Easy and simple Coconut macaroon recipe
It wasn’t too long ago that I attempted French macarons, and for a long time, I have been wanting to try my hand at making their cousins, coconut macaroons. Whilst at first glance, macarons and macaroons look nothing alike, once you see the ingredients, it makes sense that they share a name. They both involve a meringue base, but with macaroons, you add desiccated coconut rather than ground almonds. That’s about it!
Happily, these macaroons are nowhere near as fussy to make as their French counterparts – there’s very little preparation involved, measures need not be exact, and the egg whites don’t need to be beaten to a precise stiff peak.
The best thing about them, for this theme at least, is that you don’t have to compromise on anything to make them nut, dairy, and gluten-free. They just are.
Coconut is one of my favorite things – it just reminds me of Summer. It’s such a wonderful flavor and a such robust ingredient that very little else is needed. And on a Summer day, macaroons make a delightful alternative to cakes, as they are so light and airy. You can enjoy these cookies with a Mango Lassi. The velvety yogurt and the delightful sweetness of mango perfectly harmonize with the coconut macaroons. Here is how to make chocolate coconut macaroons.
Coconut Macaroons
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 75 g caster sugar
- 175 g dessicated coconut
- A few drops of Vanilla essence
- A sprinkle of salt
- 40 g dark chocolate dairy free
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160oC. Grease a flat baking tray and line with baking parchment.
- Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until foamy, then add the caster sugar, vanilla essence and a dash of salt. Whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy, but not so that it is stiff.
- Tip in the desiccated coconut and fold in with a spoon until it is all combined.
- With wet hands (to stop the mixture sticking to them – otherwise you get into a real mess!) scoop up about half a handful of the mixture and mould into a small dome, then place onto the baking sheet. Continue until you have used up all the mixture – it should make about 8 macaroons.
- Bake for 15-20 mins, or until the macaroons are going golden-brown.
- Remove baking parchment, with macaroons attached, and place onto a wire rack to let the macaroons cool.
- Once cool, use a palette knife to carefully remove the macaroons from the parchment.
- Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of boiling water, then use a small spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the macaroons.
Notes
- Almond Flavor: Adding almond extract or chopped almonds can provide a nutty dimension to the macaroons.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest can infuse a refreshing citrusy aroma and taste.
- Fruit and Nut Mix-Ins: Dried fruits like cherries or cranberries, and raspberries, along with chopped nuts, can provide added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade coconut macaroons! These sweet, chewy treats are sure to delight you. Whether you’re savoring them with a cup of tea, gifting them during the holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these coconut macaroons are a delightful addition to any occasion.
Now that you’ve mastered this easy recipe, feel free to get creative by adding different flavor extracts (such as honey, ice cream, chocolate chip, oatmeal, pineapple, or sweetened condensed milk), or experimenting with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. I hope you enjoy it!
What are coconut macaroons?
Since nearly all of the recipes I post are gluten-free, I thought I should test myself a bit and come up with a bake also suitable for people with nut allergies and lactose intolerance, so I turned to one of my favorite treats: Coconut Macaroons.
A coconut macaroon is a sweet, chewy confection made primarily from shredded coconut, sugar, and egg whites. It is a popular dessert or snack item that is often baked until the exterior turns golden brown, creating a crispy and slightly caramelized outer layer while the filling inside remains soft and moist.
These delectable treats hold a special place in the hearts of many. They’re not just your run-of-the-mill sweets; they’re beloved classics, especially during festive occasions like Passover and Christmas. However, their appeal extends far beyond the holiday season. Coconut enthusiasts can enjoy these delectable morsels year-round.
