If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich flavor of coconut, this Coconut Macaroons Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These delightfully chewy cookies combine the tropical sweetness of coconut flakes with the creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk, all brought together by a hint of vanilla and a perfect golden edge from baking. Each bite offers a tender, moist texture with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside—making them utterly irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the iconic taste and texture of this Coconut Macaroons Recipe. From the sweet shredded coconut to the fluffy whipped egg whites, every element works in harmony to produce a cookie that’s chewy, sweet, and delicately golden.
- 14 ounces sweetened coconut flakes: Provides that classic coconut flavor and chewy texture essential to the macaroon.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the sweet, creamy binder that keeps everything moist and delicious.
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant hint that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature): Whipped to medium peaks, they give these macaroons their light, airy texture.
How to Make Coconut Macaroons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is such a simple step but it’s important because the parchment helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Coconut and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. This mixture is where the foundation of your Coconut Macaroons Recipe really starts to come alive with sweet, creamy, and aromatic notes.
Step 3: Whip Your Egg Whites
With a hand mixer on high speed, whip the room temperature egg whites until medium peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, soft peaks will hold but slightly fold over. Whipping the egg whites adds that magical lightness and helps the macaroons hold their shape beautifully.
Step 4: Fold in the Coconut Mixture
Gently fold the coconut mixture into the whipped egg whites, taking care not to deflate the air you just incorporated. This folding technique ensures your macaroons will be tender and airy rather than dense.
Step 5: Scoop Onto Baking Sheet
Using a heaping tablespoon, scoop the batter onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each portion about 1-2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread slightly without sticking together, resulting in perfectly shaped macaroons.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Coconut Macaroons Recipe in the preheated oven for 21 to 26 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The golden edges signal that your macaroons have the ideal crispiness on the outside while remaining irresistibly chewy on the inside.
How to Serve Coconut Macaroons Recipe
Garnishes
While these macaroons are delicious on their own, adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or dipping the bottoms in chocolate can take them to the next level. Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top add an extra crunch and a lovely toasted flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Coconut Macaroons Recipe with a fresh fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the sweetness and add refreshing contrast. A cup of hot coffee or tea always goes wonderfully alongside these treats, perfect for cozy afternoons or gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve your macaroons in mini cupcake liners or stack them as edible “cakes” tied with a pretty ribbon for special occasions. You can even incorporate food coloring into the egg whites for festive colors, making these macaroons as visually delightful as they are tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps keep them moist and chewy without becoming overly soft or dry.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Coconut Macaroons Recipe fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 1 month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh the texture of refrigerated or thawed macaroons, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This method crisps up the edges while keeping the inside chewy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can, but be aware the macaroons will be less sweet, so you might want to add a little extra sugar or honey to balance the flavor.
Do I have to use egg whites in this Coconut Macaroons Recipe?
Egg whites give the macaroons their light texture and help them hold their shape. If you need an egg-free option, there are recipes with alternatives, but the texture will differ.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts make great additions, adding a fun crunch or extra burst of flavor. Just fold them in during step 4.
What’s the best way to prevent the macaroons from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is key. These prevent sticking and make it so much easier to remove your perfectly baked macaroons.
Can I make these Coconut Macaroons Recipe gluten-free?
These macaroons are naturally gluten-free, since they don’t contain any flour. Just check that your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Coconut Macaroons Recipe becomes a staple in your baking rotation because they are just so fantastic—simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them as an everyday treat or bringing them to a special celebration, these macaroons will never disappoint and will always bring a smile to your face. Give them a try and see just how magical a few humble ingredients can be!
Print
Coconut Macaroons Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coconut Macaroons are chewy, sweet, and packed with coconut flavor. Made with simple ingredients like sweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped egg whites, these cookies bake up golden and delicious, perfect for a festive treat or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened coconut flakes (397 grams, 1 bag)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (397 grams, 1 can)
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (6 grams)
- 2 large egg whites (70 grams, room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Whip Egg Whites: Using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until medium peaks form, which means they hold their shape but still have a slight softness at the tips.
- Fold Mixtures: Gently fold the coconut mixture into the whipped egg whites, being careful not to deflate the egg whites to keep the macaroons light and airy.
- Scoop Cookies: Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 21-26 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a golden brown color. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for best volume when whipped.
- The cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.
- Store macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a chocolate twist, dip cooled macaroons in melted chocolate.
- You can use unsweetened coconut flakes if you reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to maintain sweetness balance.
