Death Star Black Sesame and Chocolate Macarons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Elegant black macarons filled with a rich dark chocolate ganache, inspired by the iconic Death Star sphere. This french-inspired pizza ready in about 78 minutes pairs powdered sugar, almond flour, large egg whites for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 60 min Cook: 18 min Serves 12 French cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sift together 1 cup powdered sugar, 3/4 cup almond flour, and 1 tablespoon black sesame powder into a bowl to remove lumps.
  2. Step 2: In a clean mixing bowl, beat 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy, then gradually add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg whites in three additions, mixing carefully until the batter flows slowly off the spatula in ribbons.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe 1.5-inch circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets, tapping the sheets gently to release air bubbles.
  5. Step 5: Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until a skin forms and they are no longer sticky to touch.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 300°F and bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes until set and easily lifted off parchment; cool completely.
  7. Step 7: For the ganache, heat 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over 4 ounces chopped dark chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter until glossy; cool until thickened but spreadable.
  9. Step 9: Sandwich pairs of macaron shells with a teaspoon of ganache, pressing gently to spread evenly.
  10. Step 10: Refrigerate assembled macarons for at least 1 hour before serving to meld flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Death Star Black Sesame and Chocolate Macarons take to make?

Total time is about 78 minutes (60 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Death Star Black Sesame and Chocolate Macarons?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep powdered sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Death Star Black Sesame and Chocolate Macarons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Death Star Black Sesame and Chocolate Macarons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Death Star Black Sesame and Chocolate Macarons?

French pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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