Traditional Coconut Macaroons

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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These Traditional Coconut Macaroons are a delightful treat that marries chewy coconut with a hint of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion, they bring a taste of tropical sweetness to your table, and are wonderfully simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Traditional Coconut Macaroons

Sweetened shredded coconut is the star of the show, providing texture and natural sweetness. The sweetened condensed milk binds everything together while adding richness. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the coconut flavor, giving it depth and warmth. The egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks, adding lightness and helping the macaroons hold their shape. Finally, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for easier whipping.
  • Use a silicone spatula for gentle folding to keep the egg whites airy.
  • If the macaroons spread too much, try chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These macaroons are delightful on their own, but for a special touch, drizzle with dark chocolate. Serve alongside a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing contrast or pair with a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but you might want to add a bit more sweetened condensed milk to balance the sweetness.
How long do these macaroons keep?
Stored in an airtight container, they'll stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze these macaroons?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They should last up to three months.

Traditional Coconut Macaroons Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, get your oven preheated to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent the macaroons from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, mix the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until they're well combined. You should see a sticky, cohesive mixture.

Next, grab another bowl for the egg whites. Add the egg whites and salt, then whisk them until stiff peaks form; this means the mixture should stand up firmly when you lift the whisk out. Now comes the delicate part: gently fold the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture. You want to maintain as much of that fluffy air as possible, so fold until just combined.

With everything mixed, it's time to shape your macaroons. Use a tablespoon to drop mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for slight spreading. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and set.

Once out of the oven, let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This will help them firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it, a batch of irresistibly tasty coconut macaroons!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Only five simple ingredients.
  • Quick to prepare and bake.
  • Perfectly chewy with a crisp exterior.
  • Gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until well mixed.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture until just combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden brown and set.
7. Allow the macaroons to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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