Name: Pistachio Five Spice Macaroons Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup pistachios; 2 tbsp honey; 3 tbsp coconut sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp five spice powder; Pinch of salt; ¼ cup coconut butter; 1 ½ cup desiccated coconut; ¼ cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you are searching for a delightful twist on your usual sweet treats, this Pistachio Five Spice Macaroons Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the warm complexity of five spice, these macaroons offer a chewy texture and a subtle sweetness that’s perfectly balanced. Whether you’re craving an indulgent snack or a unique dessert to impress guests, this recipe brings a fresh spin to the classic macaroon with naturally wholesome ingredients and a luscious finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a metal bowl filled with a coarse mixture of light brown and green ingredients with a grainy texture. A metal spoon is partially buried in the mixture, with its handle extending toward the foreground, slightly blurred. The bowl is resting on a surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential to achieving the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and color in your macaroons. Every component plays its part, from the nutty crunch of pistachios to the complex aroma of five spice, making this recipe as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.

1 cup pistachios: Ground finely, these provide the base texture and vibrant green hue.
2 tbsp honey: Adds moistness and subtle natural sweetness.
3 tbsp coconut sugar: Gives a rich caramel touch without overpowering the spices.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the overall aroma and depth of flavor.
1 tbsp five spice: Delivers a warming, aromatic punch that makes these macaroons unique.
Pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
¼ cup coconut butter: Provides creamy richness and binds the ingredients together.
1 ½ cup desiccated coconut: Adds chewiness and a tropical note to the texture.
¼ cup water: Helps bring the mixture together for easy shaping.

How to Make Pistachio Five Spice Macaroons Recipe

Step 1: Grind the Pistachios

Start by grinding the pistachios in a food processor until they form a fine meal. This ensures a smooth yet textured base, which will hold the macaroons together beautifully while delivering that nutty essence in every bite.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients Except Coconut and Water

Next, add the honey, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, five spice, pinch of salt, and coconut butter to the ground pistachios. Run the food processor again to combine everything into a fragrant, sticky mixture that carries the wonderful hint of spice.

Step 3: Incorporate Desiccated Coconut and Water

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, then add the desiccated coconut and water. Mix these by hand until the mixture becomes cohesive but still retains some texture from the coconut. This step is key to achieving the chewy middle and slightly crunchy outside everyone loves in a good macaroon.

Step 4: Shape the Macaroons

Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, form the mixture into small, evenly sized mounds. Uniform shapes ensure they dry evenly and look as beautiful as they taste.

Step 5: Dehydrate at Low Heat

Place the shaped macaroons on a dehydrator tray and dry them at 115 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 hours. This slow dehydration will leave the centers soft and chewy while creating a subtly crisp outer shell—that amazing contrast is what makes these macaroons so irresistible.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Dip

For an indulgent finish, gently melt a small bar of your favorite chocolate and dip the bases of the macaroons. This adds an extra layer of richness and a hint of decadence that perfectly complements the five spice notes.

How to Serve Pistachio Five Spice Macaroons Recipe

The image shows a white tray holding eight round dessert bites arranged in two neat rows. Each bite consists of two layers: the bottom layer is an uneven, slightly shiny, dark brown chocolate base with a soft texture, and the top layer is a rough-textured, round mound covered in crushed green pistachios giving it a crunchy look. One bite at the front right is cut to reveal a crumbly, moist inside with specks of green and brown, matching the outer texture. They are on a white marbled surface with a soft light giving the scene a clean and fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a light dusting of powdered coconut sugar to the tops of your macaroons. These garnishes not only enhance appearance but also reinforce the nutty flavor and the natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

These macaroons pair beautifully with a cup of fragrant green tea or a creamy chai latte. Their subtle spicy notes echo the warm tones in these beverages, creating a harmonious dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, arrange the macaroons on a wooden platter interspersed with fresh edible flowers or sprigs of mint. You can also serve them alongside a small bowl of honey or coconut cream for dipping, turning a simple treat into a delightful occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and retains their perfect chewy texture without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place the macaroons in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and thaw beautifully when brought back to room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back their original chewiness after chilling or freezing, let the macaroons sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid reheating with heat or microwave as this may alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pistachios for other nuts?

Absolutely! While pistachios add a unique flavor and vibrant color, almonds or cashews can be used if preferred. Just note that the taste and texture will vary slightly, but the recipe remains delicious.

What is five spice, and is it spicy?

Five spice is a Chinese spice blend typically made from star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. It’s aromatic with a warm, sweet-spicy flavor but is not very hot or chili spicy.

Do I have to dehydrate the macaroons or can I bake them?

Dehydrating at a low temperature helps achieve the chewy interior with a delicate crust. Baking is possible but may make them drier and alter the texture, so dehydrating is recommended for the best result.

Can these macaroons be made vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing sweetness or moisture.

Are these macaroons gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe naturally contains no gluten ingredients, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten while still enjoying a flavorful treat.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade Pistachio Five Spice Macaroons Recipe with friends and family. The balance of rich pistachios, fragrant spices, and chewy texture makes every bite a joy. Give this recipe a try and watch these macaroons become your new favorite go-to dessert or snack – they are truly unforgettable in the best possible way!

Pistachio Five Spice Macaroons Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need