These Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors with the perfect chewy coconut texture. The combination of rich caramel and coconut creates a mouthwatering treat that is impossible to resist.
What’s great about this recipe is its simplicity—no baking required! Just mix, form, and refrigerate. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or preparing a treat for a gathering, these macaroons are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Plus, they are super customizable with chocolate drizzle, sea salt sprinkles, or any other toppings you desire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
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1 cup sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 cup caramel sauce
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully mixed.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small mounds of the coconut mixture and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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If desired, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over each macaroon for added flavor and decoration.
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Refrigerate the macaroons for at least 1-2 hours or until they are firm and set.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 12-15 macaroons
The Origins of Macaroons
The word “macaroon” is believed to have originated from the Italian word “maccarone”, meaning “paste” or “dough.” Traditional macaroons are typically made with ground almonds or coconut, sugar, and egg whites, and are often baked until golden brown. While coconut macaroons have been a staple in American kitchens for generations, the salted caramel variation adds a modern flair to the classic recipe.
The salted caramel trend has surged in popularity in recent years, particularly in desserts. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a perfect match for coconut macaroons. By incorporating salted caramel into the mix, this variation elevates the simple macaroon into something truly special.
Why Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons Are a Hit
What makes Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons so popular is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The macaroons have a chewy, moist texture thanks to the shredded coconut, which provides a satisfying bite. The caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the coconut. Meanwhile, the sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that brings the whole dessert together.
These macaroons also have the added benefit of being no-bake, which makes them ideal for anyone who is short on time or wants to avoid turning on the oven during warmer months. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of these macaroons ready to refrigerate in less than 15 minutes. After a brief chilling time, they are set and ready to enjoy, offering an instant dessert that is both delicious and satisfying.
How to Make Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons
Making Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons is incredibly simple, and it doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. To start, you’ll mix together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a touch of sea salt. This creates a moist and sticky mixture that holds together well when formed into little mounds.
After mixing the ingredients, you’ll scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the macaroons for an extra layer of flavor. The macaroons are then chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, allowing them to firm up and hold their shape. Once set, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the macaroons to suit your taste preferences. For example, you could add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to give the macaroons extra crunch. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, you could melt some dark chocolate chips and drizzle them over the macaroons for a more intense chocolate flavor. The possibilities are endless, making this a recipe that can be tailored to any occasion or craving.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons are ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday dessert spread, or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these macaroons are sure to impress. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them stand out from other desserts, while their no-bake nature means they’re easy to whip up with minimal effort.
These macaroons also make great gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or jar and give them as a thoughtful homemade present for birthdays, holidays, or special celebrations. The combination of coconut and caramel is a crowd-pleaser, and the fact that they’re no-bake makes them even more accessible for those who are new to baking or just want to save time.
The Allure of Salted Caramel
The salted caramel trend is a beloved one, and for good reason. The interplay between sweet and salty has been a winning combination in desserts for years, and it works wonderfully with the chewy texture of coconut. The sea salt adds a savory note that cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, providing a balance that enhances the flavors without overwhelming them.
Salted caramel also brings a certain sophistication to any dessert. While caramel on its own is rich and indulgent, the addition of salt gives it a gourmet twist, making it feel like something you would find at a high-end bakery or restaurant. This elevated flavor profile is part of what makes Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons so special—these are not your average macaroons.
Customizing Your Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons
One of the best things about Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons is that they’re easily customizable. You can add different ingredients or toppings to suit your personal preferences or to match the theme of your event. Here are a few ideas for customization:
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Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the macaroons or dip them in chocolate for a more decadent treat. Dark chocolate works particularly well with the caramel and coconut combination.
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Use Different Nuts: Try adding chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added texture and flavor. Toasted nuts bring a wonderful crunch and depth to the macaroons.
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Go Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based version, and opt for a dairy-free caramel sauce and chocolate. You can also use maple syrup or agave as a sweetener for a different twist.
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Try Different Caramels: Experiment with different types of caramel, such as bourbon caramel or salted butterscotch, to create new flavor variations. Each type of caramel will bring its unique depth of flavor to the macaroons.
Storing Your Macaroons
Once made, Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the macaroons with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together when frozen.
To thaw frozen macaroons, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the macaroons to soften slightly, making them just as delicious as when they were first made.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. The chewy coconut base, combined with the rich caramel and touch of sea salt, makes these macaroons irresistible. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to prepare with no baking required, making them an excellent option for anyone looking for a delicious, homemade treat with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a gift, these macaroons are sure to become a beloved recipe in your dessert collection. Give them a try today, and let the sweet and salty flavors take your taste buds on a delightful journey!