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Haystack Cookies

Haystack Cookies. An updated quicker and easier version of this old fashioned recipe, using sweetened condensed milk to prepare this simple type of macaroon.

Haystack cookies close up image on red plate with christmas decorations in background

Haystack Cookies

Originally published Dec 2013

Haystack Cookies are a very quick and easy version of a macaroons recipe using just a few simple ingredients.

I always get requests for this recipe during the Holiday season because they are a real old fashioned Newfoundland favourite during Christmas time.

It seemed every baker I knew while growing up made these every year.

Red Glacé Cherries for Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars, pictured in a glass bowl.

Red Glacé Cherries or Maraschino Cherries make a festive accent to these simple treats.

I’ve modified the original recipe to include sweetened condensed milk which not only makes the recipe easier, it keeps the centres more moist too.

A nicely packaged batch of these would make a lovely gift for the coconut lover in your life too.

Desiccated coconut in white ceramic bowl.

Fine cut dried (desiccated) UNSWEETENED coconut is the type to use in this recipe.

Need more cookie ideas?

You might also like to try some of our very popular recipes in our Best Newfoundland Christmas Cookies Collection

Newfoundland Christmas Cookie Recipes photo collage for Pinterest

Newfoundland Christmas Cookie Recipes

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Haystack cookies close up image on red plate with christmas decorations in background
Yield: 24

Haystack Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Haystacks - a real old fashioned simple coconut macaroon cookie that's formed in a boiled egg cup. A very popular treat at the Holidays.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 5 cups unsweetened dried coconut (fine or medium cut)
  • pinch salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 cup glace cherries

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Line baking sheet/ with parchment paper.
  • Combine the sweetened condensed milk, the vanilla extract and salt.
  • Fold in the coconut.
  • Whip the egg whites to soft peaks along with the sugar and cream of tartar.
  • Fold the egg whites completely through through the coconut mixture.
  • Form the haystacks using a boiled egg cup or small ice cream scoop.
  • Keeping the inside of the egg cup slightly wet helps form the cookies and makes them easier to release. Some folks like to line the egg cup with plastic wrap. Chilling the dough may also help make them easier to form.
  • Top each haystack with a piece of glace cherry or other dried fruits or nuts.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until the bottom edges just begin to turn brown.
  • Cool completely on the pan.
  • Store in an airtight container. Can be frozen too.

Nutrition Information

Yield

24

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 167Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 4mgSodium 33mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 3gSugar 10gProtein 3g

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by third party software and is meant as a guideline only. Exact accuracy is not guaranteed. For recipes where all ingredients may not be used entirely, such as those with coatings on meats, or with sauces or dressings for example, calorie & nutritional values per serving will likely be somewhat lower than indicated.

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Carolyn

Friday 27th of September 2024

Hi Barry How do I turn these into chocolate haystacks please?

Carolyn

Sunday 13th of October 2024

@Barry C. Parsons, no, my son-in-law’s mom used to make them. I was thinking of adding coco powder.

Barry C. Parsons

Friday 27th of September 2024

Do you mean chocolate dipped?

Catherine

Tuesday 25th of July 2017

Thanks Barry,Just printed off the recipe.They look fantastic!!! Made Auntie Crae's chocolate macaroons on the weekend and they were a huge success.Love your recipes.

Catherine

Monday 24th of July 2017

Hello, I don't seem to able to bring up a printable recipe for coconut haystack cookies.Could you please email it to me.Thanks.

Barry C. Parsons

Monday 24th of July 2017

Try again now. I had to change a website setting on this recipe.

Christy

Wednesday 16th of December 2015

When I make these cookies a small amount of cooking spray on the parchment paper will make it easier to remove the cookies.

Barry C. Parsons

Sunday 14th of February 2016

I haven't found that to be necessary.

Milana Peerson

Wednesday 17th of December 2014

I think i'll put an almond on top and then drizzle with chocolate! Yummmmy

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