| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 17g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 3g | 3g | 0.10g |
Looking back into my younger years in Charleston, South Carolina, food has always been at the heart of family gatherings and festive celebrations. One delightful dessert that never fails to sweeten our smiles is our beloved Coconut Macaroons. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart for its simplicity, richness, and the joy it brings to our table.
The Magic of Macaroons
Coconut Macaroons are a delightful treat, reminiscent of the classic French macarons with a Southern twist. Our recipe, laced with pure vanilla and almond extracts, adds a homey charm that suits any occasion. And let’s not forget the main star—the shredded coconut—which provides an exciting contrast of textures that always leaves me craving for more.
Now, if you think these Coconut Macaroons are just another sugary indulgence, here’s some surprising news: they are actually filled with health benefits. For one, coconuts are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion. Plus, coconut is one of the few foods that fall into the category of “superfoods”, which are known for their high nutritional contents. There is also a good amount of protein from the egg whites and antioxidants from the optional dark chocolate. Undoubtedly, this dessert is a sweet surrender that your body will thank you for.
Harmonizing Dishes
This Coconut Macaroons recipe is a versatile dessert that works well with a plethora of dishes. However, it particularly shines when paired with lighter, milder dishes due to its rich, sweet, and tropical flavor profile. For instance, it can be a delightful finishing touch following a meal of my classic Southern Shrimp and Grits or Fried Green Tomatoes. The balance between salty-savory dishes and these sweet macaroons creates a harmonious dining experience like no other.
I also love serving these macaroons with a pot of freshly brewed tea, be it for a sophisticated afternoon tea party or a casual teatime at home. Whether you dip them into the hot beverage or enjoy them on their own, these macaroons promise a satisfying blend of sweetness, crunchiness, and a hint of savory goodness.
In this health-benefiting and heart-warming dessert, the Coconut Macaroons recipe truly stands out. It is a testament to how cooking isn’t just about the food itself, but also about the memories and love that go into each recipe. Give it a try – I’m confident that it will bring a touch of sunshine to your own kitchen and tables, just as it did to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract
- 3 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chopped dried fruit (like cherries, apricots, or dates)
- 6 ounces of dark chocolate, melted (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and then line two baking sheets with parchment paper for later use.
Step Two
Next, in a large heat-proof bowl, combine 4 large egg whites, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract. Stir all these ingredients until they’re well-mixed.
Step Three
Then, set your heat-proof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water to create a double boiler. You’ll want to stir consistently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture looks glossy. This typically takes around 4-5 minutes.
Step Four
Once done, remove your bowl from heat and then mix in 3 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of your chosen chopped dried fruit. Stir well until everything is well-coated with the egg white mixture.
Step Five
Distribute heaping tablespoons of this mixture onto your lined baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each macaroon.
Step Six
Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes.
Step Seven
If you prefer your macaroons chocolate-dipped, melt 6 ounces of dark chocolate. Then, dip the bottoms of your cooled macaroons into the melted chocolate. Place them back onto the parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Step Eight
Once the chocolate is solid, your coconut macaroons are ready to serve! Enjoy responsibly, as these sweet little treats are highly addictive.
