Coconut Macaroons Recipe Without Condensed Milk
This Coconut Macaroons recipe is simple to make and produces a cookie with a chewy interior and a crunchy exterior. These macaroons are naturally gluten- and dairy-free making them the perfect gift for your friends with certain dietary restrictions.
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These macaroons are utterly addictive! Even with the dense interior they feel light on the palate and melt in your mouth.
Tips for Making the Coconut Macaroons:
- The secret ingredient in these cookies is a bit of unsweetened applesauce. No worries as the macaroons will not taste like apples - it will add a bit more texture and stability to the cookie.
- Use room temperature egg whites as they will have more liquid viscosity than when they’re cold. This will allow the air to be readily incorporated.
- Whip the egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold into the other ingredients.
- This recipe calls for sweetened coconut that is shredded. You may use coconut flakes but shredded is preferred.
- If you want that "Mounds Bar" taste, simply melt a bit of chocolate and dip half of the coconut macaroon into the chocolate. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment or wax paper and allow the chocolate to set.
- To add a little tartness to the macaroons, add the zest of one lime to the batter.
- These flourless and diary-free macaroons will freeze well. Simply layer between sheets of waxed paper and place in a freezer-proof container. Before serving, remove from freezer and allow the macaroons to defrost at room temperature for approximately one hour.
FAQs
I am often asked by my customers to describe the difference between and 'macaron' and a 'macaroon.' This article by Bon Appetit provides a good explanation of the difference - it also gives you the proper pronunciation for both!
Using whipped egg white and sugar will create a chewier texture than the recipes containing condensed milk. Additionally, the macaroon will not be sticky or overly sweet. I also like the fact I am able to serve these to my family and friends who have a dairy intolerance.
Coconut Macaroons
Equipment
- 1 Hand Mixer or
Ingredients
- 280 Grams Sweetened and Shredded Coconut (3 cups / 10 ounces)
- 150 Grams Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 3 Large Egg Whites (3 ounces)
- 2 tablespoon Unsweetened Applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°
- Prepare 2 sheet pans by lining with parchment paper.
- Place egg whites and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer (a hand mixer may also be used) and allow to come to room temperature.
- In a separate large bowl, combine granulated sugar, vanilla extract, coconut and applesauce.
- Begin mixing the egg whites on low speed. Slowly increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until egg whites appear white and foamy and hold a soft peak.
- Fold egg whites into other ingredients until well combined.
- Scoop individual macaroons onto prepared sheet pan using a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
- Bake for 14 - 18 minutes (tops will be a golden brown).
- Cool on sheet pans for 5 minutes then move macaroons to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Sonia Seivwright says
This is Delish! I had no idea that adding unsweetened applesauce could add texture and stability to the cookie without changing the taste.
Vince says
Thanks for this.
Love coconut, and these are really tasty... Recipe is easy to follow... Made a 2x batch and froze half....
dessertswithstephanie says
Vince, thank you for your feedback. So happy you enjoyed the coconut macaroons!
Suzanne Patzelt says
Amazing! Always great to find new gluten free recipes that taste good too!
dessertswithstephanie says
Suzanne, thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Amy Liu Dong says
This is one of my favorite treats or dessert to make.
It is so easy and delicious!
Suzanne R says
My son and I made this coconut macaroon recipe together. He loved having a cookie to share with his gluten-free friends. Really delicious cookie.
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for letting me know. I agree with your son as this is my go-to recipe for my GF friends and family.
Suzanne says
Probably the best macaroons I have made. Sis, who is dairy and GF, was happy to have a dessert to eat.
Lawrence says
Finally a Mac recipe without dairy. We gobbled these up!
kushigalu says
totally in love with these coconut macaroons thanks for the recipe.
Tiannaskitchen says
I made these this weekend they were great, i sometimes have a hard time finding a recipe for these macaroons without condensed milk
Michelle says
Just bookmarked these! My best friend is GF and always talks about wanting macaroons but can't find any good one where we live. I'm going to try to make them for her birthday this year!
Tammy says
I love the idea of adding applesauce to the recipe to keep the moistness.
Ally says
These are delish!