Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
Chewy, sweet macaroons made with shredded coconut, rich chocolate, and just five simple ingredients for a quick homemade treat. This american-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes layers sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 18, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the coconut is evenly coated and sticky.
- Step 3: In a clean bowl, beat 2 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the coconut mixture, preserving as much airiness as possible for a light texture.
- Step 5: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the macaroons are golden brown on the edges and set in the center.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Step 8: Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.
- Step 9: Dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops. Place on parchment paper to set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Macaroons take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Macaroons?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Macaroons?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Macaroons for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 18 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 18). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Macaroons gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
