Irresistible Salted Caramel Macaroons: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Bliss
There’s a delightful distinction to be made in the world of confections: the delicate, almond-flour-based French *macaron* and the chewy, coconut-laden *macaroon*. This recipe, dear baker, is dedicated to the latter – a classic, comforting treat that truly shines. While similar to the beloved, time-tested coconut macaroon made with sweetened condensed milk, our version elevates this humble cookie into a gourmet experience. We’re enhancing it with a luxurious blend of rich caramel sauce, decadent chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, transforming it into a truly unforgettable dessert.
These salted caramel macaroons are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine a crispy exterior yielding to a soft, moist, and wonderfully chewy coconut interior, all infused with the buttery richness of caramel and a hint of salt that perfectly balances the sweetness. The addition of chocolate and pecans introduces a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a straightforward path to creating bakery-quality macaroons right in your own kitchen.
The Inspired Origin of Our Salted Caramel Macaroon Recipe
The foundation of this delectable recipe actually originates from the renowned 2012 Pillsbury Bake-Off. That original version provided a fantastic base, but as with all great recipes, there’s always room for personal touches and enhancements. We’ve taken that solid concept and adapted it to create an even more irresistible macaroon.
Our key modifications include increasing the size of the macaroons for a more substantial and satisfying bite, achieved effortlessly with a medium-sized cookie scoop. We also introduced an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal by dipping the bottoms of the cooled macaroons in melted chocolate. Furthermore, to truly emphasize the “salted caramel” aspect, we initially experimented with and highly recommend using salted caramel flavored baking chips within the cookies. These special chips melt beautifully, dispersing their unique flavor throughout the macaroon, adding a nuanced depth that regular chocolate chips can’t quite replicate.
However, if caramel flavored chips are hard to find or you prefer a simpler approach, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can certainly make these macaroons with regular semi-sweet chocolate chips instead. The combination of the condensed milk and the jarred caramel topping already provides a fantastic caramel base, so the macaroons will still be incredibly delicious. The caramel chips simply add that extra “wow” factor, reinforcing the salted caramel theme from within.
Why These Enhancements Make a Difference
The decision to make larger macaroons wasn’t just about indulgence; it impacts the texture. A larger cookie allows for a softer, chewier interior while still achieving that desired golden, slightly crisp exterior. Dipping them in chocolate isn’t just for aesthetics; it adds a rich, contrasting layer of flavor and a smooth, luxurious finish that complements the chewy coconut perfectly. And while the caramel chips are optional, they are a fantastic way to infuse the caramel flavor throughout the entire cookie, creating a more harmonious and intense taste experience. Ultimately, these subtle changes transform a good recipe into a truly exceptional one, making these macaroons a standout among coconut treats.
When it comes to the chocolate, you have a couple of creative options. You can simply stir the chocolate chips (or caramel flavored chips) directly into the macaroon dough, allowing them to melt slightly during baking and create delicious pockets of flavor. Alternatively, for a more elegant presentation and a distinct chocolate layer, you can melt the chips separately after the macaroons have cooled. Once melted, you can then brush or dip the bottoms of the macaroons in the chocolate, creating a beautiful and flavorful base that also helps to stabilize the cookies. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose whichever best suits your preference and time!
The Indispensable Tool: A Medium-Sized Cookie Scoop
By the way, if you don’t already own a cookie scoop, or perhaps an older one that doesn’t quite live up to expectations, I cannot recommend the Oxo medium size scoop enough. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a game-changer! I am only slightly exaggerating when I express my deep regret for all the years I spent baking without one of these essential tools in my kitchen. Previously, I had owned various cookie scoops, but they often fell short in terms of functionality and durability, constantly breaking or failing to produce consistently shaped cookies.
The Oxo scoop is different. It consistently creates perfectly portioned, beautifully rounded scoops of dough, which is crucial for achieving uniform baking and a professional appearance for your macaroons. Its robust design suggests it will last, but honestly, if this one ever did break, I would not hesitate for a second to immediately buy another one. Its reliability and ease of use are simply unmatched.
