Red, White, & Blue Macaroons: Happy 4th of July!

Riddle me this: what’s red, white, blue, and coconutty too?

Answer: these Red, White, & Blue Macaroons!

Although coconut macaroons are originally of European origin, I think they’re a great way to celebrate America’s birthday for several reasons. Firstly, American cuisine is founded upon incorporating the best of what other cultures’ cuisines have to offer. Sometimes, we fuse them together or add a bit of American flare. Macaroons are definitely a treat that Americans have taken on. We like them because they’re simple and delicious, two things that Americans love. American cuisine is big on convenience. Therefore, these macaroony cuties are the perfect way to say, “I love the USA!” They’re simple, quick, and adorned with patriotic colors.

I had no idea macaroons were so easy to make until I tried these. I dumped all of the ingredients into a bowl (all of which I already had on hand), stirred them up, then plopped spoonfuls onto a tray and baked. Does it get any easier than that? Plus, all you need to produce the pretty patriotic hues is a bit of food dye. It’s magic, my friends; macaroon magic.

These guys bake up with golden brown edges and chewy, fluffy interiors. You’d think such results would require complicated preparation, and yet all you have to do is stir some stuff together. I bet you’ve already got everything you need in your kitchen right now. And since they’re so quick to make, you’ve still got time to make these Red, White, and Blue Macaroons for your 4th of July celebration! They’re especially ideal since you don’t have to worry about them melting in the summer heat. Guests can grab and munch as they please.

That being said, these macaroons are so delectable that you might want to forgo serving them at your 4th of July celebration and keep them all to yourself. Whatever you decide to do, these macaroons are a must-have for you Independence Day festivities.

A Few Tips Before You Get Cooking:

1. It doesn’t have to be the 4th of July to enjoy this amazingly easy recipe. Leave out the food dye and make them any time of year!
2. Almond extract in place of vanilla would be delicious.
3. Sprinkles are optional, but always recommended!
4. Switch out the colors for another holiday. Dye them red & green and include them in your Christmas cookie collection. Make them blue or pink for a baby shower.
5. If you are making these for a crowd, you might want to double the recipe.
6. You can grease the pan instead of using parchment paper, but then you run the risk of making a mess and not being able to get the macaroons off the pan. Parchment paper ensures your macaroons come off in one piece, and your pans stay clean.

Red, White, & Blue Macaroons
Adapted from Taste of Home

Yield: about 2 dozen

Ingredients:

• 2-2/3 cups flaked coconut
• 2/3 cups sugar
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food dye
• Blue food dye
• red & blue sprinkles, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and vanilla; mix well. Distribute the batter evenly amongst three small bowls. Add a few drops of blue dye to one bowl, a few drops of red to another, and leave the last bowl white. Stir each bowl until food dye is evenly distributed. You may add more or less to achieve your desired vibrancy.
3. Drop by rounded, generous teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Top with sprinkles and bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.