These Raspberry Coconut Macaroons are a simple and delicious treat, combining sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and a touch of raspberry jam. Topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate, they make a perfect snack or dessert that’s both quick and easy to prepare.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 395g can sweetened condensed milk

• 3 cups shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup raspberry jam

• 100g dark chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and line 2 baking trays with baking paper.

2. In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut, mixing well.

3. Spoon level tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared trays. Create a small indent in the top of each mound.

4. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indent.

5. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden. Let the macaroons cool on the trays for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the macaroons. Let them stand for 20 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 macaroon)

• Calories: 150

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 15g

• Sodium: 20mg

• Cholesterol: 5mg

• Calcium: 10mg

• Iron: 1.1mg

• Vitamin A: 25IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

Why Macaroons?

Macaroons are a beloved treat in many cultures, known for their chewy texture and satisfying coconut flavor. While traditional macaroons are often made with just coconut, egg whites, and sugar, this version introduces raspberry jam, adding a fruity twist that complements the richness of the coconut. The raspberry jam adds a subtle sweetness and a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the mild coconut. The combination of flavors is both comforting and refreshing, making Raspberry Coconut Macaroons a versatile dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you enjoy them as a snack with your afternoon tea or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter, these macaroons are sure to delight.

The Role of Sweetened Condensed Milk

The sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing the necessary sweetness and moisture to bind the coconut together. It gives the macaroons a rich, smooth texture that is soft in the middle but perfectly crisp on the outside. The natural sweetness of the condensed milk eliminates the need for additional sugar, making the recipe even simpler. Sweetened condensed milk is often used in no-bake desserts and macaroons because it creates the perfect texture and adds a velvety richness that other ingredients can’t replicate. This ingredient is particularly useful in recipes where you want a rich flavor without needing to fuss with multiple ingredients or steps.

Shredded Coconut: The Heart of the Macaroon

Shredded coconut is the primary ingredient that defines macaroons. It gives the cookies their signature chewy texture and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raspberry jam. Coconut is also highly nutritious, rich in healthy fats, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals like manganese, copper, and iron. Its natural sweetness makes it a perfect match for the condensed milk, while its fibrous texture creates a satisfying chew. When baked, the coconut becomes lightly toasted, developing a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts with the soft, chewy interior. This balance of textures is what makes macaroons so irresistible.

Raspberry Jam: A Fruity Twist

Adding raspberry jam to the macaroons brings a delightful burst of fruity flavor that elevates the entire dessert. The tartness of the raspberries complements the sweetness of the coconut and condensed milk, balancing out the richness with a refreshing note. Raspberry jam also adds a vibrant color and visual appeal to the macaroons, making them look as beautiful as they taste. The jam is spooned into small indents in each macaroon, ensuring that every bite contains a little pocket of raspberry goodness. This not only enhances the flavor but also provides a visually appealing contrast between the golden coconut exterior and the vibrant pink jam.

Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A Touch of Luxury

The final touch that takes these Raspberry Coconut Macaroons to the next level is the drizzle of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter flavor that contrasts perfectly with the sweet coconut and raspberry. The chocolate drizzle also adds a touch of elegance and makes the macaroons look even more sophisticated, transforming them from simple treats to an indulgent dessert. The bitterness of the dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the macaroons, making each bite more complex and satisfying. The chocolate also hardens as it sets, providing a satisfying snap that adds a delightful texture to the otherwise soft cookies.

Easy to Prepare and Bake

One of the best aspects of Raspberry Coconut Macaroons is how simple and quick they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients, the process is straightforward, making this recipe perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen. The preparation involves mixing the coconut and condensed milk, shaping the macaroons, and baking them until golden brown. The raspberry jam is added in a small indent on top of each macaroon, ensuring that it stays in place during baking. The macaroons bake in just 18 minutes, and while they cool, you can prepare the melted dark chocolate drizzle. Once the chocolate has set, the macaroons are ready to enjoy!

A Perfect Snack or Dessert

Raspberry Coconut Macaroons make an excellent snack or dessert. They are perfect for serving at afternoon tea, as a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee, or as a light dessert after a meal. Their chewy texture and the balance of sweet and tart flavors make them a satisfying treat without being overly rich. The portion sizes are also easily adjustable, so you can make small individual servings or larger macaroons depending on your preferences. The raspberry jam adds a pop of color and flavor, making these macaroons visually appealing as well as delicious.

Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make

One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s kid-friendly. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it an ideal recipe to involve children in the kitchen. Kids can help mix the coconut and condensed milk, spoon the jam into the macaroons, and drizzle the chocolate on top. The fun, hands-on nature of this recipe is perfect for family baking sessions. Not only will kids love making these macaroons, but they’ll also enjoy eating them afterward. The bite-sized portions are easy for little hands to hold, and the chewy coconut combined with the sweet jam and dark chocolate is sure to be a hit with children of all ages.

Customizing Your Macaroons

While the combination of raspberry jam and coconut is delicious, you can easily customize the macaroons to suit your preferences or to experiment with different flavors. For example, you could swap the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves, like strawberry, blueberry, or apricot, to give the macaroons a new flavor profile. You could also add other ingredients to the coconut mixture, such as a pinch of vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest, to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a sweeter chocolate drizzle, you could use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to create a version that perfectly suits your taste.

Storing and Serving Tips

Raspberry Coconut Macaroons store well, making them perfect for meal prep or to have on hand for snacks throughout the week. After they’ve cooled and the chocolate has set, you can store the macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze the macaroons for up to three months. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be just as delicious as when they were first made.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Raspberry Coconut Macaroons are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the tropical flavor of coconut with the tartness of raspberry jam and the richness of dark chocolate. These macaroons are easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for a quick snack or an impressive dessert for any occasion. The chewy coconut base, combined with the sweet and tart raspberry jam and finished with a drizzle of dark chocolate, creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly recipe, a fun family baking project, or a light dessert to enjoy with friends, Raspberry Coconut Macaroons are sure to delight. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and delightful taste make them a must-try treat for any baking enthusiast.