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To make cherry coconut macaroons, you need a few key ingredients. These create the sweet and chewy texture that everyone loves. - 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (drained and patted dry) The shredded coconut gives the macaroons their signature texture. Sweetened condensed milk adds a rich sweetness that binds everything together. Cherries not only add flavor but also a lovely splash of color. You can enhance your macaroons with some optional ingredients. These add extra flavor and flair. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (for drizzle) Using vanilla and almond extracts gives the macaroons a deeper flavor. A drizzle of dark chocolate makes them look fancy and taste even better! If you need alternatives, there are a few good options. You can swap out sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or homemade nut milk mixed with sugar. For the coconut, you can use sweetened coconut if you want a sweeter taste. Unsweetened is great if you prefer to control the sugar. These ingredient choices allow you to customize your macaroons to suit your taste or dietary needs. For the full recipe, be sure to check the details above. To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even baking. Next, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. In a large mixing bowl, combine the base ingredients. Mix together: - 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (make sure to drain and pat dry) - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract - A pinch of salt Stir until the coconut is well coated. This mix creates a sweet and chewy base for your macaroons. Now it's time to form the mounds. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to create small mounds. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size bakes evenly and is easy to eat. When placing the mounds on the baking sheet, leave space between them. I suggest about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them to rise and spread without merging into one another. Bake the macaroons in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown at the edges. The centers will stay chewy, which adds to the delightful texture. Once baked, remove them from the oven. Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This initial cooling helps them set. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the perfect texture, avoid rushing the cooling process. Cooling them properly ensures they maintain their shape and chewiness. You can find the complete recipe for these cherry coconut macaroons in the Full Recipe section. Enjoy making these sweet treats! To make great cherry coconut macaroons, focus on the right mix. You want a sticky, yet not runny, consistency. Here are some tips to help: - Use fresh coconut: It adds a better flavor. Shred it finely. - Do not skip the mixing: Mix well until every piece of coconut is coated. - Let it sit: Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it bind better. To keep macaroons from spreading, follow these steps: - Chill the dough: Place the formed mounds in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them hold shape. - Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking. This keeps the shape intact while baking. Presenting your macaroons can be fun and creative. Here are some ideas: - Platter display: Arrange the macaroons on a colorful plate for a festive look. - Garnish: Top with extra chopped cherries or a light dusting of shredded coconut. This adds flair. For drinks, pair them with: - Milk or almond milk: These creamy options complement the sweet flavors. - Herbal teas: A light tea can balance the sweetness of the macaroons. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s what to do if problems arise: - Macaroons too dry: If they turn out dry, try adding a splash more sweetened condensed milk to the next batch. This keeps them moist. - Over-baked macaroons: If they bake too long, they can harden. To fix this, check your oven temperature. It may run hot. Always bake at 325°F (160°C). These tips will help you make cherry coconut macaroons perfect every time. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavors in your cherry coconut macaroons to make them unique. Try adding different dried fruits like apricots or cranberries. These fruits will add a nice chew and extra sweetness. You can also use different extracts to change the taste. For example, try using coconut extract for a more tropical flavor. Almond or lemon extracts can also bring a fresh twist. If you need gluten-free options, you’re in luck! These macaroons are naturally gluten-free since they use coconut. You can enjoy them without worry. For vegan alternatives, swap out the sweetened condensed milk. Use coconut cream or a plant-based sweetened condensed milk instead. This keeps the treat delicious while fitting your diet. Chocolate can elevate your macaroons to a new level. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for drizzling. Each type brings its own flavor to the table. For added texture, try topping your macaroons with chopped nuts or toasted coconut. These toppings add crunch and make the treats even more delightful. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips and ideas! To keep your cherry coconut macaroons fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal conditions are a pantry or a cupboard. You can freeze your macaroons for later enjoyment. To do this, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, which takes about an hour. Next, transfer the macaroons to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This process helps keep their texture intact. At room temperature, macaroons last about 5 to 7 days. Look for signs of spoilage, such as a change in texture or smell. If they become hard or lose their flavor, it’s time to toss them. Keeping track of freshness ensures you enjoy each bite. You can check your macaroons regularly to maintain their deliciousness. To make cherry coconut macaroons, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. 3. Gently fold in finely chopped maraschino cherries, being careful not to crush them. 4. Form small mounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, and place them on the baking sheet with space between. 5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown on the edges. 6. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack. 7. For a chocolate drizzle, melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled macaroons. This is a fun and easy way to create delicious treats! For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Fresh cherries have a bright and tart flavor. They add a juicy burst to each bite. However, they have more moisture than maraschino cherries. This can change the texture of your macaroons. Be sure to chop them finely and pat them dry with a towel. This helps keep the macaroons from being too wet. The taste will be more vibrant and less sweet, which some may prefer. To decorate cherry coconut macaroons, consider these fun ideas: - Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tops for a rich look. - Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top for added texture. - Chop additional cherries and place them on top for a pop of color. - Use colorful sprinkles for a festive touch for parties. These simple decorations make your macaroons look as good as they taste! This blog post covered how to make cherry coconut macaroons from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients like shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk, plus optional items for added flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, shaping, and baking your treats. Tips for perfecting the macaroons and serving suggestions were also included. In conclusion, with simple ingredient swaps and variations, you can craft unique macaroons. Enjoy experimenting and make each batch your own. Happy baking!

Cherry Coconut Macaroons

Delight in the sweet flavors of Cherry Coconut Macaroons with this easy recipe! Combining chewy coconut, sweet cherries, and a touch of almond, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Drizzle them with chocolate for a stunning finish! In just 35 minutes, you can create these delightful bites that will impress family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (make sure to drain and pat dry)

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

A pinch of salt

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for a decorative drizzle)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Ensure all the coconut is evenly coated for optimal flavor.

      Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly incorporated throughout the mixture without crushing them.

        Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the coconut mixture into small mounds about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each mound on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is enough space between them for even baking.

          Bake the macaroons in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown at the edges while remaining chewy in the middle.

            Once baked, remove the macaroons from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooling period, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

              For the optional chocolate drizzle, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously between intervals until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.

                Once your macaroons are completely cooled, use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops for a beautiful finish. Allow any excess chocolate to set before indulging in these delicious treats.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the macaroons on a decorative platter and consider garnishing them with additional chopped cherries or a light dusting of shredded coconut for extra flair.