Name: Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 2/3 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk; 1 Egg White; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice; 1/8 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest; 3 1/2 cups Sweetened Coconut; 3/4 cup Lemon Curd; Jelly Beans

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There’s something truly magical about the combination of coconut and lemon, and that’s exactly what makes Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests so special. I vividly remember the first time I tried these delightful treats at a family gathering. My aunt had brought them over, and as soon as I took a bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The sweet, chewy texture of the coconut paired with the zesty brightness of lemon was utterly irresistible. From that moment on, I knew I had to recreate these at home. It’s funny how food has the power to evoke such cherished memories, isn’t it? And now, I’m excited to share my version of these scrumptious nests with you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
28 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
18 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
190 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon

Why This Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests Hits Different

Unique Texture

The delightful chewiness of the coconut mingled with the creaminess of the sweetened condensed milk gives these nests a texture that’s hard to beat. Each bite is a little surprise, offering both crunch and softness.

Bright Flavor

The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest elevates these nests, bringing a zesty punch to their sweetness. It’s a bright flavor that cuts through the richness, making them refreshing and light.

Fun to Make

Making Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests is a fun activity for both kids and adults. Shaping the little nests with your hands brings a sense of joy and creativity, and watching them bake to a golden perfection is always rewarding.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s Easter, a birthday, or just a sunny afternoon, these nests are perfect for sharing. They’re a delightful treat that brings smiles and happiness, making them ideal for any gathering.

Make Ahead

What’s great about these nests is that they can be made ahead of time. You can whip them up a couple of days in advance, which means less stress when it comes to hosting or gifting them.

Customizable Decorations

The nests are a blank canvas for decorations. While jelly beans are a classic choice, you can get creative with different candies or even edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests

The ingredients for Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests are simple yet effective. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The star players here are the sweetened coconut and sweetened condensed milk, which provide a chewy base and sweet richness, respectively. The fresh lemon juice and zest add a burst of brightness, making these nests irresistible.

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk – This rich ingredient binds the nests together while adding a creamy sweetness.
1 egg white – Helps to give the nests structure and stability as they bake.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Offers a warm, comforting flavor that complements the coconut.
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – Adds a zesty flavor that brightens the sweetness.
1/8 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon lemon zest – Provides an extra punch of lemon flavor and aromatic oils.
3 1/2 cups sweetened coconut – The main ingredient, giving the nests their chewy texture.
3/4 cup lemon curd – This delicious topping adds a rich, tart flavor.
Jelly beans – For decoration, these candies add a pop of color and sweetness.

The Process for Making Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests

Creating Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests is a fun and rewarding process. You’ll find that it’s easy to get into a rhythm as you mix, shape, and bake these delightful treats. Follow along with these steps for a perfect batch!

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. This step is crucial for preventing the nests from sticking and ensures even baking.
In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, egg white, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until well combined. You’ll want everything to meld nicely to create a uniform base.
Add in the lemon zest and sweetened coconut. Mix well until all the coconut is coated with the sweet mixture. The mixture should be sticky but hold its shape.
With a spoon, scoop up about 2 tablespoons of the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Form the mixture into the shape of a bird nest. Press down the center gently with your thumb to create the well where the lemon curd will sit.
Bake the cookies for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; golden edges mean they are just right.
Once done, remove the nests from the oven and press your thumb down in the center again to ensure they hold their shape. This step is key to creating a nice indentation for the topping.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes until they are firm. Then, carefully remove them with a spatula and place them on a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to firm up.
Once cooled, place about a tablespoon of lemon curd in the center of each nest. This gives a delicious tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet coconut.
Finally, place 2 jelly beans in the center of each nest for decoration. Feel free to get creative with colors and varieties for an eye-catching display!
Enjoy your delicious Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests! You can store these in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Things Worth Knowing

Resting Time: Allow the nests to cool completely before adding the lemon curd for the best texture.
Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve an even bake.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving: These nests are best served at room temperature to enjoy their full flavor.

Substitutions and Tips

When making Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests, it’s good to have a few tips up your sleeve for the best results. Here are some helpful pointers.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked nests for up to a month. Just shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a container.
Decoration: Feel free to use different candies or even edible flowers to decorate your nests for a unique touch.
Texture: If you like a chewier texture, consider adding a bit more sweetened coconut to the mixture.
Variations: Experiment with different citrus flavors, like lime or orange, in place of lemon for a new twist!

Serve This Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests With

These delightful Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some great ideas:

As a Sweet Treat: Perfect for dessert, these nests are a wonderful addition to any party spread.
With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these treats alongside a cup of your favorite brew for a delightful afternoon snack.
Spring Celebrations: Their bright flavors make them an excellent choice for spring events like Easter brunch or baby showers.
On a Dessert Table: Arrange these nests among other sweet treats for a vibrant dessert table that dazzles guests.
Gifting: Consider packaging these nests in a lovely box or tin as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Seasonal Pairings: These nests go beautifully with fresh fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, adding a refreshing touch.

FAQ

Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests are special because they combine the chewy texture of coconut with the bright flavor of lemon. This perfect balance creates a delightful treat that stands out. They’re not only easy to make but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding many of festive celebrations and family gatherings.

Absolutely! You can prepare Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests 2 to 3 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They actually taste even better after resting, as the flavors meld together beautifully.

There are plenty of fun variations! You can experiment with different citrus flavors like lime or orange in place of lemon. You could also top the nests with other candies or add chocolate chips to the coconut mixture for an extra decadent treat.

To store leftover nests, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, you can also freeze the unbaked nests for up to a month.

Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests are perfect for a variety of occasions, including Easter, birthdays, and casual get-togethers. Their bright flavors make them a delightful treat for springtime celebrations and they pair wonderfully with coffee or tea during afternoon snacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Coconut Lemon Macaroon Nests are a delightful treat that beautifully balances sweetness with tartness. Their chewy texture and zesty flavor make them a must-try, whether for a holiday or just because. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon and share them with loved ones. You’ll find that they not only taste amazing but also create cherished memories around the table.