Not So…Disneyland Matterhorn Macaroons

REAL Matterhorn Macaroons can be purchased at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at the end of Main Street in Disneyland. I attempted to make some from what appeared to be a popular recipe. But while these were tasty, they did not taste anything like the ones in the park.

• 1 cup butter, at room temperature

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ¼ cups (packed) sweetened coconut, finely shredded (see NOTE)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 4 ounces Wilton white candy melts

• 1/4 cup white sparkling sugar

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in the almond, coconut, and vanilla extracts. Add the flour and salt. Mix only until everything comes together. Gently fold in 1 packed cup of the finely processed coconut.

Scoop the dough into 12 Matterhorn-shaped mounds and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.

Let the cookies cool completely. Melt the white candy melts according to the package directions, then dip the tops of each cookie into the melted candy. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle with decorator’s sugar.

NOTE: To prepare the coconut, place a couple of cups of sweetened shredded coconut in a food processor or blender. Pulse until it becomes very fine. Measure 1 packed cup for the recipe.