Crispy & Chewy: Easy Cornflake Macaroon Recipes You’ll Love
Cornflake macaroons are a delightful twist on the classic coconut macaroon, adding a satisfying crunch and unique texture that makes them utterly irresistible. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply as a delicious afternoon snack. They require minimal ingredients and preparation, making them a fantastic option for both experienced bakers and those just starting their baking journey. This guide will walk you through several mouthwatering cornflake macaroon recipes, complete with detailed instructions and tips for achieving the perfect crispy and chewy texture. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delectable, easy-to-bake goodies!
Why Cornflake Macaroons?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why cornflake macaroons are such a winner:
* **Texture:** The addition of cornflakes introduces a delightful crispness that contrasts beautifully with the chewy coconut base.
* **Flavor:** The subtle corn flavor complements the sweetness of the coconut and other ingredients, creating a well-balanced treat.
* **Ease of Making:** These macaroons require simple ingredients and minimal steps, making them a perfect recipe for beginner bakers.
* **Versatility:** You can easily customize cornflake macaroons with different flavors, coatings, and additions, allowing you to create unique variations.
* **Shelf Life:** Cornflake macaroons tend to stay fresh for several days when stored properly, making them ideal for make-ahead treats.
Recipe 1: Classic Cornflake Macaroons
This recipe is a great starting point for anyone new to making cornflake macaroons. It’s simple, straightforward, and produces consistently delicious results.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
* 3 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, but enhances flavor)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the macaroons from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, crushed cornflakes, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the coconut and cornflakes are thoroughly coated in the sweetened condensed milk. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
3. **Shape the Macaroons:** Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to form the macaroons. Drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Leave a little space between each macaroon to allow for even baking. You can use your hands to gently shape them into more uniform mounds if desired, but avoid compressing the mixture too much, as this can make them dense.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
5. **Cool:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from sticking.
6. **Enjoy:** Once cooled, the cornflake macaroons are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Crushing the Cornflakes:** Slightly crushing the cornflakes ensures they adhere better to the coconut and create a more cohesive macaroon. You can crush them by hand or gently pulse them in a food processor.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry, hard macaroons. Keep a close watch on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden brown.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is essential for preventing the macaroons from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the macaroons to cool completely before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Drizzled Cornflake Macaroons
Elevate your cornflake macaroons by adding a decadent chocolate drizzle. This simple addition adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall flavor profile.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the ingredients and instructions for the Classic Cornflake Macaroons recipe above.
* 4 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
* 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Macaroons:** Prepare the cornflake macaroons according to the Classic Cornflake Macaroons recipe.
2. **Melt Chocolate:** While the macaroons are cooling, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Add the vegetable shortening or coconut oil (if using) to the melted chocolate and stir until well combined. This will make the chocolate smoother and easier to drizzle.
3. **Drizzle Chocolate:** Once the macaroons are completely cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the macaroons. You can use a spoon, a fork, or a piping bag for this step. Get creative with your drizzling pattern!
4. **Set Chocolate:** Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing the macaroons. You can speed up the setting process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
5. **Enjoy:** Once the chocolate is set, the chocolate drizzled cornflake macaroons are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** Using high-quality chocolate will result in a richer, more flavorful drizzle.
* **Melt Chocolate Carefully:** Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize and become grainy. Heat in short intervals and stir frequently.
* **Get Creative with Drizzling:** Experiment with different drizzling patterns to create visually appealing macaroons.
* **Add Sprinkles:** For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle the chocolate-covered macaroons with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Cornflake Macaroons
For peanut butter lovers, this variation adds a creamy, nutty twist to the classic cornflake macaroon. The combination of peanut butter, coconut, and cornflakes is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
* 3 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, crushed cornflakes, sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure the peanut butter is thoroughly incorporated into the mixture.
3. **Shape the Macaroons:** Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to form the macaroons. Drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each macaroon.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are lightly golden brown around the edges.
5. **Cool:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Enjoy:** Once cooled, the peanut butter cornflake macaroons are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use Creamy Peanut Butter:** Creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe, as it blends more easily with the other ingredients.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the macaroons tough.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra treat, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter.
Recipe 4: Cranberry White Chocolate Cornflake Macaroons
These macaroons are perfect for the holidays, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate. The festive colors and flavors make them a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
* 3 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
* 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, crushed cornflakes, sweetened condensed milk, chopped cranberries, white chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Shape the Macaroons:** Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to form the macaroons. Drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each macaroon.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are lightly golden brown around the edges.
5. **Cool:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Enjoy:** Once cooled, the cranberry white chocolate cornflake macaroons are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Chop the Cranberries:** Chopping the cranberries ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the macaroons.
* **Use Good Quality White Chocolate:** High-quality white chocolate will melt smoothly and add a rich flavor to the macaroons.
* **Add Orange Zest:** For an extra touch of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
Recipe 5: Salted Caramel Cornflake Macaroons
This recipe takes the classic cornflake macaroon to a new level with the addition of salted caramel. The sweet and salty combination is incredibly addictive.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
* 3 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup caramel sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, crushed cornflakes, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Shape the Macaroons:** Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to form the macaroons. Drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each macaroon.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are lightly golden brown around the edges.
5. **Cool:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Enjoy:** Once cooled, the salted caramel cornflake macaroons are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use Good Quality Caramel Sauce:** Using a good quality caramel sauce will enhance the flavor of the macaroons. Homemade caramel sauce is even better!
* **Don’t Skip the Sea Salt:** The sea salt is essential for balancing the sweetness of the caramel and creating a delicious salted caramel flavor.
* **Drizzle with More Caramel:** For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle the cooled macaroons with more caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
Tips for Perfect Cornflake Macaroons
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the macaroons to steam instead of bake properly. Make sure to leave enough space between each macaroon.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will result in the best flavor and texture. Make sure your coconut, cornflakes, and other ingredients are fresh.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the macaroons and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and additions. Cornflake macaroons are a versatile treat that can be easily customized to your liking.
* **Storage:** Store cornflake macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Variations and Add-Ins
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing cornflake macaroons. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add lemon, orange, or lime zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add chopped dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, or cherries to the batter for added sweetness and texture.
* **Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts such as almond, coconut, or maple extract to enhance the flavor of the macaroons.
* **Dips:** Dip the cooled macaroons in melted chocolate, caramel, or other flavored coatings for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cornflake macaroons are delicious on their own, but they can also be served in a variety of other ways:
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Cornflake macaroons make a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve cornflake macaroons as a simple and satisfying dessert.
* **In Gift Baskets:** Include cornflake macaroons in gift baskets for friends and family.
* **At Parties:** Cornflake macaroons are a great addition to any party or gathering.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy cornflake macaroons as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
Conclusion
Cornflake macaroons are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that is sure to impress. With their crispy and chewy texture, subtle flavor, and endless customization options, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating delicious cornflake macaroons that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible goodies! Enjoy!