Macaroon vs. Macaron

MacarOOn    vs.    MacarOn

What's the Difference?

I felt compelled to write about this topic for the same reason anyone else does....to help clear up any confusion.  Many people often get the two cookies confused.  A "Macaroon" (pronounced with the -oon sound, as in raccoon is the cookie we all know and love.  It is really a mixture of egg whites, sugar and shredded coconut then it is scooped into little haystacks and baked.  some even half dip them in chocolate.  The more easy version would be to mix shredded coconut with sweetened condenced milk and bake.

The now popular "Macaron" (pronounced with a short -O sound like in the Ron, is a French cookie made of egg whites, sugar, powdered sugar and almond flour.  These delicate little gems require a lot more skill to make but are very delicious.  They are filled with either ganache, flavored buttercreams or jams.  They also can be colored to match special events. 

Easy Coconut Macaroon Recipe

2 (7oz.) packages of flaked coconut

1 (14oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine coconut, sweetened condensed milk and extracts; mix well.  Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper lined sheet pan.  Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.  Let cool and store loosely covered at room temp.