Coconut Macaroon Blossoms with Chocolate Kisses Recipe

If you love the sweet chewiness of coconut and the irresistible charm of chocolate, then you’re in for a real treat with this Coconut Macaroon Blossoms with Chocolate Kisses Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s both simple and festive, perfect for when you want a quick baking win that impresses everyone. I absolutely love how the coconut’s natural texture pairs with the melty kiss right in the center—this combo turned into an instant favorite in my kitchen, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same way.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—you’re going to love how straightforward this list is. Each component plays a crucial role in nailing the classic coconut macaroon flavor and that gooey surprise in the middle.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the glue that holds everything together and adds just the right amount of sweetness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens up the mix and enhances the coconut flavor beautifully.
• Almond Extract: Adds a lovely, subtle nutty depth that complements coconut perfectly—don’t skip this!
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out flavor complexity.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Use fresh shredded coconut for the best texture—this is the star of the show.
• Hershey Kisses: The chocolatey “blossom” topper makes each macaroon irresistible; you can experiment with different flavors if you want a twist.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Coconut Macaroon Blossoms with Chocolate Kisses Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste or occasion. I’ve tried a few variations, and each one adds a fun spin.

• Chocolate Flavors: I once swapped plain Hershey Kisses for peppermint-flavored ones during the holidays—my family goes crazy for that festive peppermint chocolate combo!
• Nuts and Seeds: Adding chopped toasted almonds or pistachios into the batter gives a delightful crunch and a nutty surprise I didn’t expect but loved.
• Sugar-Free Option: I’ve made these with unsweetened shredded coconut and a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, and they still held together beautifully.
• Extra Flavor Boost: A sprinkle of citrus zest (orange or lime) mixed into the batter livens things up and brightens the cookie’s flavor—highly recommend for summer baking!

How to Make Coconut Macaroon Blossoms with Chocolate Kisses Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C)—this lower temperature helps the macaroons bake slowly so they get that perfect golden edge without drying out. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat; trust me, you’ll thank yourself when the cookies slide right off and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Your Magic

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until everything looks smooth and inviting. This combo is key to keeping your macaroons moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Fold in the Coconut

Now fold in the shredded coconut gently but thoroughly—you want every bit of coconut coated in that luscious milk mixture. The texture here matters; if you use finely shredded coconut, the texture will be more delicate, but I prefer the traditional shredded kind for a bit of chewiness.

Step 4: Shape and Press

Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to grab about 1-inch balls of the mixture. I like to keep my hands slightly wet while shaping to avoid sticking—a simple trick that cuts down frustration. Place each ball on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Using the back of a small spoon or the end of a wooden spoon, gently press down in the center of each ball to create a little well—this is where your Hershey Kiss will nestle later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 15 to 17 minutes until the macaroons are just turning golden brown at the edges. Timing can vary a bit, so watch carefully—overbaking will dry them out, and underbaking means the centers might be a little too soft to hold their shape.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kisses

As soon as you pull them out of the oven, press one Hershey Kiss into the center well of each macaroon while they’re still hot. This slight warmth will melt the bottom just enough, creating a glossy, slightly soft chocolate center that’s heavenly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling and firm up.

How to Serve Coconut Macaroon Blossoms with Chocolate Kisses Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by letting the cookies shine on their own, but sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy touch for holiday gatherings. A few toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top after baking can also add some great texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these coconut macaroon blossoms with a cup of hot coffee or a rich chai tea. They’re perfect alongside a glass of cold milk too—a classic combination that never fails. For parties, I love serving them with an assortment of nuts and fresh fruit for a well-rounded dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the macaroons in a flower shape on a pretty platter, or placing them in festive cupcake liners to make them feel extra special. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with ribbon also makes for an easy and thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature in a container with a lid to keep them slightly crisp on the outside yet still chewy on the inside. They last about a week this way, which means you can bake a batch and enjoy them all week long without worrying about drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. When ready, just thaw at room temperature, and the texture and flavor come back beautifully—perfect for holiday prep or when you want to keep a stash on hand.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up, a quick 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave is enough to soften the chocolate without melting it too much, reviving that freshly-baked feeling. Just be sure not to overheat, or the coconut will get too soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough how much joy this Coconut Macaroon Blossoms with Chocolate Kisses Recipe has brought to my baking routine. It’s one of those nostalgic yet fresh recipes that’s no-fail, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to make. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon treat, or a last-minute party, these macaroons are always a hit. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie to keep in your arsenal for years to come.

Print