May 31, 2012 - National Macaroon Day

Two of my favorite candy bars is Mounds and Almond Joy, so of course I also love macaroons.  They are a super simple cookie to make.  I’m sharing them with you today since today is National Macaroon Day.  Really, I don’t just come up with these.  I wonder who does.  Anyway, if you love coconut, you'll be happy it is Macaroon Day.  

Macaroon

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

5 1/2 cups flaked coconut

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat.  I use a Silpat.  I love these things.  A bit expensive but worth every penny and cleans up so nice.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, coconut and salt. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla using my favorite kitchen utensil, the hands, until well blended. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about golf ball size.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the coconut is toasted nice and brown.

Variation – Since I love Mounds and Almond Joy,I also make them like the candy bars by adding a few  chopped almonds to the dough before baking. Once out of the oven and cooled dizzle with melted milk chocolate or just dip them.  For those Mounds lovers, drizzle with semi-sweet chocolate chips. 

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

  

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat.

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Melt chocolate and cool slightly before adding to beaten egg whites and sugar mixture.

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to stiff peaks then add sugar 2 tablespoon at a time and beat until combined.

Add melted chocolate, stir to combine everything.

Drop cookies with a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon onto your prepared cookie sheets and bake for 10-11 minutes.  The finished cookie should be moist and chewy.  These make a great Christmas cookie or gift also.

Have a sweet day.  Be happy and may God bless you and yours.