Christmas Coconut Macaroons
Chewy, coconutty macaroons with a hint of vanilla and almond, topped with festive maraschino cherries, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sweetened condensed milk, coconut, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract together in a bowl.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Cut maraschino cherries into small pieces and drain on paper towels.
- Top each cookie with a piece of cherry.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cookies from the sheets after 1 minute and cool completely on racks before storing.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure the coconut is tightly packed when measuring. If you prefer a lighter macaroon, you can substitute half the sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened coconut milk. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. For a festive twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled macaroons, which pairs beautifully with Moist Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting.
Serving Suggestions
These macaroons are delightful as a standalone treat or can be served alongside a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience. They also make a charming addition to holiday cookie trays or gift boxes. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Baked Apple Dumplings for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or briefly warm them in a microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Coconut Macaroons contains roughly 142 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but you will need to adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetened condensed milk or sugar to achieve the desired flavor. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, so monitor the baking time closely.
How can I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
To prevent sticking, ensure your baking sheets are well-greased or lined with parchment paper. Additionally, allowing the macaroons to cool for a minute on the sheet before transferring them to a rack helps set their shape and makes them easier to handle.
Can I add other flavors to the macaroons?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts, such as coconut or lemon, to customize the flavor. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can also create delicious variations. Just remember to adjust the overall liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).