Desserts

Coconut Macaroons

Name: Coconut Macaroons
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (190g) shredded coconut; 1/2 cup (60g) rice flour; 1/4 cup (30g) tapioca starch; 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)

By Claire Donovan · June 18, 2026 · Desserts

Prep20 min

Cook18 min

Total38 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I made Coconut Macaroons after being diagnosed with celiac disease. It was a revelation - a delicious, chewy treat that just happened to be gluten-free. Over the years, I've perfected the recipe, and now I'm excited to share it with you. These macaroons are a staple in my household, and I know they'll become a favorite in yours too.

The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of Coconut Macaroons that are perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or serving at parties. And because they're gluten-free, you can enjoy them without worrying about any adverse reactions.

One of the things that sets these Coconut Macaroons apart from others is the use of a balanced flour blend. By combining rice flour, tapioca starch, and a binder like xanthan gum, we create a tender and chewy texture that's just perfect. And with the addition of shredded coconut and a touch of vanilla, these macaroons are full of flavor and aroma.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for you. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. So why not give it a try and see just how delicious homemade Coconut Macaroons can be?

In this recipe, we'll take you through every step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to baking the macaroons to perfection. We'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the most of this recipe and create your own unique flavor combinations. So let's get started and make some delicious Coconut Macaroons!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Coconut Macaroons are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.
The macaroons are perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or serving at parties, and can be made in large batches to feed a crowd.
The recipe is gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
The macaroons are deliciously chewy and flavorful, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding different flavorings or mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
The macaroons are a great way to use up shredded coconut and other pantry staples, reducing food waste and saving you money.
The recipe is perfect for beginners, as it requires no special skills or equipment and is easy to follow.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Coconut Macaroons is to use the right combination of ingredients and to follow the right technique. By using a balanced flour blend and adding the right amount of liquid, we create a dough that's easy to work with and that bakes up tender and chewy.

Another important factor is the use of shredded coconut. This adds flavor, texture, and aroma to the macaroons, and helps to create a deliciously chewy center. And by using a touch of vanilla, we add a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor.

Finally, the baking process is crucial. By baking the macaroons at the right temperature and for the right amount of time, we create a crispy exterior and a chewy interior that's just perfect. And by letting the macaroons cool completely on the baking sheet, we help them to retain their shape and texture.

Overall, the combination of ingredients, technique, and baking process all come together to create a truly delicious Coconut Macaroon. And with this recipe, you can make them at home with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Coconut Macaroons, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including shredded coconut, rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum. You'll also need some granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For example, look for shredded coconut that's moist and fragrant, and choose a high-quality vanilla extract that's made from real vanilla beans.

1 1/2 cups (190g) shredded coconutLook for shredded coconut that's moist and fragrant, and that's free from additives and preservatives.
1/2 cup (60g) rice flourChoose a high-quality rice flour that's finely milled and fresh, and that's suitable for gluten-free baking.
1/4 cup (30g) tapioca starchTapioca starch helps to add structure and texture to the macaroons, and is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking.
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gumXanthan gum is a binder that helps to hold the ingredients together and create a tender texture, and is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugarChoose a high-quality granulated sugar that's fresh and flavorful, and that's suitable for baking.
1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softenedUse a high-quality unsalted butter that's fresh and flavorful, and that's suitable for baking.
2 large eggsChoose fresh eggs that are suitable for baking, and that are free from additives and preservatives.
1 teaspoon vanilla extractLook for a high-quality vanilla extract that's made from real vanilla beans, and that's free from additives and preservatives.
1/2 teaspoon saltChoose a high-quality salt that's fresh and flavorful, and that's suitable for baking.
1/2 cup (60g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)If using chocolate, choose a high-quality dark chocolate that's at least 70% cocoa solids, and that's free from additives and preservatives.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or whiskRubber spatulaBaking sheet lined with parchment paperMedium-sized bowl for egg whitesElectric mixer for whipping egg whitesMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Coconut Macaroons

1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum. Stir until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. The dough should be sticky but hold its shape when formed into a ball.
5
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the starches to absorb the liquid.
6
After the dough has rested, use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 balls of dough.
7
Place the balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each macaroon.
8
Bake the macaroons for 18-20 minutes, or until they're lightly golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
9
Remove the macaroons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
If desired, melt the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Dip the cooled macaroons into the melted chocolate, or drizzle the chocolate over the top of the macaroons.
11
Let the chocolate set before serving the macaroons. You can speed up the process by placing the macaroons in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
12
Store the macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the macaroons for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh and flavorful shredded coconut and real vanilla extract.
Don't overmix the dough, as this can cause the macaroons to become tough and dense.
If you find that your macaroons are too sticky, you can try adding a little more rice flour or tapioca starch to the dough.
To add flavor to your macaroons, try adding a teaspoon of extract (such as almond or coconut) or a handful of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the dough.
If you're having trouble getting the macaroons to form into balls, try wetting your hands with a little water and then shaping the dough into balls.
To make the macaroons more crispy on the outside, you can try baking them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook.
You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt or shredded coconut to the top of the macaroons before baking for extra flavor and texture.
To make the macaroons ahead of time, you can form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, simply bake the frozen macaroons for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough, which can cause the macaroons to become tough and dense.
Not letting the dough rest for long enough, which can cause the starches to not absorb the liquid properly.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the macaroons.
Baking the macaroons for too long, which can cause them to become overcooked and dry.
Not letting the macaroons cool completely before serving, which can cause them to become soggy and lose their texture.
Not storing the macaroons properly, which can cause them to become stale and lose their flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a teaspoon of extract (such as almond or coconut) to the dough for extra flavor.
Add a handful of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to change the flavor of the macaroons.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or shredded coconut to the top of the macaroons before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Use a different type of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to change the flavor of the macaroons.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Use a different type of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to change the texture and flavor of the macaroons.

What to Serve With Coconut Macaroons

These Coconut Macaroons are perfect for serving as a snack or dessert. You can enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They're also great for serving at parties or special occasions, and can be packaged in cute containers or bags for a beautiful presentation.

Some other ideas for serving the macaroons include pairing them with a scoop of ice cream, using them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or crumbling them over a salad or fruit dish. You can also use them as a base for other desserts, such as trifles or parfaits.

Serve with a cup of coffee or teaPair with a scoop of ice creamUse as a topping for yogurt or oatmealCrumble over a salad or fruit dishUse as a base for other desserts, such as trifles or parfaits

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Coconut Macaroons, you can place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the macaroons for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

To freeze the macaroons, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the macaroons are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To thaw the macaroons, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then let them come to room temperature before serving.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can easily keep track of how long the macaroons have been stored. And if you notice any signs of staleness or spoilage, such as an off smell or flavor, it's best to discard the macaroons and make a fresh batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store Coconut Macaroons?

The best way to store Coconut Macaroons is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

Can I make Coconut Macaroons ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Coconut Macaroons ahead of time. Simply form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, bake the frozen macaroons for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar in the recipe. However, keep in mind that using a different type of sugar may affect the flavor and texture of the macaroons.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, you can add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough. Simply fold them into the dough after you've mixed the wet and dry ingredients together.

How do I know when the macaroons are done baking?

The macaroons are done baking when they're lightly golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a macaroon - if it comes out clean, the macaroon is done.

Can I make Coconut Macaroons without xanthan gum?

While xanthan gum is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking, you can make Coconut Macaroons without it. Simply omit the xanthan gum from the recipe and proceed as usual.

Can I use a different type of flour in the recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of flour in the recipe. However, keep in mind that using a different type of flour may affect the texture and flavor of the macaroons.

How do I prevent the macaroons from becoming too sticky?

To prevent the macaroons from becoming too sticky, make sure to not overmix the dough and to use the right amount of liquid. You can also try adding a little more rice flour or tapioca starch to the dough if it's too sticky.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card