Coconut Macaroons

a short and convoluted history of cookies

I’m writing this almost entirely for the purpose of settling a debate — is it “macaroons” or “macarons?”

If you’re like me, you’ve been wondering this for years. Saying the name that you think is correct in hushed tones in case you’re wrong. Exclaiming excitedly in a pastry shop, “Oh, look! Macaroons! Those are my favorite,” only for the person behind th…