Description
Tropical coconut grapefruit macaroons blend zesty citrus with sweet, toasted coconut for an irresistible island-inspired treat. Crisp edges and delicate centers promise a delightful escape that will transport dessert lovers straight to paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit zest
- 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for the macaroons.
- Whisk egg whites in a clean, dry mixing bowl until they become frothy and slightly opaque, creating a light, airy base for the coconut mixture.
- Gradually incorporate granulated sugar into the egg whites, whisking continuously to develop a glossy, stable meringue-like consistency.
- Fold in vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the egg white mixture.
- Gently fold shredded coconut into the egg white base, followed by fresh grapefruit zest and juice, creating a vibrant, fragrant coconut mixture.
- Sprinkle salt over the mixture and stir gently to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully form compact mounds of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the macaroons develop golden brown edges and a crisp exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Optional: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled macaroons for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Dust the macaroons with powdered sugar just before serving, creating a delicate, elegant finish.
Notes
- Egg White Technique: Ensure the mixing bowl is completely grease-free to achieve perfect meringue-like peaks for maximum volume and stability.
- Zest Maximization: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum grapefruit zest without including bitter white pith for intense citrus flavor.
- Storage Wisdom: Store macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option, or use monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg