Paradise Macaroons

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown for 12 Days of Cookies 2008

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (134)

Cook Time:
25 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
approximately 3 1/2 dozen cookies

Times:

Prep: 30 min
Inactive Prep: 1 hr 30 min
Cook: 25 min
Total:: 2 hr 25 min

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Ingredients

2 (7 to 8-ounce) packages sweetened shredded coconut
2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Pinch kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large egg whites at room temperature
5 ounces granulated sugar
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ounce vegetable shortening
2 ounces finely chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the coconut with the sweetened condensed milk, salt and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to whip the whites until medium peaks form, 6 to 7 minutes.

Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined half sheet pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer the parchment with the macaroons to a cooling rack. Cool completely before topping.

Fill a 4-quart pot with enough water to come 2 inches up the side, set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a small metal or glass mixing bowl and set over the simmering pot. Stir occasionally until melted, then remove from the heat.

Dip the cooled cookies in the chocolate mixture, sprinkle with the chopped macadamia nuts and place on parchment paper to set, about 30 minutes.

Cook's Note:

Alton prefers to use weight measurements for baking, to ensure the best accuracy. Please be careful if you try converting this recipe to standard measurements, especially for liquid ingredients. Two ounces of sweetened condensed milk is about 3/16th of a cup, which is less than 1/4 cup but more than 1/8 cup.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Paradise Macaroons
JOSEPH Chula Vista, CA 02-14-2010
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OUTSTANDING COOKIE
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Great cookie, measurement was not a big deal at all. I have made these several times and everyone raves about them. My only... problem is the cookies flatten out instead of staying in a ball shape. I make a double batch at a time and I thought a tablespoon size portion was a little small, so I doubled that as well. I have also modified the recipe by adding a stick of cream cheese and pure coconut extract to the mix. Read more
recipe Paradise Macaroons
Jake Charlottesville, PA 01-27-2010
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size
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

When it says tablespoon does it mean the measuring tablespoon or the other one? Also, I am having trouble finding a... tablespoon sized scoop and I am wondering how to do this.Read more
recipe Paradise Macaroons
Katarzyna Santa Clarita, CA 12-28-2009
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Awesome!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Everybody loved these cookies!!! Even people that claimed they didn't like coconut. AND, I didn't even bother putting the... chocolate and nuts on. They were great plain! Thank you Mr. Brown for our new holiday favorite!Read more
recipe Paradise Macaroons
Christina San Diego, CA 12-28-2009
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Will make every Christmas and 14 times throughout the year
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made these last Christmas as well as this one. I can't tell you how fast these get eaten, how many people ask for the... recipe, how easy they are to make and how impressive they look. I couldn't ask for more in a cookie, except perhaps that it would be magically devoid of calories. A perfect recipe...in my book anyway. Thanks Alton!Read more
recipe Paradise Macaroons
Linda Upper Arlington, OH 12-27-2009
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a winner recipe!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

My husband loved these cookies. If you love the combination of chocolate and coconut, these are a winner. They are a good... make-ahead cookie because they stay moist. Read more
recipe Paradise Macaroons
Joan Annapolis, MD 12-26-2009
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Best on the Tray!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Unanimously voted this year's best on my 2009 cookie tray gift. Thank you for a great recipe. It's always a challenge to... find one that 30+ people will like...but yours was "over the top". Read more