This particular medium-sized scoop has a capacity of approximately 3 tablespoons. When used for this macaroon recipe, it will yield about 48 perfectly sized cookies, rather than the smaller 60 you might get with traditional methods or a smaller scoop. The consistency in size ensures that all your macaroons bake evenly, preventing some from being overdone while others are still undercooked. This leads to a superior batch of cookies every time, eliminating guesswork and delivering a satisfying baking experience.
Beyond the Scoop: Other Essential Baking Tools
While the cookie scoop is a star, a few other tools will make your macaroon-making process even smoother:
- Parchment Paper: Absolutely vital for preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup. Macaroons, with their sticky nature, love to adhere to baking sheets, so parchment is your best friend.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need ample space to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, especially when incorporating the generous amount of coconut.
- Sturdy Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the dense macaroon dough. A robust tool will make the job much easier.
- Wire Cooling Racks: Essential for allowing the macaroons to cool completely and evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate for dipping.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Macaroons
These macaroons are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your baking repertoire:
- Uncomplicated Baking: Unlike their delicate French counterparts, coconut macaroons are incredibly forgiving and easy to make. No fancy techniques or extensive chilling required.
- Gourmet Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet coconut, rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sea salt creates a sophisticated flavor that appeals to all palates.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack, a special holiday gathering, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these macaroons fit every bill.
- Versatile Customization: While we love the salted caramel and chocolate, the base recipe is adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or chocolate varieties.
- Wonderful Texture: That signature chewy, moist interior contrasting with a slightly crispy, golden exterior is utterly addictive.
- Chewy Chocolate Macaroons
- Gluten Free Vegan Coconut Macaroons
- Giant Coconut Macaroons
- Miniature Coconut Macaroon Cheesecake
- Almond Macaroon Brownies
Recipe: How to Make Salted Caramel Macaroons
Salted Caramel Macaroons
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12.25 oz jar caramel topping
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 14 oz bags flaked coconut
- ¾ cup toasted chopped pecans
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips or caramel flavored chips
- Sea salt for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
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In large bowl, stir together condensed milk, caramel topping, salt, and vanilla extract.
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Add flour and stir until blended, then stir in coconut, pecans and chips until well mixed.
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Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls (or use a medium size cookie scoop) and arrange cookies 1 inch apart (2 if making larger cookies) on cookie sheets.
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Lightly sprinkle tops with some sea salt
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Bake 15 to 25 minutes (20 worked for the large cookies) or until golden brown. Transfer to cooling racks and let cool completely.
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Put about 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high, stirring at 30 second intervals, until chocolate is melted. Dip bottoms of cookies in melted chocolate and set on a parchment lined tray. Put in the refrigerator to set chocolate. Alternatively, you can use the caramel flavored chips. For the caramel chips you’ll need to use a slightly lower setting on the microwave (50% power works) since they have more sugar and can scorch easily.
Tips for Perfect Macaroons Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, coconut, pecans, and chips, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher macaroons.
- Parchment Paper is Key: As mentioned, parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Do not skip this step!
- Evenly Sized Scoops: Using a cookie scoop ensures all your macaroons are roughly the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly and consistently.
- Monitor Baking Closely: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your macaroons, especially towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown on the edges and lightly golden on top.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to handle the macaroons while they’re still warm. They need to cool completely on a wire rack to set properly and develop their signature chewy texture.
- Chocolate Dipping: For best results, ensure your macaroons are fully cooled before dipping. This prevents the chocolate from becoming a messy puddle. If your kitchen is warm, a quick chill in the refrigerator will help the chocolate set faster.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
How to Store Your Salted Caramel Macaroons
Once cooled and the chocolate (if used) is set, store your macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. If freezing, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Creative Serving Ideas
These macaroons are fabulous on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Dessert Platter: Arrange them alongside other small treats like brownies, mini tarts, or fruit for an impressive dessert spread.
- Coffee or Tea Companion: Their rich flavor pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a comforting tea.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a few macaroons over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Gift Giving: Package a few in a decorative box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Macaroon Recipe
From their humble origins to their elevated status with salted caramel, chocolate, and pecans, these macaroons are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. They are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet escape, this recipe promises a delightful journey for your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, grab that trusty cookie scoop, and prepare to indulge in the chewy, caramel-infused bliss of these homemade salted caramel macaroons. Happy baking!