Almond Joy Macarons

Ingredients

• Almond flour (1 1/4 cups)
• Powdered sugar (1 3/4 cups)
• Egg whites (4 large, at room temperature)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Shredded coconut (1 cup, unsweetened)
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup)
• Coconut extract (1 teaspoon)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon)
• Egg yolk (1, for chocolate filling (optional))

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Process until the mixture is very fine and well combined, then sift to remove any lumps.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, increasing the speed to high, and beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
4. Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites in three additions. Use a spatula to fold until the batter is smooth and shiny, ensuring not to overmix.
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron. Tap the baking sheets gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles.
6. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface and they are no longer sticky to the touch.
7. Bake the macarons for 20 minutes, or until they have risen and created a 'foot'. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets.
8. In the meantime, prepare the coconut filling by mixing the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, coconut extract, and almond extract in a small bowl until well combined.
9. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and egg yolk if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
10. Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate onto half of the cooled macarons. On the other half, spread a generous amount of the coconut filling. Sandwich the two halves together, pressing gently.
11. For the best flavor, let the assembled macarons sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.