Classic Coconut Macaroons Easy Chewy Perfection
Recipe Introduction: Coconut Macaroons, Mate!
Fancy a bit of sunshine on a cloudy day? Then these coconut macaroons are definitely your cup of tea. Honestly, is there anything better than a chewy, sweet shredded coconut dessert ? They're like a mini holiday, straight from your oven.
A Cracking Classic
These little beauties aren't some newfangled invention, you know. Coconut macaroons have been around for ages! They're simple treats, often enjoyed across various cultures as an easy way to use up coconut.
We're talking dead easy to whip up think 30- 35 minutes max. This recipe makes about 18-24 of these bad boys, so plenty to share or, well, not share.
Why These Coconut Macaroons Are The Bee's Knees
One of the best things? They're naturally gluten-free macaroons ! So, everyone can get in on the fun. They are absolutely perfect for a little afternoon treat with a brew, or to impress your mates at a picnic.
But what really makes these special is their incredibly chewy texture and that intense coconut flavour.
Now, let's get down to brass tacks and see what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Coconut Macaroons
Fancy whipping up some delightful chewy coconut cookies ? Let’s get the ingredients sorted. Honestly, it's easier than putting the kettle on! Here’s what you need for these simple coconut treats .
Main Ingredients for these easy macaroon recipes
Here’s a look at exactly what goes into these coconut macaroon recipe easy .
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14 ounces ( 397g ). This is key ! Don’t skimp.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). Real vanilla is best, but any'll do.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ). A pinch enhances sweetness.
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut: 14 ounces ( 397g ), finely shredded (about 5 1/2 cups ). The finer the better, trust me.
The star, of course, is the shredded coconut dessert . It's gotta be good quality. Look for coconut that smells fresh and isn’t too dry.
You know, the kind that makes you think of tropical beaches. Think of this as the base for your baking with coconut .
Seasoning Notes for perfect macaroons with chocolate drizzle
Time to dial up the flavor with these coconut macaroon variations .
- Essential spice combinations: Vanilla works wonders solo. But a tiny pinch of almond extract? Oh my gosh, chef's kiss .
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: A sprinkle of sea salt on top just makes them. It is like magic.
- Quick substitution options: No vanilla? A drop of maple syrup works alright, for a slightly different vibe.
You could melt some chocolate, but that's optional of course, and makes them look fancy. I like to use dark chocolate, to cut through the sweetness and drizzle over.
Equipment Needed for baking simple coconut macaroons
Right, tools of the trade for this easy macaroon recipe .
- Large mixing bowl: Anything will do.
- Baking sheets: Essential!
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Stops sticking. Nobody likes a stuck macaroon.
- Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform size): Makes them look professional, like proper condensed milk cookies
- Double boiler or microwave safe bowl (for melting chocolate): Only if you're being fancy.
- Whisk or fork: For mixing it all together.
Honestly, you don’t need fancy kit. Just the basics will give you tasty gluten-free macaroons . A baking tray and some elbow grease will do the trick.
This is all you need to create your simple coconut treats .
Cracking Coconut Macaroons: A Doddle to Bake!
Fancy a taste of sunshine? These chewy coconut cookies , or as I like to call them, "beach day biscuits," are dead easy to make.
Honestly, even if you can barely boil an egg, you can nail this easy macaroon recipe .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place: Grab your shredded coconut (the finer the better, trust me), sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Time saving organization tips: Line your baking sheets before you start mixing. It's a lifesaver.
- Safety reminders: Remember to always use oven gloves when handling hot baking sheets. Nobody wants burnt fingers!
step-by-step: Baking Bliss
- Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 160° C) . Get those baking sheets ready!
- Mix the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Simple as that!
- Chuck in your shredded coconut. Mix it until everything is well combined and properly sticky.
- Scoop mounds of mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. I use a cookie scoop for neatness, but a spoon works too.
- Bake for 18- 22 minutes . The edges should be a lovely golden brown.
