Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons

May 26, 2025 ywcnew Gluten Free Recipes, Dessert Recipes, Recipes Comments Off on Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons

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These Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons are soft, chewy, and full of tropical flavor! Made with just a few ingredients and optionally dipped in dark chocolate, they’re a naturally gluten-free cookie that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or quick baking sessions. Simple, delicious, and totally irresistible!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Scoop into tablespoon-sized mounds and place on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
  5. If desired, melt chocolate and dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons. Chill until set.

Tips

  • Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and easier handling.
  • Add a bit of almond extract for a nutty twist.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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When it comes to simple, satisfying, and sweet gluten-free desserts, few treats rival the nostalgic charm of a coconut macaroon. Crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and sometimes dipped in dark chocolate, these Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons are everything a cookie should be—easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for almost any occasion.

What Makes Coconut Macaroons Naturally Gluten-Free?

Unlike many traditional cookies that rely on flour for structure, macaroons are made primarily from shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. There’s no wheat, barley, or rye—making them a naturally gluten-free option that’s also grain-free. This makes macaroons an ideal dessert for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or anyone looking to reduce refined flour in their diet.

5 Ingredients, Endless Flavor

One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create bakery-worthy cookies in your own kitchen:

  • Shredded Coconut: For best results, use unsweetened shredded coconut to keep the macaroons from becoming overly sweet.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Binds the mixture and adds rich, caramelized sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and balance to the coconut flavor.
  • Salt: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
  • Dark Chocolate: Optional, but recommended. Dipping the bottoms or drizzling adds richness and visual appeal.

Healthier Than You’d Think

While coconut macaroons still fall into the dessert category, they offer a few nutritional benefits over traditional cookies:

  • High in Fiber: Coconut is a great source of dietary fiber which supports digestion.
  • Contains Healthy Fats: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut may help support energy and metabolism.
  • Low in Refined Flour: These macaroons don’t contain any white flour, unlike most cookies.

Plus, with the ability to portion them into small, single-bite cookies, they make a great option for mindful indulgence.

Ways to Customize Your Macaroons

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, get creative with flavor and texture add-ins:

  • Almond Joy Vibes: Press an almond into the top before baking and dip in chocolate.
  • Lemon or Orange Zest: Brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Mix right into the batter for chocolate in every bite.
  • Drizzle with White Chocolate: Add flair and contrast.
  • Espresso Powder: Add 1/2 teaspoon for a mocha-inspired treat.

Make Them Vegan or Dairy-Free

To make your coconut macaroons vegan-friendly, use vegan condensed milk made from coconut or oat milk. The texture will be nearly identical, and the flavor just as satisfying. For the chocolate dip, use vegan dark chocolate or chocolate chips that are dairy-free certified.

Occasions to Serve Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons

Because they’re so easy to make and travel well, coconut macaroons are great for:

  • Holiday Cookie Trays (Christmas, Easter, Passover)
  • Gluten-Free Bake Sales
  • Lunchbox Treats (they don’t crumble like other cookies)
  • Afternoon Coffee Pairings
  • Gift Boxes (wrap a dozen in a ribboned box!)

How to Store and Freeze

Storage: Keep macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious.

Freezer Friendly: Place cooled macaroons in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Perfect Macaroons

  • Use a Cookie Scoop: This keeps your cookies uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
  • Watch the Edges: Bake until just golden at the bottom and tips—overbaking will dry them out.
  • Cool Before Dipping: Always let them cool fully before adding chocolate.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients to avoid overly dense cookies.

Common Questions Answered

Are coconut macaroons the same as macarons?
No! French macarons are almond-based sandwich cookies with meringue shells. Coconut macaroons are dense, chewy, and coconut-based.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, but reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly or the result may be overly sweet and moist.

Can I make these nut-free?
Yes. This recipe doesn’t include nuts, but always check chocolate and condensed milk labels to confirm they’re nut-free processed.

Perfect for Gluten-Free Diets

Not only are these macaroons 100% flour-free, they’re also:

  • Grain-free
  • Low on the glycemic index (especially with dark chocolate)
  • Made with whole food ingredients
  • Customizable for other allergens

A Cookie for Every Craving

If you’re trying to keep your dessert game gluten-free but crave something easy and crowd-pleasing, this is it. These chewy coconut macaroons deliver big on taste and texture with minimal effort. And thanks to the flexibility of the ingredients, they can be tailored to suit just about anyone’s needs.

Whether you’re baking a batch for a party, prepping for the holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet craving without refined flour, this is one recipe you’ll be glad to have on hand.

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