Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (397g)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
- 2 large Egg Whites (room temperature)
- 12 ounces Desiccated Coconut (340g)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (30g), sifted
- 4 ounces High-Quality Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao), optional
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smoothly combined.
- Gently whisk in the room-temperature egg whites until just incorporated. Do not whip.
- Sift the flour over the mixture. Fold gently using a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Fold in the desiccated coconut until thoroughly coated. The mixture should be very thick and sticky.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the coconut to fully hydrate, ensuring a chewier result.
- Using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), drop rounded mounds onto the prepared sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Lightly press the tops to help them hold shape.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through, until the edges are a deep golden brown and the centres look set.
- Transfer the macaroons to a wire rack immediately and allow them to cool completely before serving or dipping.
- If using chocolate, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Drizzle or dip the base of each cooled macaroon into the melted chocolate and set on parchment paper until the chocolate is fully set.