Cranberry & Pistachio Studded Macaroons


Along with the 7 or 8 types of traditional cookies I make every year for the holidays, I always like to try out two or three new cookie recipes. This year, I decided to make a simple coconut and almond macaroon cookie that was studded with dried cranberries and pistachios that I found on the Eating Well website.

To finish the cookies, I drizzled the tops of the cookies with some dark chocolate which really made them special. These cookies were delicious, and I know my family will love them this Christmas. The cookies are very tender, yet have some texture in every bite with the addition of the cranberries and pistachios.

I stored my cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they were still very good after one week. These cookies are also gluten free since the coconut and almonds hold the cookies together in place of flour.

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 

Cranberry & Pistachio Studded Macaroons

Cranberry & Pistachio Studded Macaroons

Yield: Makes 4 1/2 Dozen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

These tender bites of cookies are studded with cranberries and pistachios.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 Ounce) Can Nonfat Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
  • 2 Cups Blanched Sliced Almonds
  • 2 Cups Unsweetened Coconut
  • 3/4 Cup Dried Cranberries
  • 3/4 Cup Pistachios
  • 2 Large Egg Whites

Garnish:

  • Dark Chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degree F. and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the condensed milk and almond extract in a medium sized bowl.
  3. Place the almonds into a food processor and pulse until finely ground but not pulverized.
  4. Add the almonds and coconut to the condensed milk and stir until mixed.
  5. Add the cranberries and pistachios and mix well.
  6. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium high speed until soft peaks form.
  7. Fold half the egg whites into the almond mixture, then add the remaining egg whites and gently fold them in as well.
  8. Drop 1 heaping teaspoon of dough onto the baking sheet, and use your fingers to gently shape it into a mound.
  9. Continue to use up all of the dough in this manner, placing the cookies 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake the cookies for about 20 mins, or until they are lightly browned and just barely firm to the touch.
  11. Cool for at least 30 minutes before moving from the pans. (The cookies will firm up more as they cool)
  12. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or in a small double boiler, and then use a spoon to drizzle some chocolate over the tops of the cookies as shown in the photo.
  13. Store in an airtight container in a cool place (or refrigerator) for up to a week.

Did you make this recipe?

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2 Comments

  1. I love coconut macaroons and drizzled with chocolate is the best! Now add my favorite Christmas combo of dried cranberries and pistachios and these beautiful cookies just made it to my must-make list! Wishing you and your family a very Merry & Joyous Holiday season! xo

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