There’s something so comforting about the chewy, coconut-packed goodness of a coconut macaroon. These little bites of heaven are sweet, slightly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a party, they always disappear in a flash. They’re the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’re indulging without overdoing it — pure, simple, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are one of those treats that instantly make you feel like you’re in a cozy, tropical paradise. They’re perfect for any occasion, and here’s why:
Versatile: Whether you enjoy them on their own, dipped in chocolate, or paired with a cold glass of milk, these macaroons can be customized to fit your taste.
Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something so satisfying without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking techniques. These macaroons are as simple as they are delicious.
Customizable: You can easily add your twist, whether that’s a bit of vanilla extract, a drizzle of chocolate, or even some chopped nuts.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love coconut? These macaroons are a hit with just about everyone, making them a great choice for gatherings or a sweet treat to share with friends.
Ingredients in Coconut Macaroons
These macaroons are made with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need:
Shredded Coconut: The star of the show! It gives these macaroons their chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Make sure to use sweetened shredded coconut for the best results.
Egg Whites: Egg whites are the binding ingredient that holds the coconut together and creates that wonderful chewy interior.
Sugar: A little sugar goes a long way to bring out the sweetness of the coconut and help form that perfect golden exterior.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a little extra flavor and rounds out the coconut taste beautifully.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the coconut flavor.
Chocolate (Optional): For dipping or drizzling over the top — because, let’s be honest, chocolate makes everything better!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these coconut macaroons? Follow these simple steps:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). A well-heated oven ensures that your macaroons bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.
Whisk the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. This is a crucial step to get that light, airy texture.
Mix the Coconut Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much — you want to keep the airiness to help the macaroons rise.
Shape the Macaroons: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, form small mounds of the mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to keep the macaroons about 1-2 inches apart so they have room to bake properly.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Optional Chocolate Dipping: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, melt some chocolate and dip the bottoms of the macaroons into the chocolate. Let them set for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Coconut Macaroons
These coconut macaroons are perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:
- Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack.
- Serve them at a party as a bite-sized dessert that everyone will love.
- Top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated touch.
- Pack them in a gift box for a sweet homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Additional Tips
- If you prefer your macaroons a little sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the coconut mixture.
- For extra flavor, try adding some lemon or orange zest to the coconut mixture.
- Keep an eye on them while baking, as they can go from golden to overdone quickly.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut?
While you can use unsweetened coconut, the macaroons won’t be as sweet. I recommend using sweetened shredded coconut for the best flavor.
2. Can I make these macaroons ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
3. How do I store leftover macaroons?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month.
4. Can I add other flavors to the macaroons?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the coconut mixture to customize the flavor.
5. Can I make these macaroons without egg whites?
Egg whites are key to the structure of the macaroons. If you need a vegan version, you can try an egg replacer, though the texture might differ slightly.
6. Can I dip the entire macaroon in chocolate?
Yes, if you prefer, you can dip the entire macaroon in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
7. How do I know when the macaroons are done?
They’re done when they’re golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, these macaroons are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients.
9. Can I add food coloring to the macaroons?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut mixture if you want to make them colorful.
10. How do I prevent my macaroons from sticking to the baking sheet?
Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Coconut macaroons are the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and crunchy, with just a hint of tropical flavor that makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack or serving them at your next gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Coconut Macaroons
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 20 macaroons 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Coconut Macaroons are sweet, chewy cookies made with shredded coconut and egg whites, offering a delightful texture with a rich coconut flavor and a golden brown exterior.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded coconut, sugar, salt, and flour.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) to the egg whites and continue to beat for another 30 seconds.
- Fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture until well combined.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small mounds of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, melt chocolate chips in the microwave and dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons into the chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut in a dry pan before using.
- Macaroons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the macaroons from sticking to the baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaroon
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg