Get ready to transform your Easter dessert table with these irresistible Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Easter Basket Cookies that are not just a treat, but an experience! Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey coconut macaroon perfectly shaped like a charming little basket, filled with adorable chocolate eggs - it's like a dessert and decoration in one. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are guaranteed to impress both kids and adults, making your Easter celebration unforgettably delicious.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate eggs for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, shape the coconut mixture into small basket-like mounds, creating a slight indentation in the center to resemble a basket shape. Each cookie should be about 2 inches in diameter.
- Place the shaped cookies approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooled, gently place 2-3 chocolate eggs in the center of each cookie basket to create a festive Easter-themed decoration.
- For best results, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality shredded coconut for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure your coconut mixture is well-compressed to help cookies hold their basket shape.
- Don't overbake - the cookies should be golden but still slightly soft in the center.
- Let cookies cool completely before adding chocolate eggs to prevent melting.
- For a more decadent version, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies.
- Use pastel-colored chocolate eggs for an extra festive Easter look.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little more condensed milk; if too wet, add more coconut.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 5mg
