Step 1

Sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder into a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy, then add in the cream of tartar.

Step 3

Turn the mixer up to medium-high and gradually add in the granulated sugar (make sure to add the sugar in very slowly so that the meringue doesn’t deflate).

Step 4

Once all the sugar is added, turn the mixer to the highest setting and whisk until stiff peaks form.

Step 5

Using a spatula, gently fold in half of the dry ingredient mixture until fully combined. Then gently fold in the remaining dry ingredients. Continue to gently fold the batter until it reaches a “flowing lava” consistency. You should be able to make a “figure 8” with the batter before it breaks. As soon as you reach this consistency, stop mixing! If you over-mix the batter, the macarons won’t rise properly in the oven.

Step 6

Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

Step 7

Scoop batter into a large piping bag fitted with a round tip. Hold the piping bag perpendicular to the silicone mat and pipe 1 inch rounds.

Step 8

Pick up the baking sheet and drop it onto the counter 3-4 times to help bring any air bubbles to the surface of the macarons. Then use a toothpick to pop any visible air bubbles to make a smooth surface.

Step 9

Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes or until a skin forms on the surface. You should be able to lightly touch the surface without any batter being disturbed.

Step 10

While the macarons are resting, preheat the oven to 300°F.

Step 11

Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack of the oven for 13-15 minutes or when they do not move on their “feet” when touched.

Step 12

Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. They should easily peel off when fully cooled.

Step 13

In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the butter until smooth then add in the Nutella and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 14

Add in the powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time until fully combined and smooth.

Step 15

Add in milk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 16

Match up your shells before piping, and then turn one side over. Fill the center with the Nutella buttercream, leaving a bit of room around the sides. Add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts over the buttercream.

Step 17

Top each macaron and then drizzle with melted dark chocolate and chopped hazelnuts if desired.

Step 18

Put the assembled chocolate hazelnut macarons in an airtight container, then place them in the fridge to mature for 12-24 hours. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, for the best taste/texture, let them come up to room temperature for about an hour before eating! [Directly out of the fridge they can sometimes be super hard but at room temperature they're perfectly soft and tender!]