Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Macaroons because they are irresistibly chewy and intensely chocolatey! The combination of sweet coconut with rich dark chocolate creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whenever I’m in the mood for a sweet indulgence or need a quick dessert for guests, these macaroons are my go-to. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Let me show you how to whip up these delicious bites without any fuss!
When I first tried making Chocolate Coconut Macaroons, I was amazed by how simple and satisfying the process was. I started with shredded coconut, but noticed that using unsweetened coconut really enhances the flavor when paired with dark chocolate. The process of melting the chocolate and dipping each macaroon is not only fun, but it also creates an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that I just can’t resist.
After several rounds of experimenting with different baking times, I found that a slightly shorter baking time gave the macaroons that perfect chewy center while keeping the edges golden and crisp. Paying attention to those critical minutes truly elevates these treats from good to great!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness
- Rich dark chocolate coating adds a decadent twist
- Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
Understanding the Ingredients
The key ingredient in these Chocolate Coconut Macaroons is shredded coconut, which contributes to their chewy texture and tropical flavor. Using unsweetened shredded coconut allows you to control the sweetness of the macaroons, balancing perfectly with the sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a less intense coconut flavor, you can opt for finely shredded coconut. Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, resulting in a less pronounced chewiness.
Sweetened condensed milk is not just a binder; it also adds a rich creaminess to the macaroons. This ingredient is crucial for achieving the right texture, allowing the macaroons to hold together while baking. If you need a dairy-free alternative, you can try using coconut cream mixed with a bit of maple syrup. However, be careful with the proportions, as too much liquid can cause the macaroons to spread instead of holding their shape.
Perfecting Your Technique
Shaping the macaroons properly is essential to achieving a consistent texture and bake. When you're forming the mounds, make sure to compact the mixture tightly; this helps them hold their shape during baking and prevents them from crumbling. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, adding a teaspoon or two of water or additional sweetened condensed milk can help bind it together without altering the overall flavor.
Baking times can vary based on your oven and the size of the macaroons. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; you want the tops to be just lightly golden—over-baking can lead to a dry texture. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning, allowing them to bake through without further darkening.
Ingredients
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
- 2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (for coating)
Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the coating for the best results!
Instructions
Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Shape the Macaroons
Using your hands, grab a small amount of the mixture and form it into a compact mound. Repeat until the mixture is used up, placing each macaroon on a lined baking sheet.
Bake
Bake the macaroons in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating
While the macaroons are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler until smooth.
Dip the Macaroons
Once the macaroons are completely cooled, dip the bottoms in the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the baking sheet to set.
Enjoy!
Let the chocolate coating harden completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Macaroons!
These macaroons can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Pro Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the coconut mixture for a nutty flavor.
Storage and Freezing
These Chocolate Coconut Macaroons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them fresh, ensure they're fully cooled before storing; any residual heat can create moisture that affects their texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cooled macaroons in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy frozen macaroons, you can let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This method helps them retain their chewy texture, but if you're short on time, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds should bring them back to life without compromising their integrity.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate coconut macaroons make an excellent standalone treat, but they can also be creatively served. Try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The combination of cold ice cream with the warm, chewy macaroons creates a delightful contrast; just remember to serve them warm for the best experience.
For a twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top of each macaroon after dipping for an added decorative touch and extra chocolate flavor. Additionally, sprinkling them with a pinch of sea salt right after dipping can enhance the chocolate's richness, creating a perfect balance of flavors that elevates these treats from regular cookies to something truly special.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but be aware that it will result in a sweeter macaroon.
→ How can I make these macaroons dairy-free?
You can use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk.
→ What can I do if the mixture is too dry?
Add a bit more sweetened condensed milk until the mixture holds together.
→ Can these be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the macaroons for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate them in layers with parchment paper.
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Macaroons because they are irresistibly chewy and intensely chocolatey! The combination of sweet coconut with rich dark chocolate creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whenever I’m in the mood for a sweet indulgence or need a quick dessert for guests, these macaroons are my go-to. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Let me show you how to whip up these delicious bites without any fuss!
Created by: Felicity Grant
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 macaroons
What You'll Need
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
- 2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (for coating)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Using your hands, grab a small amount of the mixture and form it into a compact mound. Repeat until the mixture is used up, placing each macaroon on a lined baking sheet.
Bake the macaroons in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
While the macaroons are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler until smooth.
Once the macaroons are completely cooled, dip the bottoms in the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the baking sheet to set.
Let the chocolate coating harden completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Macaroons!
Extra Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the coconut mixture for a nutty flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g