Every spring, like clockwork, my kitchen morphs into a wonderland of pastel hues and sugary aromas. There’s something utterly enchanting about crafting these delightful coconut macaroon nests—each bite, a little piece of heaven. As the scent of toasted coconut mingles in the air, memories of childhood Easter egg hunts flood back, making these treats not just desserts, but time machines to simpler days.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and generously spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt. Incorporate the sweetened flaked coconut using a fork.
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the coconut mixture into each prepared mini muffin cup.
- Gently press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each cup. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.
- Allow the nests to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to carefully loosen and remove the nests, letting them cool completely.
- Melt the white chocolate and transfer it to a piping bag. Pipe a small amount into each nest, then place 2 or 3 candy eggs in each, pressing them gently to secure.
- Once the chocolate has set, store the nests in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 14 ounces sweetened flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
- 70-90 mini candy eggs
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1452kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 504mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 144g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What alternatives can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
- If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute it with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor. Alternatively, you could add a drizzle of caramel or a spoonful of your favorite jam for a fruity variation.
- How should I store coconut macaroon nests, and how long will they last?
- These coconut macaroon nests can be stored in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. This makes them a perfect option to prepare in advance for your spring celebrations.
- Why did my nests not maintain their shape?
- To ensure that the nests hold their shape, make sure to firmly press the mixture into the sides of the mini muffin cups. If they still aren’t setting properly, you might need to bake them a little longer.
- Can I use mini paper cupcake liners in the muffin pan?
- While not necessary, using mini paper cupcake liners can be helpful. They ensure an easy release from the pan and add a decorative touch. They also simplify clean-up and provide a cute presentation for serving the nests.
Tips
- Generously Grease the Pan: Ensure you spray your mini muffin pan with a generous amount of baking spray to prevent the coconut macaroons from sticking. Baking spray contains flour, which helps in easy release, unlike regular cooking spray.
- Press Firmly for Shape: When placing the coconut mixture into the muffin cups, press it firmly into the sides to help the nests hold their shape. If they don’t set properly, they may require additional baking time.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the candy eggs used in your nests. Classic candy-coated chocolate eggs or jelly beans work great, but you can also try Jordan almonds or malted milk eggs for variety.
- Consider Using Liners: While not essential, using mini paper cupcake liners can aid in easy removal and cleanup, as well as add a decorative touch to your coconut macaroon nests.
Equipment
- Mini Muffin Pan
- Baking Spray (specifically for baking, which contains flour)
- Piping Bag (or plastic baggie with a corner cut off)
- Wire Rack (for cooling)
- Mini Paper Cupcake Liners (optional, for easier release and cleanup)
