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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

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.

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

Like this Haystack Cookie recipe?

If you’re looking for other food gift ideas for the Holidays or just lots of seasonal recipe suggestions for both cooking and baking, be sure to browse our Christmas Recipes Category.

Haystack Cookies image with title text for Pinterest

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Updated Dec. 2018 to provide the option for metric measurements and to add nutritional info.

4.5 from 2 votes
Haystack cookies close up image on red plate with christmas decorations in background
Haystack Cookies
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Haystacks - a real old fashioned simple coconut macaroon cookie that's formed in a boiled egg cup. A very popular treat at the Holidays.
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: coconut, macaroons
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 171 kcal
Author: Barry C. Parsons
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
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line baking sheet/2 with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, the vanilla extract and salt.
  3. Fold in the coconut.
  4. Whip the egg whites to soft peaks along with the sugar and cream of tartar.
  5. Fold the egg whites completely through through the coconut mixture.
  6. 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.

  7. Top each haystack with a piece of glace cherry or other dried fruits or nuts.
  8. Bake at 325 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until the bottom edges just begin to turn brown.
  9. Cool completely on the pan. Store in an airtight container. Can be frozen too.
Recipe Notes

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.


Rock Recipes a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Our product recommendations are almost exclusively for those we currently use or have used in the past.
Recipe Rating




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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

Madeline Fudge

Wednesday 29th of October 2014

If I wanted to make these different colors what would I use ..like pink chocolate so on thanks

Barry C. Parsons

Thursday 30th of October 2014

Pink chocolate? I've never heard of that.

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