Golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, these gorgeous treats are easy to make and delicious to eat!
I make coconut macaroons for many occasions throughout the year. They are one of my favorite desserts—not only because they’re so easy to make, but also because they are absolutely delicious. And they’re gluten-free! On top of that, they only require five simple ingredients that I tend to keep in my pantry all the time. That simplicity creates a delicate flavor profile—these beauties practically melt in your mouth with the rich, decadent taste of coconut and vanilla!
If you’ve never purchased shredded coconut, there are a few different types. Finely shredded coconut consists of very tiny pieces. I often use that to make my macaroons because I keep it on hand to add to fruit salads, yogurt, and other sweet dishes. Regular shredded coconut looks like strands, and it’s also great in this recipe. Macaroons made with this type of coconut will have an airier appearance that stands out a little more. Finally, there is flaked coconut, which I find too large to use in delicate sweets like these macaroons.
When you bake these delicious little gems, remember to bake them at a lower temperature and pull them out of the oven as soon as the bottoms begin to turn golden. They will continue to set as they cool.
Tips for exciting flavor variations
Macaroons are a versatile dessert treat you can customize to suit your mood or tastes. When I make them for holidays, I typically dip half of them in melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, white, or semi-sweet chocolate. Alternating white and dark chocolate-dipped macaroons on a platter makes a striking statement. You can swirl the two types of chocolate in a dish, dip your macaroons in, and then roll them in a bowl of sprinkles before the chocolate sets for a festive appearance.
Of course, there are many other ways to jazz up your macaroons, such as using orange or almond extract instead of vanilla. I’ve also added different ingredients, such as mini chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit—apricots, mangos, cherries, apples, pears, cranberries—toasted nuts, raisins, or citrus zest.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the coconut macaroons cool completely to room temp on parchment paper or a cooling rack before storing. You can place them in an airtight container and store them without refrigeration for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. I prefer a single layer in a freezer bag to squeeze out the extra air. Place wax or parchment paper between layers if freezing in a container. Thaw at room temp for about 1 hour before enjoying.
Serving suggestions
Anyone can enjoy coconut macaroons any time of year, but you will often find them as part of a Passover celebration. Many families enjoy them after a feast of Potato Kugel, Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket, Roasted Chicken With Vegetables And Potatoes, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Apples. They’d also go great on a dessert platter with Almond Flour Sugar Cookies and Flourless Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, stir together the shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Then, carefully incorporate them into the coconut mixture.
- Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake until the edges turn golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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