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.
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.
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.
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!