Dressed-up Coconut Macaroons

I know what you're thinking.  OK, actually I have no idea what you're thinking.  Why dress up a perfectly delicious macaroon? Because I can. Because it's pretty. Because it's perfect for Easter!

I'm a big fan of coconut and I know that some people don't like it at all, if you're one of those people then you won't like this recipe. 

If you're still with me then you're in for a very big sugar high to start out long sugar filled weekend. Macaroons are already pretty darn sweet, dip them in white chocolate and add sugary sprinkles and you've got yourself a jolt for sure. I think a nice dark chocolate would work very well here if you want to tone it down a bit. 

I love seasonal sprinkles, such an easy and cute way to decorate.

I love the macaroons all by themselves, I sampled a small piece before dipping them and they are golden and crunchy on the outside but chewy and moist on the inside.  Definitely a keeper even if you don't want to "dress them up".

Happy Easter everyone!

Coconut Macaroons

Recipe from Ina Garten

Ingredients

• 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or other non-stick liner.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
4. In the bowl of your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
5. Carefully add the egg white mixture into the coconut mixture and fold together.
6. Use a 1 and 3/4 inch cookie scoop to place the mixture on the prepared cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, cool and serve.

Additional Items needed to "Dress-up" your macaroons: 

• 2 - 4 oz white chocolate bars, melted over a double boiler
• sprinkles, candies, nuts or whatever.

1. Take each cooled cookie and dip half way into the melted chocolate and all the way on the bottoms.  
2. Place on a sheet of wax paper and then garnish with whatever topping you're using. 
3. Let dry completely.