Cherry Coconut Macaroons: A Symphony of Sweetness

These Cherry Coconut Macaroons are a delightful twist on the classic coconut cookie, offering a burst of fruity flavor and a touch of elegance. The chewy texture of the coconut, combined with the sweet tang of maraschino cherries and a drizzle of decadent almond bark chocolate, creates a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply a sweet afternoon indulgence, these macaroons are sure to impress. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a generous batch, making it ideal for sharing (if you can resist!).

Why These Macaroons Are Special:

Chewy and Moist: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and egg whites ensures a perfectly chewy and moist texture, unlike some drier macaroon recipes.
Burst of Cherry Flavor: The maraschino cherry juice infuses the coconut with a subtle yet distinct cherry flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Elegant Presentation: The drizzle of almond bark chocolate adds a touch of sophistication and visual appeal, making these macaroons perfect for gifting or serving at special occasions.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Festive and Fun: The vibrant red cherries and the snowy white coconut make these macaroons a festive treat, especially during the holiday season.

These macaroons are more than just a cookie; they’re an experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, the anticipation as you wait for them to cool, and the pure joy of that first bite – it’s all part of the magic. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup + 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
½ teaspoon salt
5 ⅓ cups (14 oz bag) sweetened shredded coconut
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
2 squares chocolate almond bark

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the macaroons from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is your best friend in the baking world!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, maraschino cherry juice, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is frothy and slightly thickened. This may take about 2 minutes. Incorporating air into the egg whites helps create a lighter texture.

Step 3: Combine the Coconut and Cherries

Add the sweetened shredded coconut and finely chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir well until all the coconut is evenly coated with the mixture. This ensures that every bite is packed with coconut and cherry goodness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until it is completely incorporated. The flour helps to bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the macaroons. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough macaroons.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a 1 ½ tablespoon medium cookie scoop, scoop out the cookie dough. Place the scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. The macaroons won’t spread much during baking, so you can arrange them relatively close together.

Bake in the preheated oven for 17-19 minutes, or until the coconut bits begin to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. The edges should be nicely toasted.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the macaroons cool completely on the baking sheet. This is important because they will firm up as they cool. Resist the urge to eat them while they’re still warm – patience is key!

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark

While the macaroons are cooling, prepare the chocolate almond bark. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate almond bark. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.

Step 8: Drizzle with Chocolate

Place the melted chocolate in a sandwich bag. Cut a very small hole in one of the corners of the bag. This will act as a makeshift piping bag, allowing you to drizzle the chocolate evenly over the macaroons.

Place the cooled macaroons on a piece of wax paper or parchment paper. Gently squeeze the bag and drizzle the chocolate over the top of each macaroon, moving back and forth in a zigzag pattern.

Step 9: Let Dry and Store

Allow the chocolate drizzle to dry completely. This may take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature and humidity. Once the chocolate is set, store the Cherry Coconut Macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days.

Tips for Success:

Use good quality coconut: Opt for sweetened shredded coconut that is fresh and moist. Avoid coconut that is dry or stale, as this will affect the texture of the macaroons.
Don’t overbake: Overbaked macaroons will be dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them during baking and remove them from the oven when the coconut bits are golden brown.
Cool completely: Allow the macaroons to cool completely before drizzling them with chocolate. This will prevent the chocolate from melting and creating a messy finish.
Get creative with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips would all be delicious additions.
Add a sprinkle: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the macaroons with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Variations:

Lemon Coconut Macaroons: Substitute lemon zest and lemon juice for the maraschino cherries and cherry juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
Chocolate Chip Coconut Macaroons: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the coconut mixture for a classic combination.
Nutty Coconut Macaroons: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, to the coconut mixture for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Coconut Macaroons! They are the perfect treat to share with friends and family or to enjoy as a special indulgence all to yourself. Happy baking!