookies, elegant dessert
