CHOCOLATE DIPPED COCONUT MACAROONS

These are so good, make them. People will love you. Give them as a gift. Bring them over to your neighbor in hopes that she'll stop having parties on Monday nights that last until 3:00 am.

Recipe after the photos!

This recipe originally came from The Kitchn! (Then I added the chocolate dippings!)

3 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
4 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (see Additional Notes)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Place an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. 
2. Toast the coconut (optional). For deeper coconut flavor and extra-crispy macaroons, spread the coconut on the baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes, or until just barely starting to show some color. Let cool slightly before using.
3. Combine the egg whites, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the whites and sugar are completely combined and the mixture is frothy.
4. Pour the coconut over the egg white mixture and stir until the coconut is evenly moistened.
5. Line the baking sheet with a silpat or parchment. With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the coconut mixture into small balls about 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Space them an inch or so apart on the baking sheet.
6. Bake the macaroons until golden, 15-20 minutes.
7. Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 
8. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave for 20 seconds. Stir and heat for another 20 seconds.  
9. Once melted, take the macaroons and dip the bottoms and place on parchment paper. 
10. Place in the fridge for about an hour until chocolate hardens.

Macaroons can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week.