Spiced Chai Macarons

Ingredients

• Milk (1-2 tablespoons)
• Chai spice blend (1 teaspoon)
• Powdered sugar (1 cup)
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Egg whites (3 large)
• Chai spice blend (1 tablespoon)
• Powdered sugar (1 3/4 cups)
• Almond flour (1 cup)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and chai spice blend. Process until fine and sift into a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the almond flour mixture until just combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until they form a skin.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the macarons are set. Let cool completely.
8. To make the filling, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and chai spice blend, beating until light and fluffy. Beat in the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency.
9. Spread the filling onto half of the macarons, then top with the remaining macarons to form sandwiches.