Cherry Coconut Macaroons Deliciously Chewy Treat

Are you ready to dive into a world of chewy, cherry-filled delight? Cherry Coconut Macaroons are a sweet treat that combines rich coconut and vibrant maraschino cherries. This simple recipe packs a punch of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re a baking pro or a kitchen newbie, you can easily make these delicious macaroons. Let’s explore how to create this mouthwatering dessert!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

– 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

These main ingredients create the base of your cherry coconut macaroons. The shredded coconut gives them a chewy texture. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and binds everything together. Chopped maraschino cherries bring a burst of flavor and color.

Optional Ingredients

– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

– Flavor extracts: vanilla and almond

– A pinch of salt

Optional ingredients can elevate your macaroons. Dark chocolate chips add a rich touch. Vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavor profile. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

For the full recipe, follow the detailed instructions. Enjoy baking these tasty treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets. Start by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). This heat helps the macaroons turn golden. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the macaroons from sticking.

2. Mix the coconut and condensed milk. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded coconut with 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the coconut is coated.

Forming the Macaroons

1. Incorporate cherries and form mounds. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful not to break them. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into small mounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.

2. Placement on the baking sheet. Place the mounds on the lined sheet, leaving space between each one. This allows them to bake evenly and not stick together.

Baking and Cooling

1. Bake until golden brown. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn.

2. Cooling process on wire rack. Once baked, take them out and let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step makes them chewy and tasty.

For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy the fun of making these delicious cherry coconut macaroons!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get that perfect chew in your macaroons, focus on the coconut-to-liquid ratio. I recommend using 2 cups of shredded coconut to 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. This balance keeps the macaroons moist but not too wet. If your mix feels too dry, add a bit more condensed milk.

Even baking is key to a great texture. Make sure you space the mounds at least an inch apart on the baking sheet. This helps hot air reach all sides, giving you a nice golden color around the edges.

Enhancing Flavors

Adding extra flavor can make a big difference. I love using a splash of vanilla or almond extract. Just a teaspoon can brighten the taste. For a special touch, try drizzling melted dark chocolate on top. It adds a rich contrast to the sweet cherries and coconut.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, your mix may be too wet or too dry. If it’s too wet, add a little more coconut. If it’s too dry, a dash of condensed milk can help.

Shaping your macaroons evenly is important for even baking. Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size. If you’re using your hands, wet them slightly to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll get nice, round mounds that bake evenly.

For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe].

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can switch things up with flavor variations for your cherry coconut macaroons. Try a tropical twist by adding fresh pineapple. Just chop it finely and mix it in with the cherries. This adds a bright, fruity taste.

Another fun option is to dip them in chocolate. Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled macaroons. This adds a rich layer of flavor and makes them look fancy.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need gluten-free options, you’re in luck! This recipe is already gluten-free since it uses coconut and sweetened condensed milk.

For vegan alternatives, swap sweetened condensed milk with a coconut milk-based version. You can find this in many stores. Just check the label to ensure it’s dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

When serving these macaroons, think about pairing them with beverages. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of almond milk works great.

For parties, display them on a pretty platter. You can add colorful fruits around the macaroons for a nice touch. A simple garnish of mint leaves adds freshness and makes the plate pop.

For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier.

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To keep your cherry coconut macaroons fresh at room temperature, use an airtight container. This helps keep them chewy and prevents them from drying out. You can stack them in the container, but place parchment paper between layers. This avoids sticking. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to five days.

Long-term Storage

For long-term storage, freezing is the best option. Allow the macaroons to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months.

When you want to enjoy them, thaw the macaroons in the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes. This brings back their chewy texture. Enjoy your delicious treat anytime! For the Full Recipe, check the earlier section.

FAQs

How long do cherry coconut macaroons last?

Cherry coconut macaroons can last about a week at room temperature. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from becoming dry. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to chop them small and remove the pits. Fresh cherries can add a nice tartness to the macaroons. However, they have more moisture than maraschino cherries, so reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly. This keeps the texture just right.

What’s the difference between macaroons and macarons?

Macaroons and macarons are not the same. Macaroons are made with coconut and have a chewy texture. They are often shaped into mounds. Macarons are made with almond flour and have a smooth, crisp shell. They are filled with cream or ganache. Both are delightful but quite different in taste and texture!

How do I make the macaroons chewier?

To make your macaroons chewier, use more coconut and less liquid. You can also bake them for a shorter time. This helps keep them soft and chewy inside. Another tip is to add a bit more sweetened condensed milk. This gives them a richer texture.

For the full recipe, check out Cherry Coconut Macaroons.

Cherry coconut macaroons are simple and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients, such as coconut and sweetened condensed milk. We discussed steps to prepare, form, and bake your treats. I also shared tips for the perfect texture and flavor. You can customize them in many ways.

