Handwritten recipe card for Coconut Macaroons
by: salvagedrecipes

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are a sweet, chewy treat made primarily with egg whites and shredded coconut. These cookies gained popularity in American kitchens in the mid-20th century for their simplicity, low ingredient count, and ability to transform pantry staples into something special. Often associated with holidays and bake sales, this particular version yields airy, golden-browned cookies with a lightly crisp shell and soft, moist interior. The whipped egg whites provide a delicate structure while sugar and vanilla add just enough flavor to highlight the natural richness of coconut.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20 cookies
Calories 84 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 egg whites
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 2 cups flaked coconut

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Beat Egg Whites

  • In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt at high speed until soft peaks begin to form.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Sugar

  • Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar while beating constantly until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Fold in Coconut

  • Gently fold in the flaked coconut with a spatula until evenly combined.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

  • Drop by tablespoonfuls about 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 6: Cool and Remove

  • Let cool 1 minute on the sheet before carefully removing to a wire rack.

Tips

  • Use finely shredded coconut for a smoother texture, or coarser flakes for a chewier macaroon.
  • Dip bottoms or drizzle tops with melted dark chocolate for a richer version.
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons almond flour to slightly firm the batter.
  • Fold in mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness and coconut flavor.
  • For extra height, pipe the mixture instead of spooning it.
  • Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a classic bakery-style twist.
  • Make them festive by sprinkling colored sugar on top before baking.
  • To prevent sticking, cool completely before lifting from baking sheets.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 0.05mgSodium: 10mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 0.04IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword coconut, cookies, egg whites, gluten-free style, holiday treat, light dessert, simple baking, vintage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!