Coconut Macaroon Sandwiches with Lime Curd

Delicate coconut macaroons sandwiched together with tangy homemade lime curd. These elegant cookies combine the tropical flavors of coconut and lime for a sophisticated treat.

24 servings
2 hr 42 min

Ingredients

  • 1 bag sweetened flaked coconut
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • ¾ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 drop green food coloring
  • to taste edible glitter
  • 1 piece offset spatula
  • 1 piece resealable plastic bag

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oven to 325°F with racks in upper and lower third. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Stir together coconut, sugar, flour, and salt until combined well, then add egg whites and almond extract and stir until combined well.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Pack dough in a teaspoon measure, preferably with offset spatula, scraping it level, then use spatula to remove dough from teaspoon in a single mound. Arrange mounds, rounded side up, 1 inch apart, on baking sheets.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Bake until just springy to the touch and bottoms are pale golden, 8 to 12 minutes, switching position of sheets halfway through baking.

    12 min

  5. 5.

    Remove cookies from oven and sprinkle while still hot with edible glitter, if using. Cool cookies on baking sheet 1 minute, and transfer to racks to cool completely.

    30 min

  6. 6.

    Whisk together lime zest and juice, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan until cornstarch is dissolved, then whisk in butter. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, then reduce heat and continue to simmer briskly, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Remove pan from heat.

    10 min

  7. 7.

    Lightly beat yolks in a small bowl, then slowly add 1/4 cup lime mixture, whisking. Add yolk mixture to remaining lemon mixture, whisking, then cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until curd is thick enough to hold marks of whisk, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, then cover surface with wax paper and chill until cold, about 1 hour.

    60 min

  8. 8.

    Transfer lime curd to plastic bag and press out excess air. Snip a 1/8-inch opening in bottom corner of bag, then twist bag firmly just above curd.

    5 min

  9. 9.

    Put 1 cookie, flat side up, on work surface and pipe about 1/2 teaspoon lime curd onto cookie, then top with another cookie, flat side down, to form a sandwich. Make more sandwiches in same manner.

    20 min