I’m not completely sure that I consider the next cookie an actual cookie. When it comes to Coconut Macaroons, it seems to be more pastry than cookie, but who am I to say what’s a cookie and what’s not. These little snowballs have a light orange flavor which pairs beautifully with the coconut.

I used finely shredded coconut in this version. This creates a more uniform and more cookie-like finished product. In order to get the toasted coconut flavor throughout the cookie, lightly toast 1 2/3 cups of the coconut. I only toasted it long enough to give it a blonde color, about 7 minutes at 325 F. Allow the coconut to cool before incorporating it into the recipe.

The cream of tartar in the recipe does a very important task. It helps stabilize the meringue in the batter. Have you ever made anything using a meringue and found a puddle of fluid under the cookie? Cream of tartar helps prevent the sticky, wet mess.

These guys bake up beautifully rounded and look like little snowballs. They are full of flavor, slightly crisp, moist and flaky. They are a coconut lovers wish come true. Enjoy them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself.

Orange Scented Coconut Snowballs

1 2/3 Cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut, lightly toasted
1/2 Cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut, not toasted
1/2 Cup Sugar
3 TBSP All-Purpose Flour
1/4 TSP Salt
3 Egg Whites, room temperature
1/2 TSP Vanilla Paste
1/2 TSP Cream of Tartar
1/2 TSP Orange Zest

Procedure:

Preheat the oven to 325F

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites on high until they get light and frothy. Add in the salt and cream of tartar.
With the mixer running, slowly stream in the sugar. Allow the egg whites to whip until they begin to get glossy and hold firm peaks.

Incorporate the vanilla and orange zest.
Reduce the speed to low and add in the flour. Mix until fully combined.
Remove the meringue from the mixer and fold in both forms of coconut.
Scoop onto lined sheet pans with a medium cookie scoop.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly browned all over and dry looking on the surface.
Remove and place on a rack to cool.

Orange Scented Coconut Snowballs Card