Monday, December 20, 2010

Spiced Macaroons

Growing up, my mom would make christmas-tree shaped cookies that were essentially macaroons (Coconut Yule Trees).  These cookies are a riff on the traditional coconut cookie, with a grown-up taste.    I had bookmarked this recipe from Modern Spice, and adapted it just a little bit to suit my own tastes.  I swapped out the sweetened coconut for the unsweetened variety and didn't add any extra sugar, as I didn't think it needed it.   Feel free to play around and adjust it to your own tastes!




Saffron Cardamom Macaroons
adapted from Serious Eats
Yield:  ~3dozen

3c unsweetened coconut
1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2t ground cardamom (if using fresh ground cardamom, I'd recommend 1t...  I failed to do so and they have an especially strong flavor :))
scant 1t saffron threads
1/4t salt
2 lg egg whites

Preheat oven to 350deg.

In a large bowl, combine coconut, sweetened condensed milk, salt and spices, rubbing the saffron threads between your fingers as you add it to the bowl.

Add room temperature egg whites and a pinch of cream of tarter to a bowl (or stand mixer) and whip to soft peaks.  Gently fold egg whites into coconut mixture.

Using a spoon or tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form balls and place 1" apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.  Bake for 14-16min, until slightly brown on the edges.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.


11 comments:

Kelly said...

Yum. These sound very tasty. I love the addition of all the warm spices.

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

how wonderfully delightful! I am very impressed!!

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

I read this quickly and saw "spiked" macaroons. I wonder where my mind is? Spiced is lovely too :-)

Joanne said...

I have serious macaroon love but my dad hates coconut! So I won't be making these for Christmas. But I will be making them to sit around and eat. singlehandedly. Emphasis on "single"

Emily said...

These are gorgeous! I love the addition of saffron.

Beth said...

Macaroons are great, and yours look so lovely on the little Christmas plate.

Anonymous said...

Wow, these are such terrific little treats, I love the addition of cardamom and saffron, wonderful!

Delicious Dishings said...

I was just commenting on another blog that there aren't nearly enough recipes with cardamom. These sounds wonderful!

Dewi said...

beautiful and nicely spiced macaroons Shannon.

Happy holidays to you and your love one !

Biz said...

I love macaroons - thanks for the recipe Shannon! Hope you are doing well! :D

Kerstin said...

Oh, saffron and cardamom with coconut sound like such a lovely combo!

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