Classic Coconut Macaroons
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Classic coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate are for every coconut lover. These cookies are soft and chewy in the center with crisp exteriors.
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This recipe is made with 7 simple ingredients and doesn’t require sweetened condensed milk. It’s a go-to that will quickly become your favorite.
Coconut macaroons are made with egg whites, sugar, and shredded coconut. Some recipes call for vanilla, almond, or other extracts.
My version uses both vanilla and almond extracts for a deeper flavor profile. The almond is subtle and adds just a little something extra.
The bottoms of each cookie are dipped in melted chocolate but this is completely optional. You can also drizzle the chocolate over the top to make them look prettier.
The proper color is debatable, though. I like mine to be in between a snowy-white and toasted golden color.
The toastier they are, the more the coconut flavor shines through. It’s also a nice texture contrast – crunchy exteriors with chewy centers.
Bake them a little longer than the recipe calls for if you want more of a golden brown color.
After you’ve made these cookies, give my toasted coconut white chocolate chip cookies and coconut cookies try!
What is a macaroon?
Some people confuse macarons and macaroons. While they both contain egg whites and sugar, They are vastly different.
Macarons are delicate meringue-based cookies that are made with a variety of flavors and fillings.
But macaroons are densely textured with coconut, moist and sweet, and often dipped in chocolate. Sometimes slivered almonds are pressed into the tops.
Are macaroons gluten-free?
There is no wheat in coconut macaroons which means they are 100% gluten-free. They are a favorite for people observing Passover and those who avoid gluten.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make my classic coconut macaroon recipe. Just 7 simple ingredients is all you need.
- Egg whites: Egg whites will act as the “glue” to hold the cookies together. Make sure they are at room temperature before you use them.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is mixed with the egg whites.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt is added for a balanced flavor.
- Vanilla extract and almond extract: You can use both or only one. I prefer both extracts for a deeper flavor profile.
- Shredded coconut: It’s important to use unsweetened coconut that is finely shredded.
Can I use sweetened coconut?
My recipe will not work with sweetened coconut or flaked coconut. The coconut must be unsweetened and finely shredded.
Can I make macaroons without eggs?
Macaroons can be made without eggs. Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk in place of egg whites and sugar. But, you need the egg whites for my recipe.
If you can’t eat eggs, Google a recipe for “eggless coconut macarons”. There are a ton of options online.
Tools needed
This recipe doesn’t require a ton of equipment which is one reason I like it.
- Mixing bow: You need 2 mixing bowls. One for the cookie batter and one for the melted chocolate.
- Hand mixer: An electric hand mixer is best for mixing the egg whites and sugar together.
- Scoop: A small 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop is what I used to portion the batter.
- Baking pan: The recipe yields about 21 cookies so you’ll need two baking sheets.
- Silicone spatula: A silicone spatula works best for folding the coconut into the egg white mixture.
How to make coconut macaroons
- Beat the egg whites, sugar, salt, vanilla and almond extracts together in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer. Mix until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the coconut and stir until all the coconut is well coated. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Scoop the mixture onto baking sheets and bake on the lower third rack at 325°F for 18-20 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool completely then dip the bottoms in melted chocolate.
It is important to let the coconut mixer sit for 30 to 60 minutes before baking. Since the coconut is unsweetened, it’s dry and needs to soak up the liquid.
You can prep the mixture a day in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Also, do not bake the cookies in the center of the oven. The tops will brown too much. Move the rack to the lower third position, just below the center.
Can you freeze macaroons?
Baked and cooled cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Package them in an airtight container or ziptop freezer bag.
Allow the cookies to thaw overnight in the refrigerator then serve cold or at room temperature.
Jazz it up!
There are so many ways to jazz up this basic macaroon recipe. I typically keep mine simple and dip the bottoms in chocolate. But, here are some other variations to try:
- Whip the egg whites and sugar into a meringue: This will yield a fluffier cookie that has more crunch.
- Add nuts or chocolate: Mix chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips into the matter.
- Add dried fruit: Mix your favorite dried fruit into the batter for more flavor.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to whip the egg whites and sugar until thickened. You don’t want stiff peaks but a slightly thicker consistency is what you are aiming for.
- Let the batter rest! This recipe uses unsweetened coconut which means it is dry. Let the coconut mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Overnight is even better.
- Size matters! You want about golf ball-sized cookies. This is best achieved with a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop.
- Line the baking sheet. Macaroons are sticky and will stick like crazy to the baking sheet. So line the baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Basic Coconut Macaroons
Ingredients
- 3 large (105 g) egg whites, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract, optional
- 3 ½ cups (223 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 4 ounces (115 g) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, sugar, salt, vanilla and almond extracts with an electric mixer until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Don't overmix. You don't want to whip to soft or stiff peaks. It should only have a little air incorporated and appear slightly bubbly.
- Use a silicone spatula to fold in the coconut, making sure it is evenly coated. Cover and let the batter sit for about 30-60 minutes.
- Meanwhile, adjust the oven rack to the lower third position (Just below the center of the oven). Preheat the oven to 325º F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to form mounds, place the mounds on the baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for 18-20 minutes or until the macaroons start to turn golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and dip the bottoms of the macaroons in the melted chocolate. Place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened. Served cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Almond extract: The addition of almond extract is subtle yet tasty. I highly recommend you try it.
- Coconut: You must use unsweetened shredded coconut. Sweetened coconut or flaked coconut will not work with this recipe.
- The dough can be made, covered tightly, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, continue with step 4.
- Store baked macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Or they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is for convenience and as a courtesy only. It is not guaranteed to be accurate because nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and brands you used in the recipe.
I can’t wait to try these! Have you ever tried adding lime? Do you think I could swap out the extract for an equal amount lime juice and add zest? Or would that throw off the recipe?
I haven’t made the recipe any other way than how it is written. Adding zest should be fine but I’m not sure about the lime juice. You may need 1-2 tablespoons for the flavor to come through and I don’t know if that will affect the overall texture of the cookie. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out.
Would it be possible to use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar or would that ruin the consistency? I’m not a baig fan of regular white sugar.
I’ve never tested this recipe with coconut sugar so I can’t say for sure if it will work the same.
Great recipe! I had a bunch of leftover egg whites and unsweetened coconut from other bakes and this was the perfect way to use them up. Letting the mixture rest is definitely necessary to yield a chewy center. Best thing about this recipe? It made exactly 24 with my cookie scoop, all the same size and no leftover dough. That never happens! Amazing.
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Rachel!
Have you ever doubled or tripled the recipe? I am making these for my cookie exchange and wanted to be able to do this….
I haven’t but I imagine it would be okay to do as long as you use the weight measurements.
Thank you☀️
5-stars!!!