Teresa's Recipes
Besitos de Coco
Indulge in the sweet, tropical delight of Besitos de Coco, these irresistible coconut macaroons are a cherished treat in Latin American cuisine. With each bite, you experience the perfect harmony of chewy coconut, rich condensed milk, and fluffy egg whites, resulting in a golden, crisp exterior that beckons you to savor more. Whether served at festive gatherings or enjoyed as a delightful snack with your morning coffee, these little treasures evoke the warmth of the tropics and the joy of sharing moments with loved ones. Traditionally, these treats have been celebrated for their simplicity and rich flavor, often found at family celebrations and holiday feasts across Latin America.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup Condensed milk
- 3 large Egg whites
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 31g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and the coconut is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg whites and salt on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the coconut mixture with a spatula, ensuring not to deflate the egg whites too much. The mixture should be well combined but still fluffy.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the macaroons are golden brown and the tops are lightly toasted.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the besitos de coco to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the besitos de coco as a sweet treat at gatherings or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the coconut mixture.
- These macaroons can be dipped in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
- If you prefer smaller bites, use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon to scoop the mixture.