Coconut Macaroons are delightful, chewy cookies made with shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. These treats are simple to make and are perfect for coconut lovers, making them a great addition to any dessert platter!

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the egg whites)
• 4 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate (optional, for drizzling or dipping)

Timing

Making Coconut Macaroons takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Mixture

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

1. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

1. Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop Mixture: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden brown on top.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the macaroons to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt the dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle or dip the cooled macaroons in the melted chocolate.

Step 7: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Enjoy the chewy texture and rich coconut flavor of these delicious macaroons!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Coconut Macaroons (per macaroon, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	100
Protein	1g
Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
• Dipping Options: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for dipping instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter treat.

Conclusion

Coconut Macaroons are a simple yet delicious treat that showcases the wonderful flavor of coconut. With their chewy texture and sweet taste, these macaroons are sure to be a favorite among family and friends! Enjoy this delightful recipe!