Coconut Macaroons

4.67 from 12 votes
Pin RecipeJump to RecipeComments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These toasty coconut macaroons with moist, chewy centers are an every-occasion dessert with subtle tropical vibes. They’re dipped in dark chocolate for an extra indulgent, timeless treat!

Macaroons arranged on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.


 

You’ll be swapping out your usual baking projects for this simple coconut macaroons recipe, perfect for welcoming spring and adding a sweet touch to your Easter celebrations. Light, fluffy, and irresistibly golden, these treats are a festive favorite that will brighten up any dessert table.

Why I Love This Coconut Macaroons Recipe

  • Easy. As long as you get the egg whites right, the rest is as easy as pie.
  • Classic. Crispy macaroons are a timeless sweet treat everyone loves, especially when dipped in chocolate.
  • Tropical. The coconut based gives them a bit of a tropical flavor profile, making them stand out from other desserts.
  • Versatile. Dip them in white chocolate, add cranberries, or make them colorful. You’re in charge!

Macaroons vs Macarons

Macaroons are a shredded coconut-based cookie or dessert. The egg whites in the mixture are whipped until you get medium-firm peaks, and then everything is folded in. Once scooped, they’re baked until golden. Macarons, on the other hand, are complex almond flour-based sandwich cookies. They’re also made with meringue, but nailing them is every expert baker’s dream because they’re a bit difficult to get right.

Labeled ingredients for coconut macaroons.

Recipe Ingredients

This coconut dessert is perfect for using up leftover condensed milk and a carton of egg whites. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

  • Sweetened coconut flakes – Unsweetened is great too.
  • Sweetened condensed milk – Don’t swap this for sugar, honey, or any other sweetener.
  • Vanilla extract – Feel free to use almond extract.
  • Egg whites – Carton egg whites are perfect for this.
  • Salt – Kosher salt is best.
  • Dark chocolate – This is optional, for dipping. You can use a chocolate bar or chocolate chips.

How to Make Macaroons

This straightforward process involves mixing, shaping, and baking your way to perfectly chewy and golden treats. The key is to work quickly so the egg whites don’t deflate. Follow these steps for a batch of irresistible homemade coconut macaroons.

  • Prep the mixture. Preheat the oven to 325˚F. Mix the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Set it aside.
  • Beat the eggs. Use a hand-mixer to beat the egg whites in a bowl over high speed. Beat them until you get medium-firm peaks. Fold in the coconut.
  • Scoop them. Use an ice cream scoop to drop the mixture into a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave 2-3″ space between them.
  • Bake them. Pop the tray into the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
  • Dip them in chocolate. Grab the macaroons and dip the bottoms into melted chocolate, setting them down on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate them for 5-10 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Enjoy!
A stack of three macaroons.

Tips & Variations

  • Act quickly. Once you whip the egg whites, you need to work quickly to bake the macaroons. Letting the mixture rest will only deflate the meringue and cause the macaroons to spread.
  • Watch the temperature. Get the eggs and condensed milk down to room temperature before you start working on the recipe. It’s harder to mix everything when they’re cold because you have to add more air into the mixture.
  • Swap the chocolate. If you don’t like dark chocolate, you can go for milk, bittersweet, or white chocolate instead.
  • Use add-ins. Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans, almonds, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips into the mixture for more texture.
  • Make them seasonal. Add 1-2 drops of your favorite food coloring depending on the occasion for an extra colorful dessert.
  • Coat them completely. Why stop at a chocolate-dipped bottom? Submerge the entire macaroons in chocolate for more of that chocolatey snap.
A hand holding up a coconut cookie dipped in chocolate.

Proper Storage

The macaroons need to be fully cooled before you store them in an airtight container and keep them on the counter, away from direct heat and sunlight, for up to 5 days. You could also keep them refrigerated for up to 7 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods like onions so that they don’t absorb any odors. To freeze, wrap them in plastic wrap twice. Transfer them to a freezer-friendly bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Set them on the counter for 15 minutes to thaw before digging in.

More Coconut Desserts To Try

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It
4.67 from 12 votes

Coconut Macaroons

This classic coconut macaroons recipe is sweetened with condensed milk for a rich, indulgent, and tropical dessert.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 Cookies

Ingredients 

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 325˚F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut flakes, condensed milk, and vanilla; set aside.
  • Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer; beat until medium-firm peaks form.
  • Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
  • Using an ice cream scoop drop the batter onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let cool.
  • Optionally, once the cookies are cool, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate, set them face down on a wax-lined baking sheet, and place them in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cookie | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Did you make a recipe? Leave a rating
4.67 from 12 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




62 Comments

  1. Catalina says:

    These Coconut Macaroons were an absolute dream! I’ve always been intimidated by making macaroons, but your recipe made it so simple and foolproof.

    1. Katerina says:

      I’m thrilled to hear that the coconut macaroons turned out wonderfully and that the recipe was easy to follow and successful for you! Thank YOU! 🙂

  2. April says:

    OMG these are amazing. So easy to make and perfectly sweet and chewy.

    1. Katerina says:

      That’s fantastic to hear! I’m so glad you found them easy to make and enjoyed their sweet, chewy perfection! Thank YOU! 🙂

  3. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says:

    It’s yummy! I made this and everybody at our house loves it!

    1. Katerina says:

      That’s wonderful to hear! It’s always a great feeling when a dish is a hit with everyone. Enjoy the yumminess! Thank YOU! 🙂

  4. Sandra says:

    These are my favorite! So glad I found this recipe! Need to make a big batch next time!

    1. Katerina says:

      That’s fantastic! It’s always exciting to find a recipe that becomes a favorite. Enjoy making your big batch next time! Thank YOU! 🙂

  5. Amanda says:

    Such a delightful dessert! I could not get enough of them!

    1. Katerina says:

      I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the dessert so much! It sounds like it was a real treat. Thank YOU! 🙂

  6. Beth says:

    These macaroons are some of the best I’ve ever made. I love the flavor, and I love how easy they are to make!

    1. Katerina says:

      That’s wonderful to hear! It’s always a pleasure to find a recipe that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. Enjoy your flavorful macaroons! Thank YOU! 🙂

  7. Sherese P says:

    Wow! I made These Macaroons Last night.
    They are so delicious and incredibly easy.
    Moist, crisp outer, and so so good.
    I couldnt resist and had a macaroon with my coffee this morning.
    I am going to make another batch today to keep in the freezer. That good!
    Great recipe. Easy ingredients, actually had everything on hand.

  8. A_Boleyn says:

    Simple and lovely cookie. My last attempt … well, the sugar oozed out of the meringue and burned. It was a mess.

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank you!! 😀 There’s no granulated sugar in this recipe, so I think you should be AY-OK!. 😉

  9. Kate says:

    Holy CRAP! I have all the ingredients in my cupboards, RIGHT NOW! Everything together ON THE SAME DAY! Yay!

  10. The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says:

    Look at you. Even when you’re “mis-behaving” you’re behaving! Coconut Macaroons are virtually fat free, are they not? Just a few extra calories. And, they look fantastic.