Hello, fellow bakers! If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and a bit out of the ordinary, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re making Coconut Millet Macaroons – a deliciously different take on a classic favorite. These macaroons combine the tropical flavor of coconut with the nutty, wholesome goodness of millet. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a boost of nutrition. Let’s get started!

Why Millet?

Millet is a small, gluten-free grain that’s packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential minerals. It adds a subtle crunch and a slightly nutty flavor to these macaroons, making them not just tasty but also a healthier choice.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking:

• 1 cup cooked millet (see instructions below)
• 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened, based on preference)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for dipping)

Cooking the Millet

To cook the millet:

1. Rinse 1/2 cup of millet under cold water.
2. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
3. Add the millet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the millet is tender.
4. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely before using in the recipe.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked millet, shredded coconut, coconut sugar, coconut flour, and salt.
3. Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy and hold soft peaks. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Mix in Extracts: Gently fold the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) into the egg whites.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients until fully combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when shaped.
6. Shape the Macaroons: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small, rounded mounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden brown on the edges and set in the middle.
8. Cool: Allow the macaroons to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Chocolate Dip: If you’d like to dip your macaroons in chocolate, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons in the melted chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
10. Enjoy: Serve your Coconut Millet Macaroons with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Millet Macaroons

• Cook Millet Ahead: Cook the millet ahead of time and let it cool completely before using it in the recipe to ensure the macaroons hold together well.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by choosing sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on your preference.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Coconut Millet Macaroons are a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavor of coconut with the wholesome goodness of millet. Give this recipe a try and let us know how your macaroons turn out in the comments below. Happy baking!