These sweet and chewy coconut macaroons are made by blending shredded coconut, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla. Baked until golden brown, each piece is then dipped in melted dark chocolate and drizzled on top to add a rich, bittersweet touch. The treats are gluten-free and easy to prepare, perfect for a quick homemade dessert or snack. Optional coconut oil smooths the chocolate, and toasted almonds can be added for extra crunch. Store in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
I pulled a tray of these from the oven on a gray Tuesday afternoon, and the smell alone made my neighbor knock on the door. She thought I'd opened a bakery. The golden edges, the sweet coconut scent mixing with dark chocolate—it turned an ordinary weekday into something worth remembering.
I made these for a potluck once, and someone asked if I'd trained in Paris. I laughed and said no, just a regular kitchen and a love for anything coconut. By the end of the night, the plate was empty and I had three requests for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Sweetened shredded coconut: The foundation of the macaroon, giving that chewy, tropical sweetness. Look for finely shredded coconut for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the mixture as it bakes, creating those crisp golden edges.
- Egg whites: They hold everything together and puff slightly in the oven, giving the macaroons structure without weighing them down.
- Pure vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that deepens the coconut flavor without overpowering it.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and makes the coconut taste more alive.
- Dark chocolate: I prefer something around 60-70% cacao for a bittersweet contrast that doesn't compete with the coconut.
- Coconut oil: Optional, but it makes the chocolate glossy and easier to drizzle smoothly.
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Set your oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the bottoms from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Mix the macaroon base:
- In a large bowl, stir together the coconut, sugar, egg whites, vanilla, and salt until everything is evenly coated and the mixture feels sticky. Your hands work best here—don't be shy.
- Shape the macaroons:
- Use a tablespoon or small scoop to drop mounds onto the parchment, leaving about an inch between each one. They don't spread much, but they do puff slightly.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, watching for those toasted edges. The tops should look lightly bronzed and smell like heaven.
- Cool completely:
- Let them sit on the baking sheet until cool. If you try to move them too soon, they'll crumble.
- Melt the chocolate:
- Chop the dark chocolate and melt it gently over simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until silky. Add the coconut oil if you want extra shine.
- Dip and drizzle:
- Dip the bottom of each macaroon into the chocolate and set it back on the parchment. Then drizzle the tops with a fork or piping bag—messy is fine, it adds character.
- Let the chocolate set:
- Leave them at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes. Once the chocolate hardens, they're ready to devour.
One winter evening, I made a double batch and packed them into tins for holiday gifts. A week later, my cousin called and said she'd hidden them from her kids and ate them alone with coffee. I took it as the highest compliment.
What to Do with Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They actually taste better on day two when the flavors settle and the chocolate firms up just right.
Ways to Make Them Your Own
Fold in half a cup of toasted chopped almonds for crunch, or swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you like things sweeter. I've even added a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate for a mocha twist that surprised everyone.
Serving Suggestions
These shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with strong coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve them on a simple white plate to let the chocolate drizzle stand out.
- Pack them in clear bags tied with twine for easy, elegant gifts.
- Set out a platter at parties and watch them disappear faster than anything else on the table.
There's something honest about a macaroon—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just coconut, chocolate, and a little bit of heat. They remind me that the best treats are often the simplest ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve chewy texture in the coconut macaroons?
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Maintaining the right ratio of shredded coconut to egg whites and baking just until edges are golden ensures a moist and chewy center.
- → Can dark chocolate be replaced with another type?
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Yes, semisweet or milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter finish, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- → What is the purpose of adding coconut oil to the chocolate?
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Coconut oil helps melt the chocolate smoothly and makes dipping easier without altering flavor significantly.
- → How should I store these coconut treats to keep them fresh?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to preserve texture and flavor.
- → Are there any common allergens in these macaroons?
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These treats contain eggs and coconut, which is a tree nut allergen for some individuals. Chocolate may contain traces of dairy or nuts.