Description
These Coconut Macaroon Blossoms are chewy, golden coconut cookies with a sweet, creamy center topped with classic Hershey Kisses. Combining sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut creates a moist and flavorful treat perfect for holidays or any special occasion. The almond and vanilla extracts add a lovely depth of flavor, while the chocolate kisses add a delightful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Topping
- 36 Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the cookies are ready to bake.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until fully combined, creating a smooth liquid mixture.
- Incorporate shredded coconut: Fold the shredded coconut into the wet mixture gently, ensuring every bit of coconut is coated evenly with the condensed milk mixture.
- Form the macaroons: Scoop out the mixture with a spoon and form into 1-inch balls using wet hands to prevent sticking. Rinse your hands as needed to shape uniform balls.
- Shape the wells: Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet. Using a small measuring spoon or the end of a wooden spoon, press down in the center of each ball to create a small well just big enough to hold the Hershey Kiss later.
- Bake the macaroons: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges and tops turn just golden brown, indicating they are cooked but still chewy inside.
- Add chocolate topping: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press one Hershey Kiss into the center well of each macaroon, allowing the chocolate to soften slightly from the residual heat.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set the chocolate, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Storage: Store the cooled macaroons loosely covered at room temperature for up to one week, keeping them fresh and chewy.
Notes
- Using wet hands to shape the macaroons helps prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to your skin.
- Press the Hershey Kisses into the cookies immediately after baking to allow them to soften and adhere well.
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla if preferred or omitted for almond allergies.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the shredded coconut and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Macaroons are best stored at room temperature; refrigeration may dry them out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American