Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons Recipe: Sweet Island Gems

Whipping up delectable cherry topped coconut macaroons brings pure joy to any dessert enthusiast’s kitchen.

Sweet shredded coconut transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience.

Clusters of golden-brown peaks promise delightful textures that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Crisp exterior shells give way to soft, chewy interiors bursting with tropical flavor.

Bright red cherries crown these delicate treats, adding elegant visual appeal and fruity complexity.

Each bite promises a miniature celebration of tropical sweetness and subtle crunch.

You’ll want to savor every delightful morsel of these irresistible coconut confections.

What Makes Cherry Coconut Macaroons So Fun

• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that anyone can master.
• Macaroons are universally loved, making these cherry-topped delights a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• The vibrant maraschino cherry on top transforms these macaroons from simple cookies into an eye-catching dessert that looks professionally made.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Macaroons

• Shredded Coconut: Provides the primary texture and flavor for the macaroons.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients.
• Egg Whites: Creates lightness and helps the macaroons hold their shape.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the macaroons.
• Salt: Balances and deepens the overall taste.

• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a bright, sweet pop of color and flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal of macaroons.

Instructions to Bake Sweet and Crisp Macaroons

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Coconut Base

• Shredded coconut
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until they form soft, billowy peaks that look like fluffy clouds.

Step 4: Fold with Finesse

Gently incorporate the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture.

Be extra careful to keep those lovely air bubbles intact, which will make your macaroons light and dreamy.

Step 5: Shape Delicate Mounds

Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating adorable little mounds about 1.5 inches wide.

Step 6: Crown with Cherries

Tenderly press a vibrant half maraschino cherry onto the top of each coconut mound, adding a pop of color and burst of flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes.

Watch for edges turning golden brown and tops getting a delicate toast.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the macaroons rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before indulging in these heavenly treats.

Tips to Keep Coconut Macaroons Moist Inside

• Whip egg whites until they form soft peaks for maximum volume and light, airy texture in your macaroons.
• Pat maraschino cherries dry before placing on top to prevent excess liquid from making macaroons soggy.
• Store cooled macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crisp exterior and soft center.
• These macaroons are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for those with dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different cherry types like dark sweet cherries or even fresh cherries for unique flavor profiles.

How to Store and Reheat Coconut Macaroons

• Store macaroons in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain freshness and prevent quick spoiling.
• Wrap individual macaroons tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen macaroons stay delicious for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Place cooled macaroons in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is completely dry to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm chilled or frozen macaroons in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Check carefully to avoid burning the delicate coconut edges.

What Goes Well with Coconut Macaroons

• Pair Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the macaroons' sweetness with a glass of Moscato d'Asti, which offers light, fruity notes that dance perfectly with the coconut and cherry flavors.
• Create Coffee Harmony: Serve alongside a smooth cappuccano or rich espresso, allowing the creamy coffee to balance the macaroons' sugary texture and enhance their tropical coconut profile.
• Match Sparkling Contrast: Enjoy with chilled prosecco or champagne, whose crisp bubbles will cut through the dense coconut and provide a refreshing palate cleansing effect between bites.
• Elevate with Liqueur Pairing: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto or cherry liqueur alongside the macaroons, which will intensify the cherry notes and add a sophisticated adult twist to this delightful dessert.

Unique Flavor Twists for Coconut Macaroons

• Gluten-Free Almond Cherry Macaroons: Replace sweetened condensed milk with almond milk and add almond flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Vegan Coconut Delight: Swap egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use coconut condensed milk to create a plant-based alternative that's just as fluffy and sweet.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzled Macaroons: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled macaroons for an indulgent touch that complements the cherry topping.
• Low-Sugar Berry Option: Substitute maraschino cherries with fresh raspberries or strawberries and use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the fruity flavor.

FAQs

• What makes the egg whites special in this recipe?

Beating egg whites until soft peaks form helps create a light, airy texture in the macaroons, ensuring they’re not dense and heavy.

• Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, but you might need to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sweetened condensed milk or sugar to maintain the desired flavor profile.

• Why press the cherry on top before baking?

Pressing the cherry before baking allows it to slightly sink into the macaroon and caramelize, creating a beautiful and delicious decorative element that integrates with the cookie.

• How do I know when the macaroons are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and lightly toasted tops, which indicate the macaroons are done and will have a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior.

Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry topped coconut macaroons showcase sweet Italian tradition with elegant simplicity. Crisp exterior and tender coconut interior promise a delectable treat you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large egg whites

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish Ingredients:

• 12 maraschino cherries, halved and blotted dry

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 325°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal cookie placement.
2. Combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of all ingredients.
3. Whip egg whites in a separate bowl until they form soft, billowy peaks with a light texture.
4. Delicately integrate the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture, maintaining the airiness of the mixture to ensure light, fluffy macaroons.
5. Carefully mound the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating uniform 1.5-inch rounds with gentle precision.
6. Gently nestle a vibrant maraschino cherry into the center of each coconut mound, creating an eye-catching decoration.
7. Bake the macaroons for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a delicate toasted top that signals perfect doneness.
8. Allow the macaroons to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Whip egg whites to soft peaks precisely to ensure light, airy macaroons with perfect texture.
• Select high-quality unsweetened shredded coconut for maximum flavor and authentic coconut taste.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making macaroons soggy.
• Consider using silicone baking mats as an alternative to parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg