Description
These Coconut Macaroons are delightfully chewy and sweet with a golden crust. Made with shredded coconut, sugar, and egg whites, they are perfect for a simple yet indulgent treat. Optionally dipped in melted semi-sweet chocolate, these macaroons satisfy any sweet tooth and are perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Optional Topping
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare it for baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy but not stiff. Then add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, mixing gently to combine.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the egg white mixture into the coconut mixture, stirring until the mixture is evenly combined and sticky enough to hold shape.
- Form Macaroons: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow room for baking expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the macaroons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Chocolate Dip: If desired, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Dip the bottom of each cooled macaroon into the chocolate and place them back on parchment paper to let the chocolate set.
Notes
- Make sure not to whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, just frothy, to ensure the right texture.
- Spacing the macaroons properly helps them bake evenly and prevents sticking together.
- For a more intense coconut flavor, use unsweetened shredded coconut and adjust sugar to taste.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely complementary flavor.
- Chocolate dipping is optional but adds a delicious contrast to the sweet coconut.
