Description
Chewy coconut macaroons recipe made with coconut, egg whites, and condensed milk. Easy, family-friendly dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups shredded or desiccated coconut – the base that creates chewiness and a sweet, nutty flavor
- 2 large egg whites – the binder that holds everything together, giving lightness
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk – adds richness, sweetness, and moisture; evaporated milk can be used with added sugar
- ¼ cup sugar or 3 tbsp honey – adjust depending on sweetness preference (omit for sugar-free or keto-friendly macaroons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – balances flavor and enhances aroma
- Optional flavor enhancers – almond extract, lemon zest, cocoa powder for chocolate macaroons
- Optional add-ins – ½ cup chocolate chips, ¼ cup chopped almonds, pecans, pistachios, or dried fruit like apricot, cranberry, mango, raspberry, or cherry
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg whites until frothy. Stir in the condensed milk (or chosen substitute) until smooth.
- Combine with coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut. Use unsweetened coconut for less sweetness, or sweetened for a richer cookie.
- Shape the macaroons: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form compact mounds. Space them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the edges are crisp, but the centers stay soft.
- Optional finishing touches: Dip cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate, press a whole almond, Hershey’s Kiss, or dried cherry into the center before baking, or drizzle with caramel for extra sweetness.
- Cool completely: Allow macaroons to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set while keeping the chewy texture.
Notes
- For dairy-free or vegan coconut macaroons, replace condensed milk with coconut cream and egg whites with aquafaba.
- For gluten free coconut macaroons, use almond flour or leave out flour completely.
- For a healthier option, use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol instead of sugar.
- Baked macaroons can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: coconut macaroons recipe