Finally, remember to store them right to keep them fresh. Enjoy your baking and share these delicious treats with others!

- 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped These main ingredients create the base of your cherry coconut macaroons. The shredded coconut gives them a chewy texture. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and binds everything together. Chopped maraschino cherries bring a burst of flavor and color. - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - Flavor extracts: vanilla and almond - A pinch of salt Optional ingredients can elevate your macaroons. Dark chocolate chips add a rich touch. Vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavor profile. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors. For the full recipe, follow the detailed instructions. Enjoy baking these tasty treats! 1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets. Start by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). This heat helps the macaroons turn golden. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the macaroons from sticking. 2. Mix the coconut and condensed milk. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded coconut with 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the coconut is coated. 1. Incorporate cherries and form mounds. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful not to break them. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into small mounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. 2. Placement on the baking sheet. Place the mounds on the lined sheet, leaving space between each one. This allows them to bake evenly and not stick together. 1. Bake until golden brown. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. 2. Cooling process on wire rack. Once baked, take them out and let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step makes them chewy and tasty. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy the fun of making these delicious cherry coconut macaroons! To get that perfect chew in your macaroons, focus on the coconut-to-liquid ratio. I recommend using 2 cups of shredded coconut to 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. This balance keeps the macaroons moist but not too wet. If your mix feels too dry, add a bit more condensed milk. Even baking is key to a great texture. Make sure you space the mounds at least an inch apart on the baking sheet. This helps hot air reach all sides, giving you a nice golden color around the edges. Adding extra flavor can make a big difference. I love using a splash of vanilla or almond extract. Just a teaspoon can brighten the taste. For a special touch, try drizzling melted dark chocolate on top. It adds a rich contrast to the sweet cherries and coconut. Sometimes, your mix may be too wet or too dry. If it’s too wet, add a little more coconut. If it’s too dry, a dash of condensed milk can help. Shaping your macaroons evenly is important for even baking. Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size. If you’re using your hands, wet them slightly to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll get nice, round mounds that bake evenly. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with flavor variations for your cherry coconut macaroons. Try a tropical twist by adding fresh pineapple. Just chop it finely and mix it in with the cherries. This adds a bright, fruity taste. Another fun option is to dip them in chocolate. Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled macaroons. This adds a rich layer of flavor and makes them look fancy. If you need gluten-free options, you’re in luck! This recipe is already gluten-free since it uses coconut and sweetened condensed milk. For vegan alternatives, swap sweetened condensed milk with a coconut milk-based version. You can find this in many stores. Just check the label to ensure it’s dairy-free. When serving these macaroons, think about pairing them with beverages. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of almond milk works great. For parties, display them on a pretty platter. You can add colorful fruits around the macaroons for a nice touch. A simple garnish of mint leaves adds freshness and makes the plate pop. For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier. To keep your cherry coconut macaroons fresh at room temperature, use an airtight container. This helps keep them chewy and prevents them from drying out. You can stack them in the container, but place parchment paper between layers. This avoids sticking. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to five days. For long-term storage, freezing is the best option. Allow the macaroons to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw the macaroons in the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes. This brings back their chewy texture. Enjoy your delicious treat anytime! For the Full Recipe, check the earlier section. Cherry coconut macaroons can last about a week at room temperature. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from becoming dry. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well. Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to chop them small and remove the pits. Fresh cherries can add a nice tartness to the macaroons. However, they have more moisture than maraschino cherries, so reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly. This keeps the texture just right. Macaroons and macarons are not the same. Macaroons are made with coconut and have a chewy texture. They are often shaped into mounds. Macarons are made with almond flour and have a smooth, crisp shell. They are filled with cream or ganache. Both are delightful but quite different in taste and texture! To make your macaroons chewier, use more coconut and less liquid. You can also bake them for a shorter time. This helps keep them soft and chewy inside. Another tip is to add a bit more sweetened condensed milk. This gives them a richer texture. For the full recipe, check out Cherry Coconut Macaroons. Cherry coconut macaroons are simple and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients, such as coconut and sweetened condensed milk. We discussed steps to prepare, form, and bake your treats. I also shared tips for the perfect texture and flavor. You can customize them in many ways. Finally, remember to store them right to keep them fresh. Enjoy your baking and share these delicious treats with others!

Cherry Coconut Macaroons

Indulge in the delightful world of Cherry Coconut Macaroons with this easy recipe! Made with shredded coconut, sweet cherries, and a hint of almond, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. Just a few simple ingredients come together for a deliciously chewy texture and a touch of chocolate drizzle if you desire. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with these tasty treats!

Ingredients
  

2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained and patted dry)

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

A pinch of salt

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix well until all the coconut is evenly coated.

      Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently until they are evenly distributed in the mixture.

        Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small mounds (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden brown on the edges.

            Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

              If desired, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

                Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled macaroons for an elegant finish. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12-15 macaroons

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