Chocolate Almond Macaroons (Almond Joy Macaroons)

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This gluten-free, chewy Coconut Almond Macaroon recipe was shared by my podcast guest, Marissa Wojcik, as part of her episode all about Passover. As you make her macaroons (also called Inside Out Macaroons or Almond Joy Macaroons), I invite you to listen to her story.

Marissa's Coconut Almond Macaroon is an adorable golden brown little cookie that you can easily make with things you have right in your kitchen. Inspired by an Almond Joy Candy bar, these are full of dessicated coconut, have almonds inside, are topped off with one more almond, and then drizzled or dunked in chocolate. 

If you hide the almond inside, these are also called Inside Out Macaroons. 

P.S. Marissa also shared her famous Jewish Brisket crowdsourced by 8 grandmothers. If you're preparing for Passover, here are 57 Side Dishes for the High Holy Holidays. This is a detailed list of recipes, including which ingredients are appropriate for each holiday.  

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Are these Kosher for Passover?

Coconut Almond macaroons are a popular treat during Passover, but their Kosher for Passover status depends on certain factors.

• This recipe calls for Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk which is Kosher certified.
• However, mixing dairy and meat violates kosher dietary laws.
• To try this recipe without Sweetened Condensed Milk, Pacific Foods lists these 5 alternatives
• The best option is Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
• Also depends how strictly you observe Passover - if you live in a Modern Jewish home like Marissa, you can enjoy her recipe 
• Marissa's chocolate ganache also contains dairy - Check below for non-dairy options
• For ideal desserts no matter how strict, look at this link What to Serve With Jewish Brisket for High Holy Days

Macaroons vs. Macarons

Macaroons:

• Typically made with ground almonds (not in this recipe) or shredded coconut (lots in this recipe).
• Like Macarons, Macaroons use egg whites
• Have a dense and chewy texture.

Macarons:

• Delicate French meringue-based treats.
• Made with almond flour.
• Have a crisp outer shell and a soft, airy interior.
• Filled with various flavors of ganache, buttercream, or jam.

Ingredients in Almond Joy / Inside Out Macaroons

Contains:

• Egg whites
• Dessicated coconut
• Almond extract
• Whole almonds
• Sweetened condensed milk (or Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk)
• Chocolate

Does not contain:

• Gluten Almond paste
• Almond flour,
• Almond meal or any almond mixture
• Egg yolks
• White sugar

Instructions

1. Combine condensed milk, coconut, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a bowl.
2. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the coconut mixture.
3. Scoop mixture into balls, flatten, place three almonds in the center, and roll into balls.
4. Bake for 25 minutes until lightly browned, then cool on a wire rack.
5. Make the ganache by melting chocolate chips with heated milk, adding coconut oil, and whisking until smooth.
6. Dip macaroons in ganache, place an almond on top, and let ganache harden for a few hours. Enjoy!

How to Make Kosher Chocolate Ganache

• To use this recipe, you can simply melt unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate over a double boiler. Obviously, don't use milk chocolate
• You can also use Elisabeth's recipe for Dairy Free Chocolate Ganache 

3 Tips for Chewy Macaroons

• Moisture: Keep the coconut mixture moist (in this case, use Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk or Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk)
• Technique: Gently fold the whipped egg whites to preserve airiness.
• Timing: Bake until lightly browned for the perfect chewy texture. Don't overbake!

Variations

• Make an indentation on top of each cookie with your thumb. After baking, cook cookies, then top each with Maraschino cherries
• If you don't prefer almonds, use any other tree nut!

History of Jewish Macaroons and Passover

Jewish macaroons and their association with Passover have an intriguing history. Historian David Gitlitz has traced their origins to Italian Jews, who introduced them during the Renaissance period. These macaroons were likely inspired by an Italian cookie called "amaretti." Furthermore, the folklorist Auricoste de Lazarque suggests that a Jewish wine salesman played a role in popularizing macaroons as a Passover treat, as they were suitable for the holiday's dietary restrictions. Over time, Jewish communities embraced macaroons as a traditional Passover dessert, highlighting the cultural exchange and culinary adaptations within Jewish history.

Equipment

Parchment paper

Baking sheets

Largest scoop in Cookie Scoop Set

Storage

• Store these coconut almond cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.
• Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between the macaroons to prevent them from sticking together.
• If stored properly, coconut macaroons can typically stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer storage, you can freeze coconut macaroons in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor in each delicious little cookie.

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Pairing

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