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Coconut Macaroon Cookie Recipe

This coconut macaroon cookie recipe is a traditional way of making them. There are quite a few variations, such as chocolate dipped macaroons or extra flavors added in. And they’re all delicious. But this one is my favorite!

coconut macaroons with a cherry and coconut macaroons made with egg whites

I highly recommend reading this entire post before you begin preparing the recipe. However, if all you want is the list of ingredients and full directions, please either click on the jump-to-recipe button above or scroll to the bottom of his post.

Perfect for Holidays and Year-Round Snacking

In fact, I recommend adding it to your afternoon snack rotation throughout the year and your holiday cooking list.

A coconut macaroon is not only among my favorite types of cookies, but it can also be made gluten-free. In fact, leaving out the flour allows the flavor of the coconut to be more pronounced.

However, if you want to make them more dense, you may use traditional white flour or almond flour.

Before you add any kind of flour, I highly recommend trying one of these recipes first.

The 3-ingredient coconut macaroons or the ones with more ingredients, both made with sweetened condensed milk, will send your senses into orbit.

One coconut macaroon with a cherry in the center and one without a cherry

National Macaroon Day

The coconut macaroon is so good it actually has its own day–May 31! However, you don’t have to wait until National Macaroon Day to enjoy this delectable treat.

Coconut Macaroon vs. Macaron

Have you ever wondered if people are misspelling the name of this delicious coconut treat when you see macaroon? If they’re writing about the chewy baked coconut puffs, it’s macaroon.

The macaron, on the other hand, is more of a meringue sandwich that has been dyed various colors.

Although it is just as delicious, it’s a different cookie altogether. The recipes are similar, but the macaroon has a chewy texture, while the macaron is crisp.

Different Styles of Coconut Macaroon Recipes

While I enjoy using sweetened condensed milk, some people might consider the batter texture too runny.

Because of this, they may prefer to use powdered sugar and an additional egg white or two. I don’t mind that the batter spreads out a little bit while cooking.

Another thing you can do when making your batter is use less sweetened condensed milk. Even though it won’t be as sweet, it is still delicious.

It will also run less and be puffier in the middle. This is the one I enjoy most of the time.

Coconut Macaroon Ingredients

The easiest version of coconut macaroons will blow your mind because there are only three ingredients. Yes, three. That’s all. Just coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of vanilla.

Basic ingredients you'll need to make coconut macaroons - coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Since this is my preference of the two different coconut macaroons I mention, it’s the one I have in the recipe card below.

However, you may choose either one, based on how sweet you like your macaroons.

Coconut macaroons on a cookie sheet

Another Version of the Coconut Macaroon

I’ve seen quite a few variations of this cookie. Since there are so many different varieties of recipes, you may need to test different ones to see which you prefer.

My second recipe is sweet, chewy, and light in texture.

The most important ingredients in this version are still the coconut and sweetened condensed milk.

Although that makes a delicious coconut macaroon, those who prefer a little more flavor will want to add vanilla (like I did in the first version), egg whites, and a tiny bit of salt.

Bag of flake coconut, Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, baking vanilla, and an egg

On occasion, I add coconut oil if I have it. If you leave out the coconut oil, the cookies won’t spread as much.

But sometimes I prefer my coconut macaroons to be extra moist, even though they’re not as puffy on top.

How to Make Coconut Macaroons

Pour the bag of coconut into a mixing bowl. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over it.

Add the vanilla. Stir until all of the coconut is coated with the other ingredients.

Shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.

With the second version, beat the egg whites until they are stiff—like you would a meringue.

If you’re not sure whether or not they’re stiff enough, touch the top with a knife or the back of a spoon. Lift the utensil, and if it forms a peak, it’s just right.

Egg whites that have been beaten to a stiff peak

Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut and sweetened condensed milk mixture. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, or you’ll defeat the purpose of fluffing them up.

Scoop balls of the batter onto a greased cookie sheet or a pan covered in parchment paper and bake until the tops are golden brown.

Scoops of batter on a greased cookie sheet

If you are making these for a holiday or special occasion, you can press dried fruit, such as maraschino cherries, into the top.

Can You Freeze Coconut Macaroons?

The short answer is yes, you can freeze them. You’ll need to put them in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you need to layer them, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between the layers.

How Long Do Coconut Macaroons Last?

You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you freeze them, they should be good for at least a month.

Are Coconut Macaroons Heathy?

Coconut packs a tremendous amount of nutrition. As a healthy fat, it provides energy for athletes. However, keep in mind that they also contain sugar, so be careful not to eat too many if you’re concerned about weight gain or blood sugar levels.

Coconut Macaroons on the Party Table

2 coconut macaroons with a cherry in the center

Whether you’re hosting a buffet or throwing a baby shower, include these macaroons on the party platter.

Other items you may want to add are some peanut butter cookies and a bowl of party mix.

Another delicious dessert everyone will love is these peanut butter Cocoa Krispie treats. Your guests will be totally impressed with your cooking skills.

Another dessert you’ll enjoy is this caramel apple pizza that oozes with deliciousness. Or you might prefer something like this yummy pineapple upside down cake.

More Dessert Recipes

When I make dessert for a family meal or dinner party, I like it to be simple yet special. Here are some of our favorites:

These mint chocolate brownies are easy to make and so delicious! If you enjoy a mint and chocolate combination, you’ll love these.

lemon bar on a plate
Lemon Bars

For a delightful treat of sweet and tangy, try these 3-ingredient lemon bars.

brownie waffle with ice cream and chocolate syrup
Brownie Waffle with Toppings

Looking for something that goes with ice cream? These brownie waffles are perfect! You can eat them right away or make them in advance.

Light Dinner Suggestions

These macaroons are the perfect dessert after a light dinner of a Mediterranean salad or zucchini boats. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something to finish off a meal without feeling too full.

Perfect Coconut Macaroons

These cookies are super easy to make using this recipe. And they taste absolutely heavenly.

So make a batch for yourself and another one to give to friends and family members. They make a wonderful holiday gift that everyone will enjoy.

Yield: 12 macaroons

Easy Coconut Macaroon

3 ingredient macaroon that is cooked and cooled

These macaroons are so easy to make, yet they pack a powerful punch of flavor. They have the ideal combination of chewiness and crunchiness that will have guests begging for the recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 seven-ounce bag of sweetened flake coconut (or unsweetened if you prefer it not so sweet)
  • 3/4 can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • Maraschino cherry halves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
  3. Scoop golf ball sized batter onto a cookie sheet that you have sprayed with nonstick spray or covered in parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 18 minutes, until the tops of the macaroons are golden brown.
  5. If you want to add a festive touch to these cookies, gently press 1/2 of a maraschino cherry into the center of each one.
  6. Place on a baking rack and cool.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

2 macaroons

Amount Per Serving Calories 173Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mgSodium 101mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 3gSugar 15gProtein 1g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Please feel free to share!

Miz Helen

Wednesday 30th of October 2019

We will love your delicious Coconut Macaroon's. Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Miz Helen

Julia

Friday 15th of March 2019

Thank you so much for sharing a link to my website! These coconut macaroons look scrumptious. They're a favorite of mine.

southernhomeexpress

Saturday 16th of March 2019

Julia, you have a great website! I enjoy seeing all your wonderful recipes, and I've saved several to go back to and try.

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