Coconut Macaroons Recipe

We love all things coconut at our house. I have 101 ways to use coconut oil, many of which aren’t even food related. Coconut macaroons are one delicious way to get more coconut oil in your life.

I use coconut a lot in cooking. The oil is great for baking, roasting, sautéing, and frying. And I substitute coconut flour for traditional wheat flour in a lot of recipes. But I’ve always wished I had more uses for flaked and shredded coconut.

This macaroon recipe is one of my solutions to that. It’s also a great way to use the extra egg whites left over from making hollandaise sauce. I use a lot of egg yolks in my homemade mayo too.

Macaroons vs. Macarons

One little letter makes a big difference. Both types of cookies are made with large egg whites whisked into a stiff foam, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

Macarons are sandwich cookies made with finely ground almond flour. They’re usually colorful, crispy on the edges, and have some kind of filling between the two cookies.

Macaroons are more dense and chewy and have shredded coconut folded into the meringue. They’re usually a lovely golden brown and are frequently drizzled with or dipped in chocolate. I use 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in my recipe, but you could also try almond extract if you prefer. They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made healthy with a few tweaks.

My Healthier Coconut Macaroons

I’ve made a few modifications to the traditional macaroon recipe to fit more in line with the way we eat.

• Sweetener: Instead of refined sugar or condensed milk, I like to use raw honey or maple syrup.

• Coconut: Instead of sweetened coconut, I almost always use unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds in my recipes and coconut cookies. This adds the delicious coconut flavor we need for the perfect coconut macaroons.

• Maca Powder: This one is my own add-in. The name even suggests it… “maca”roons (get it? – Ok, maybe it’s just me). Either way, maca adds some extra nutrients. It’s completely optional though and you can just leave it out if you want to.

More Coconut Lover Dessert Recipes

If these macaroons aren’t calling your name you might like one of these other coconut desserts.

• Chocolate Coconut Clusters

• Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

• Coconut Butter Cups

• Coconut Granola

• Energy Bars

• Homemade Junior Mints – made with coconut oil

Coconut Macaroons Recipe

Katie Wells

Simple and nutritious coconut macaroons made with egg whites, flaked coconut, and honey for sweetness.

4.06 from 37 votes

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 24

Calories 56 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 egg whites
• 1 dash salt
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups coconut flakes
• 1 TBSP coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 TBSP maca powder optional

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
• In a separate large bowl mix together the honey or maple syrup, vanilla, coconut flakes, melted coconut oil or butter, and maca.
• Carefully fold the coconut mixture into the egg whites.
• Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so the coconut can soak up the liquid.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Use a 1 tablespoon measure or cookie scoop to scoop the macaroon mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a small amount of space between each one.
• Bake for 8-12 minutes on the lined baking sheet until just starting to brown.
• Remove to a wire rack to cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

If your mix seems a little too liquidy you can add a small amount of coconut flour.

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Have you ever made coconut macaroons before? What’s your favorite way to use shredded coconut? Leave a comment and let me know!