Macaroons – Candy or Cookie?

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1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. and line two baking sheets with a silpat, parchment paper or tin foil.

2. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the chocolate. Mix thoroughly. Using a small ice cream scoop, press the mix into the scoop to create compact balls. Release them onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

3.  Place the chocolate in a large bowl and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments  Stir in between each segment until completely smooth.  You can pour into a piping bag or a freezer bag.  If using a freezer bag, squeeze the chocolate down towards a corner.  Snip the end of the bag and pipe a swiggle on each macaroon. Place each cookie back on the baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes so the chocolate sets up.  Alternatively, dip half the cookie in the melted chocolate and let the excess drip off.  Place on the baking sheet and let set. If you let sit at room temperature rather than putting in the refrigerator, give it at least an hour to set up. Serve on a platter or box up as gifts.

NOTE: So, why the name Macaroons – Candy or Cookie? Well, I’ve always assumed it was a cookie but my brother quickly corrected me with a lifted eyebrow, “It is candy. Just like a Mounds Bar.”  He was right..it did taste like candy.

So what did I do, I lighted up my next batch and used half unsweetened coconut and half sweetened and Ta Dah…cookie.  So, if you want that sweet candy like texture and taste, use 100% sweetened coconut.  Want more of a cookie (the texture is softer and it is less sweet),  use 50 percent sweetened and 50 percent unsweetened coconut. 

So, no matter what you call it, it is good and since it has a long shelf life, travels well and is loved by everyone. I often bring it to parties and give as a gift.  Put in small boxes or tins, or wrapped up in little cellophane candy bags, it makes the perfect gift for neighbors and coworkers. 

These are incredibly easy to make and you can make batches of these pretty quickly.  To get started, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.