Cookies and Cream Macaron Bats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These macarons deliver both elegance and whimsy. The macaron shells are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, flavored with vanilla and tinted black for a spooky twist. The filling is rich and creamy with crushed cookies folded into a smooth cream cheese frosting. Assembled into little bat shapes with wings and eyes, they’re sure to wow both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Macaron Shells

• 100 g (1 cup) almond flour
• 100 g (3/4 cup) powdered sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
• Black gel food coloring

Cookies and Cream Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 4 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed

Bat Assembly

• Chocolate sandwich cookies (for wings)
• Candy eyes

Directions

1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and black gel food coloring.
3. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue until the batter flows like thick lava.
4. Pipe circles of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tap the sheet to release air bubbles and let rest 30 minutes until a skin forms.
5. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–18 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.
6. For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until creamy. Mix in vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Fold in crushed cookies.
7. Pipe frosting onto half the macaron shells, then sandwich with the remaining shells.
8. Break chocolate sandwich cookies in half to create “bat wings.” Attach to sides of macarons with frosting.
9. Add candy eyes on top with a dab of frosting to complete the bats.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 assembled macaron bats. Preparation and assembly take 1 hour, with 30 minutes resting time and 15–18 minutes baking.

Variations

• Use purple, orange, or green food coloring instead of black for a playful Halloween look.
• Swap the cream cheese frosting for a chocolate ganache filling.
• Add extra crushed cookies for more crunch inside the filling.
• Decorate with edible glitter or Halloween sprinkles for added flair.
• Use mini macarons for bite-sized bat treats.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, let them rest in the fridge overnight before serving. They can also be frozen (unassembled) for up to 1 month. Allow to come to room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

Do I need to age the egg whites?

Yes, aging helps achieve stiff peaks and a stable meringue, which is key for macarons.

Why do my macaron shells crack?

Cracking usually happens if the batter isn’t rested long enough or if the oven temperature is too high.

Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes, but they won’t have the bat-like black appearance. The food coloring doesn’t affect flavor.

Can I use Oreo cookies for the filling and wings?

Yes, Oreo or any chocolate sandwich cookies work well.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.

Do I need a piping bag?

A piping bag makes shaping macarons easier, but a resealable bag with the corner snipped off can work in a pinch.

How long do macarons need to rest before baking?

At least 30 minutes, or until the surface is no longer sticky when touched.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and let it soften before piping.

Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze the shells separately and assemble with frosting and decorations after thawing.

Can I make these without candy eyes?

Sure, you can pipe eyes with white and black icing or use small white chocolate chips instead.

Conclusion

Cookies and Cream Macaron Bats are a delightful Halloween dessert that combines the elegance of macarons with festive creativity. With their creamy cookies-and-cream filling, crisp shells, and spooky bat decorations, these treats are both delicious and show-stopping. Perfect for parties or seasonal fun, they’ll be the highlight of any fall celebration.

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