Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

It's Girl Scout cookie season and we've been seriously craving the coconut and chocolate 'Samoa' cookies. Sadly, the nutritional content is those cookies is pretty much none and though I've heard rumors that they offer vegan girl scout cookies in some states, we didn't find any near us. Disappointing but perfect- it forced us to get creative and make a healthy version of those sweet, tempting cookies.

These macaroons have since become a staple in our house. They are so easily thrown together that we are constantly making them for parties and quick get-togethers. They keep well in the fridge for several days and can even be frozen and thawed for later use. 
These macaroons are raw, refined sugar free, and can easily be made gluten free by substituting almond or rice flour...a guiltless treat if ever there were one!

Ingredients:
2 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon finely ground pink sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 teaspoons of cold water
1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsweetened dark or other vegan chocolate

Directions:
Combine coconut, coconut oil, flour, syrup, salt, and vanilla. Coconut oil should NOT be melted. You want to have to fork the mixture together until the solid coconut oil has been completely smooshed up and combined with everything else. It takes about 2 minutes of dedicated forking.
Add water, starting with two teaspoons, and mix until mixture comes together and becomes sticky.
Once combined, use your hands to form the mixture into (about) 1 inch balls. Or two inch balls...because who am I to tell you how much macaroon to enjoy?
Once your macaroons are formed, set them on a paper lined cookie sheet in a cool place. The fridge will work beautifully here.
While the macaroons are chillin', melt about 2 ounces of chocolate. To keep the recipe raw use the bain-marie (the double-boiler) method. To do this, fill a large saucepan with water. Bring the water to a boil, and cover with a heat safe bowl, never allowing the heat safe bowl to come into contact with the water. Gently melt the chocolate.
Once chocolate is fully melted, remove macaroons from cooling area. Dip macaroons carefully into the chocolate, being careful not to coat them, but rather add the chocolate as more of an accent, 'cause these babies are rich! (Sometimes we use a piping bag to add a little decorative chocolate to the tops.) This is most easily done using a spoon and/ or your fingers (I used my fingers so I had a reasonable excuse to lick the batter off of my fingers after...).
Once a little chocolate has been added, place the completed macaroons back onto lined cookie sheet and refrigerate for about 30-60 minutes, allowing chocolate to set. This process can be sped up by placing the entire cookie sheet into the freezer until the chocolate cools completely. 
Enjoy!

PRINT RECIPE