Name: Coconut Macaroons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What are the best Coconut Macaroons? What are some of the most satisfying treats I make? If you love the simplicity of a no-bake cookie, but crave that little extra touch of sophistication, this is the cookie for you. If you like toasted coconut, then these are for you. They are nothing like those dry, crumbly bakery macaroons you might have had. Think of these as the chewier, coconut-ier and way more delicious cousin of a meringue cookie – but not the crunchy cookie. Without all the fuss. What is the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already! My Grandma Rose used to make these for every holiday, and honestly, no other coconut macaroon has ever been made. I’m sharing her secret with you!

What is a coconut macaron?

So, what *are* coconut macaroons exactly? Think of them as little mounds of toasted coconut held together by a sweet, slightly gooey binder. They’re incredibly simple, usually just involving shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk (the magic ingredient!), and sometimes egg whites for extra lift and chewiness. Unlike macarons (those fancy French meringue cookies that are notoriously difficult to make), coconut macaroons are incredibly forgiving. It’s essentially a “dump and bake” situation, making them perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix or a last-minute treat for a party. The beauty is in their rustic simplicity; they aren’t meant to be perfectly uniform, each one has its own charm and a delicious, slightly toasted edge that I absolutely adore.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways I love this recipe… Seriously, though, these coconut macaroons are a game-changer.

Flavor:What is the best toasted coconut flavor? Is it sweet, nutty, and has that perfect chewiness that keeps you coming back for more? What are some of the best sweets to enjoy after a meal?
Simplicity:What is an easy recipe to make? We’re talking one bowl, minimal ingredients, and practically zero baking skills required. I promise, even if you’ve never baked anything before, you can nail these coconut macaroons.
Cost-Coconut, sweetened condensed milk, a little vanilla – these are all pantry staples for me. Is it cheap to How do I make a big batch of these without breaking the bank?
Versatility: While the classic recipe is amazing, you can totally customize these! Dip them in chocolate, add a little citrus zest, or mix in some chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless.

What I love about this is that it’s a family recipe passed down through generations. Is it easy enough for the kids to make it their own? ), and they disappear in minutes. I’ve tried other coconut macaroon recipes over the years, but this one always wins. What is the perfect balance of ingredients? What are some of the best coconutty goodness in What’s a good way to use up shredded coconut in your pantry?

How do I make coconut macaroons?

Quick Overview

What are some of the easiest ways to make coconut macaroons? How do you mix everything together in one bowl, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, and bake for 20-30 minutes? Is it possible to cook a How do you bake a potato – you want it to be slightly golden on the outside and still soft on top? Is it chewy on the inside? Is it that simple? I always say this is the perfect recipe when you want something delicious with minimal effort. What are some of the best smells of toasted coconut in your kitchen?

Ingredients

For the Macaroons:

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Don’t accidentally grab evaporated milk! It’s not the same.
I prefer pure vanilla extract but imitation works in a pinch.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
I like using sweetened shredded coconut, but unsweetened works too (you can use regular coconut milk). If you use unsweetened, you might want to add a tablespoon or two of sugar. Make sure your coconut is relatively fresh for the best flavor.

Optional Dipping:

1 cup chocolate chips – semi-sweet or dark chocolate
1 teaspoon coconut oil – this will give your chocolate a beautiful shine and help it melt smoothly.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Why are coconuts toasted at a lower temperature? While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. What is the best way to line a macaroon pan? I learned this the hard way!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. Mix well until everything is nicely incorporated. This ensures that the coconut is evenly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 3: Add the Coconut

Add the shredded coconut to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the coconut is fully saturated with the condensed milk mixture. I usually use my hands for this step to really get in there and make sure everything is combined. Don’t be afraid to get messy!

Step 4: Drop by Spoonfuls

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. You can pack them lightly to help them hold their shape. They don’t spread much, so you can place them relatively close together on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Is it necessary to bake macaroons for 18-22 minutes? Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt pretty quickly. The bottoms should be lightly golden as well. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil.

Step 6: Cool

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the macaroons cool completely on the pan. Before transferring them to a wire rack, remove the sheets from the sheet. This allows them to set up properly and prevents them from falling apart. Be patient. Is it worth the wait?

Step 7: Drizzle or Dip (Optional)

If you want to get fancy, you can melt some chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave. In a microwave or double boiler. How do you dip macaroons in melted chocolate? Place them on parchment paper until the chocolate sets.

Step 8: Enjoy!

These coconut macaroons are best enjoyed at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. And if you have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best coconut macaroon recipes?

For Breakfast:Pair them with coffee or latte. A few coconut macaroons and a good coffee?
For Brunch: Add them to a brunch platter with fresh fruit, yogurt, and other pastries. They add a touch of sweetness and coconut flavor that complements other brunch items perfectly.
As Dessert: Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A simple but satisfying dessert that’s sure to please.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy hot chocolate on a chilly evening? What is the perfect comfort food to have?

My family has a tradition of serving these at every holiday gathering. I love packing them in lunch boxes for a sweet treat. What’s not to love?

What are some of the best ways to make coconut macaroons?

Coconut Choice: What areUse good quality shredded coconut. I find that sweetened shredded coconut works best, but if you prefer unsweetened, you can add a pinch of salt to taste. Add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the mixture.
Don’t overbakKeep a close eye on them while they are baking. They should be golden brown around the edges, but still soft and chewy in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly macaroons.
Even Baking: For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This ensures that all the macaroons brown evenly.
Mix-Ins: Get creative with mix-ins! Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or citrus zest to the coconut mixture for a fun twist.
Resting Time: Let the coconut macaroons cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up properly and prevents them from falling apart.
Chocolate Dipping: If you’re dipping them in chocolate, use good quality chocolate and add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help it melt smoothly and give it a beautiful shine.

I’ve also experimented with different extracts. Almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor, and a little bit of lemon zest brightens them up beautifully. The key is to have fun and experiment to find what you like best! I once accidentally used salted butter in the mixture, and while it wasn’t exactly a disaster, the macaroons were definitely a little too salty. So, stick to unsalted butter for the best results!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These coconut macaroons store really well, which is a bonus!

Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay nice and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: These coconut macaroons freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze them, I recommend adding the chocolate drizzle after thawing. This prevents the chocolate from becoming dull or cracked during the freezing process.

I’ve found that freezing them is a great way to have a sweet treat on hand whenever I need one. Just pop one out of the freezer, let it thaw for a few minutes, and enjoy! They’re almost as good as fresh-baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Coconut macaroons are naturally gluten-free since they don’t contain any flour. Just make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut. You might want to add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the mixture to compensate for the lack of sweetness. Taste the batter and adjust the sugar accordingly.

Why are my macaroons flat?

This can happen if your coconut isn’t as tightly packed together when you drop them on the baking sheet. Make sure to gently pack the mixture together before baking to help them maintain their shape.

Can I add other flavors to the macaroons?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, spices, or mix-ins. Almond extract, lemon zest, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts are all great additions.

My macaroons are burning on the bottom! What should I do?

If the bottoms are browning too quickly, try moving the baking sheet to a higher rack in the oven. You can also double-up on the baking sheets to insulate the bottoms a bit.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my Grandma Rose’s legendary coconut macaroon recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try! It’s seriously one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes I know. These coconut macaroons are perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dessert to a festive holiday treat. And the best part? They’re sure to impress everyone who tries them. If you love the simplicity of a no-bake recipe but crave something a little more special, these are definitely for you. They are also wonderful treat to prepare with kids, giving them basic baking skills with a low degree of difficulty, while enjoying the magic together.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes. And if you make these coconut macaroons, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy baking!