Hey y’all! If you love irresistibly chewy, golden cookies with a hint of tropical flavor, then these Coconut Macaroons are about to become your new favorite treat. These sweet bites are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a quick homemade dessert. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Macaroons Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Creates irresistibly chewy, golden cookies with crisp edges and a soft center.
- Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or a simple afternoon snack.
- Gluten-free and customizable to suit different tastes.
- Stays fresh for days—great for gifting or make-ahead desserts!
Coconut Macaroons Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (200 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted, for drizzling or dipping
How to Make Coconut Macaroons
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Coconut Macaroons Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy—no need to reach stiff peaks. Pour the egg mixture into the coconut mixture and stir until everything is well combined and moistened.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form 1 1/2-inch mounds of the mixture and space them about 1 inch apart on your baking sheet. Gently press each mound to ensure compactness and avoid crumbling.
Step 4: Bake the Coconut Macaroons
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops and edges are a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: (Optional) Add Chocolate
If desired, dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons in melted semi-sweet chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops. Place on parchment paper and let the chocolate set.
Notes for Coconut Macaroons
- Make sure to use sweetened shredded coconut for classic chewy texture. For more on coconut varieties, check out this coconut guide.
- Avoid overbaking, as coconut burns easily—pull the cookies at the first hint of golden edges.
- Egg whites help hold the cookies together; ensure they are well combined with other ingredients. For tips on separating eggs cleanly, read these expert tips.
Coconut Macaroons Variations
- Lemon Zest Macaroons: Add 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest for fresh citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Macaroons: Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the mixture before baking.
- Almond Joy Macaroons: Press a whole almond into the top of each mound and drizzle with chocolate.
Equipment Needed for Coconut Macaroons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack for cooling
Coconut Macaroons Storage Instructions
Store your coconut macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze cookies (layered with parchment paper) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions for Coconut Macaroons
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Arrange on a festive tray for parties, holidays, or gifting.
Pro Tips for Perfect Coconut Macaroons
- Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature—they’ll mix and hold the coconut better (learn why here).
- Pack the coconut mixture tightly when shaping the mounds to help the macaroons hold together during baking.
- Allow cookies to fully cool before dipping in chocolate to avoid melting and mess.
Coconut Macaroons FAQ
- Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
- Yes, but the texture will be drier and you may need to increase the sugar to compensate. Sweetened coconut is recommended for the classic chewy result.
- Why are my coconut macaroons falling apart?
- Not enough liquid or under-mixing can cause macaroons to crumble—make sure the mixture is moist and well incorporated.
- Do coconut macaroons need to be refrigerated?
- They don’t need refrigeration if eaten within a few days, but for extra freshness (especially in warm climates), refrigeration is recommended.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Bake time: 18-20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Yield: About 20 macaroons
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted (optional for dipping)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
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3In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.
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4Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the coconut mixture until fully incorporated.
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5Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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6Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally, dip cooled macaroons in melted chocolate and let set.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
115 caloriescal
Protein:
2gg
Fat:
7gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
12gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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