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Ambrosia Macaroons Recipe

Ambrosia Macaroons have a delightful citrus flavor and are just the thing to add to your cookie platter this holiday season. They are chewy with lots of coconut and a little flavor form some orange zest and finely diced dried pineapple.

Ambrosia Macaroons topped with cherry halves.

A piece of maraschino cherry on top gives them a super festive look.

Ambrosia Macaroons are a little reminiscent of fruitcake, with a much better flavor and texture. (I’m not a fruitcake lover 🙂 )

Ambrosia Macaroons on a wood board and a bowl of cherries.

But I am a macaroon lover and a chewy coconut based cookie this time of year gets me excited about those Samoa cookies that will be making their rounds in just a few short months.

What is Ambrosia?

Ambrosia, if you’re not familiar with it, is a type of fruit salad with coconut and usually pineapple, oranges, and marshmallows, and a sweet creamy dressing. I personally think ambrosia is much better in cookie form. It also tastes great in pie form.

You can drizzle a little melted chocolate on them to gussy them up some. If you are a fan of macaroons you will adore this southern version of them.

Ambrosia Macaroons on a blue surface.

How To Store Ambrosia Macaroons

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, individually wrap them in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.

More Holiday Cookies

Ambrosia Macaroons

Ambrosia Macaroons have a delightful citrus flavor and are just the thing to add to your cookie platter this holiday season. They are chewy with lots of coconut and a little flavor form some orange zest and finely diced dried pineapple.
PREP: 15 minutes
COOK: 25 minutes
TOTAL: 40 minutes
SERVINGS: 30

Ingredients

  • 5 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 1/2 cups packed sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup finely diced dried pineapple
  • 15 maraschino cherries, drained and cut in half
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, optional

Instructions

  • Place rack in center of oven and heat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Beat butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Gradually add sugar.
  • Add salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time.
  • Using a rubber spatula, mix in coconut and dried pineapple.
  • Drop batter by tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets. Press a cherry half onto the top of each mound.
  • Bake one sheet at a time, for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.
  • Let cool completely.
  • If desired, melt chocolate and use a fork to drizzle it on the macaroons.

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcal
Author: Christin Mahrlig
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Christmas, coconut

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Originally published November 21, 2014.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

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11 thoughts on “Ambrosia Macaroons Recipe”

  1. Rachel (teacher-chef)

    LOVE Macaroons and the addition of all the ambrosia deliciousness to these cookies just looks like it takes it to the next level, absolutely stunning

  2. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    I love the flavor of these macaroons, Christin! Such a fun twist on a pretty treat. Sounds like the perfect dessert!

  3. Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven

    I absolutely adore homemade macaroons! I love how bright and cheerful these look with the cherries on top—totally puts me in a happy mood. 😀 Pinning!

  4. Christin, I have only seen ambrosia on TV and I have to be honest, I’m not sure I’d be able to dig in…but I would have zero problems diving into your macaroons! They sound yummy and look so festive for the holidays! Love it.

  5. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods

    Yum, your photos are making me crave some macaroons. I love the the ambrosia twist. Clever!

  6. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure

    Love you macaroons.. I keep saying I need to try them out.. but I always turn on doing macarons. Your macaroons are really awesome.

  7. Isadora @ she likes food

    I love macaroons! For some reason I’ve only made my own once, but this recipe looks so good so I think I will have to make them again!

  8. These macaroons look so pretty and I love the twist from the traditional ones…thanks for the recipe Christin!
    Enjoy your weekend 🙂

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