These Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons are like no other I’ve ever baked or eaten. Perfect for coconut cookie connoisseurs!

Though chewy, they’re definitely lighter than dense but pack the same coconut thrill that comes from eating a more traditional coconut macaroon recipe.

Coconut Macaroons in a white bowl

Coconut Macaroons AKA Besitos de Coco AKA Coconut Kisses

If you love macaroons, you’ll adore these light as a cloud coconut cookies! Known by a variety of names, they’re all a chewy cookie with sugar, coconut (or even ground almonds), and, traditionally, egg whites.

Our August theme for Progressive Eats is a Taste of the Tropics. We are focusing on marvelous island cuisine for our virtual dinner party menu. When I think of the tropics, my mind immediately goes to coconut. I am a huge fan of coconut laden desserts, from delectable cookies to cream pies and cheesecakes. When push came to shove, I focused on a childhood favorite and whipped up a version of the classic Coconut Macaroon Cookie, which are also known as Besitos de Cocoa or even Coconut Kisses.

Coconut Macaroons on a white square plate

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

I’ve made my share of macaroons. From the easy recipe using sweetened condensed milk to Alice Medrich’s recipe with egg whites, coconut, and sugar cooked over a double boiler before being baked. This recipe adapted from The New Basics Cookbook was somewhere in between. Egg whites and a fraction of the sugar were beaten to a glossy meringue. Then the remainder of the sugar, vanilla, and coconut were folded in to make the batter. An easy, one-bowl recipe!

It’s tough when your picky family prefers not to sample coconut or nut laden desserts. I knew I’d love these, but I took them to a gathering of friends to check their reaction. I dipped about half in melted semisweet chocolate and those were the first to disappear.

When I lamented my predicament, I had more than enough volunteers to help reduce my inventory. The atypical texture was definitely a hit. Perfect for a sweet after dinner nibble or with a cup of afternoon tea. The lighter texture is less filling without sacrificing one bit of flavor. I hope you’ll try these chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons the next time a coconut craving hits!

Tips for Making Perfect Macaroons

Macaroons are a simple coconut cookie, not to be confused with Macarons, the French sandwich cookie, which does not contain coconut. Easy to prepare, there are just a few tips you need to know to make certain they’re perfect every single time.

  • Having your egg whites at room temperature will allow them to whip quicker and with more volume.
  • Separate your eggs while cold as there’s less chance of the yolk breaking, but wait until the whites are closer to room temperature before whipping.
  • Do not separate an egg over a bowl of already separated egg whites. If you spill any yolk into the whites, you’ll need to start over.
  • The reason you’ll need to start over is that any grease, oils or yolk (which contains fat) will prevent the whites from whipping into soft or stiff peaks (depending on what your recipe calls for).
  • I make sure all my bowls and utensils have been run through the dishwasher so they are free of oils.
  • I like using a cookie scoop to make consistent sized cookies.
  • Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons photo and text collage

Progressive Eats logo

Progressive Eats

Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month we’re featuring dishes native to or inspired by the islands of the Caribbean. Our event is hosted by Coleen who blogs at The Redhead Baker. Our dishes this month are inspired by the cuisines of Jamaica, Cuba, The Bahamas and more. You’ll certainly find a delicious recipe to add to your repertoire!

Taste of the Caribbean Progressive Eats Menu

Main Course

Veggies/Side Dishes

Desserts

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out.

We have a core group of 12 bloggers, but we will always need substitutes and if there is enough interest would consider additional groups. To see our upcoming themes and how you can participate, please check out the schedule at Creative Culinary or contact Barb for more information.

You Might Need:

More Coconut Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:

 

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 2 dozen

Light as a cloud coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2/3 cup sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut plus 2 tablespoons, sweetened and shredded
  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325º. Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Beat egg whites and salt to soft peaks. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar and beat till whites are glossy, just a minute or so.
  3. With a rubber spatula, fold in the rest of the sugar, vanilla, and coconut.
  4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake until just golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then remove to wire rack to finish cooling.
  5. When cooled, melt chocolate with vegetable oil (I use the microwave). Dip bottoms of macaroons into chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow the chocolate to harden.

Notes

Make sure your bowl and beaters are free of grease, oil or egg yolk or the egg whites won't whip properly.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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