- Cool them on the sheets for a bit before moving them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Macaroons
- If you're feeling fancy, drizzle with melted chocolate. Dark chocolate is my fave, and a sprinkle of sea salt elevates it. I love macaroons with chocolate drizzle .
- Common mistakes to avoid: Overbaking! Watch them like a hawk. Dry macaroons are a sad sight.
- Coconut macaroon variations : for an amazing flavour add a little almond extract instead of vanilla!
These simple coconut treats are perfect with a cuppa. So go on, have a go at baking some gluten-free macaroons . You know you want to!
Alright, let’s get cracking! Coconut macaroons , eh? A proper classic, a bit of seaside fun in a biscuit. Think sunny days and a cuppa! They're also super easy to whip up.
Let's talk about making them the best they can be.
Recipe Notes for Your Best Coconut Macaroons
Right, so you've got the recipe for these absolutely banging coconut macaroons . Now, let's chat about making them your own and keeping them spot on .
Honestly, it’s all about the little things.
Serving 'Em Up Right
Fancy a bit of flair? For presentation, a dusting of icing sugar looks dead classy. Or, you know, go wild with a chocolate drizzle.
A nice cuppa is essential. Earl Grey, maybe? A glass of cold milk works too. These simple coconut treats are great after a roast dinner.
Storing Your Goodies
If you've not scoffed them all straight away, fair play. Pop these chewy coconut cookies in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days.
Freezing? Yeah, you can. Wrap them well. Thaw them at room temperature before devouring. Reheating isn't really needed, they're fab cold.
Mixing Things Up
Want to get creative? Loads of coconut macaroon variations exist! Try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the mix.
For a nutty twist, a dash of almond extract does the trick. Need a gluten-free macaroons option? You're in luck! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, so each coconut macaroon is roughly 150-180 calories. They've got about 8-10g of fat and 18-22g of carbs. Of course, that nutritional information is just an estimate.
These are condensed milk cookies , so they're sweet. But hey, a little treat now and then never hurt anyone, right?
So, there you have it! Everything you need to bake up a storm and enjoy these easy macaroon recipe . Don't be scared to experiment and make them your own! Happy baking! You will nail this shredded coconut dessert thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my coconut macaroons dry and crumbly? I wanted that chewy texture!
Oh dear, a dry macaroon is a sad macaroon! This usually happens when they're overbaked. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, and take them out when the edges are golden brown, even if the centres still seem a bit soft they'll firm up as they cool.
Also, make sure you're using sweetened condensed milk; it's the glue that holds everything together and contributes to the chewiness.
Can I make coconut macaroons ahead of time, or do they need to be fresh out of the oven?
Good news, you can definitely make them ahead! Coconut macaroons actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month just thaw them completely before serving.
I'm not a huge fan of overly sweet treats. Can I reduce the sweetness in these coconut macaroons?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sweetness by using unsweetened shredded coconut. Since the recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk, you might want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup (start with 2-3 tablespoons) to compensate for the lost sweetness and ensure the macaroons hold together.
Taste the batter before baking and adjust to your liking it's your bake off, after all!
What's the best way to store coconut macaroons so they stay chewy and delicious?
The key is an airtight container! This prevents them from drying out. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Don't put them in the fridge, as that can actually make them drier. If you've drizzled them with chocolate, make sure the chocolate is fully set before storing them to avoid a sticky situation.
Can I add chocolate to my coconut macaroons? That sounds absolutely scrumptious!
Oh, go on then, treat yourself! Adding chocolate is a fantastic idea. You can either mix chocolate chips directly into the coconut mixture before baking or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled macaroons.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness it's a bit posh, but worth it! You could even dip the bottoms in chocolate for a more decadent treat.
This recipe looks great, but is it naturally gluten-free? My friend is coeliac and I would love to bake them these coconut macaroons.
Yes, indeed it is. This recipe should be perfectly suitable for your friend as it's naturally gluten-free, but you should always double check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they haven't been processed in a factory that also handles gluten containing products.
A lot of coconut macaroons don't contain any flour, so they're a naturally gluten-free treat!
Classic Coconut Macaroons Easy Chewy Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 165 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
