Coconut Macaroons or Coconut Trees

(Same cookies with a different type of coconut) 

You can also turn them into balls 

I truly recommend these sugar-dusted macaroon trees or balls. One cookie is just enough to fulfill your sweet tooth! They are perfect for the holidays.

Makes: 18 trees
Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups of finely shredded unsweetened coconut 
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten 
• 5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 
• Pinch of salt 
• Powdered/confectioner's sugar for the top of the "trees." 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine coconut, sugar, egg whites, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
• Form two tablespoons of the mixture at a time into small 2.5 inch trees or balls with your hands. Use fingertips to make the pointed top.
• Place each tree on parchment paper and make sure that they are evenly spaced apart (1 inch). 
• Bake them in the oven until the edges turn brown/golden for 12- 14 minutes. 
• Dust them with confectioners sugar after the cookies have cooled before serving.

Calories: About 85 calories per cookie
Recipe from Martha Stewart's Living Holiday Planner