Dark Chocolate Coconut Macaroons (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup dairy free dark chocolate, chopped (plus extra for drizzling, if desired)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper.
2.  
3. Add coconut to a food processor and process on high, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary. You’re trying to achieve a texture not quite like coconut butter, but close enough that the coconut starts to have a dough-like texture when you squeeze it together. If your mixture gets too close to coconut butter, add in a bit more shredded coconut and you should be all set.
4.  
5. Add the maple syrup and vanilla, and continue mixing until incorporated.
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7. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) or a tablespoon, portion out coconut dough, and pack firmly into scoop or tablespoon to achieve an even shape. I used a tablespoon and packed the dough into it, then gave it a gentle tap on the baking sheet and each macaroon loosened easily. Repeat with remaining coconut dough until all of the coconut has been used.
8.  
9. Brush the tops of each macaroon with the melted coconut oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges of the macaroons are golden brown. Let the macaroons cool completely before dipping in chocolate.
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11. When ready to dip, melt chocolate in a double boiler, or in 30 second increments in the microwave. Gently pick up each cooled macaroon, and dip the bottom into the melted chocolate. The macaroons may be fragile, so be careful with this step.
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13. Lay chocolate-dipped macaroons on a fresh sheet of parchment or wax paper, and continue dipping the rest. If you have chocolate leftover, or melted extra to drizzle over the top, I find it’s easiest to put your remaining chocolate into a plastic baggie and snip off the corner, so you get an even stream of chocolate for decorating. Then, let set, and serve!

http://www.sweetlyserendipity.com/miscellaneous/dark-chocolate-coconut-macaroons-vegan-gluten-free/