Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

chocolate coconut macaroons

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins
Servings: 36 servings
Yield: 3 dozen

These easy macaroons are great confections to bake for a chocolate craving. Chewy coconut flakes and sweet chocolate bring to life decadent cookies in less than 25 minutes. Make bigger batches to give as gifts or keep in an airtight container for up to a week.

Coconut is a very nutrient-dense fruit, featuring a high amount of manganese and fiber. Combined that with dark chocolate and its antioxidants, and these cookies are a wholesome treat, great for a coffee break.

Check our variations below for ideas on how to change up these tasty macaroons. Also, most commercial condensed milk should be gluten free (but always check the labels), making these macaroons adequate for people with wheat intolerances or sensitivities.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 8 ounces shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them well with margarine or cooking spray.

  3. Using a double boiler, or a saucepan on very low heat, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the chocolate and salt.

  4. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is thick. Once ready, remove from heat. If using a double boiler, be mindful of the amount of water in the bottom saucepan and check that it's simmering and not boiling.

  5. Add the coconut and vanilla to the chocolate mixture and stir to mix well.

  6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch of space between the cookies.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set.

  8. Remove the chocolate coconut macaroons from the cookie sheets to a wire rack to cool completely.

  9. Enjoy.

Tips

  • Make sure you use unsweetened chocolate as stated in the ingredient list.
  • When mixing the sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened chocolate, and salt, the water should only be simmering, not boiling, in the bottom pan of the double boiler.

Add-Ons for Your Macaroons

Here are a few ideas on how to add other ingredients and flavors into your macaroons:

  • Crunchy Coconut-Nut Macaroons: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, pistachios, cashews, or almonds into the chocolate-coconut mixture before baking. For nut allergies, replace with sunflower seeds or pepitas.
  • Coconut-Dried-Fruit Macaroons: Add 1/4 cup of raisins, chopped apricots, or tart cherries into the chocolate-coconut mixture before baking.
  • White Coconut Macaroons: Replace the dark chocolate with the same amount of good-quality white chocolate chips. Proceed with the recipe as indicated or add nuts for crunch.
  • Peanut-Coconut Macaroons: Use white chocolate as directed in the variation above but add 1/4 cup of roasted salted chopped peanuts into the chocolate-coconut mixture before baking.
  • Red Coconut Macaroons: Use white chocolate, add 1/4 cup of dried cherries or cranberries, and a few drops of red food coloring. Mix into the chocolate-coconut mixture before baking. For a Christmas macaroon, split the mixture into two bowls and color half with red and half with green. Drop 1/2 teaspoon of each color batter on the baking sheet next to each other, and with slightly wet hands, press together to make a whole macaroon.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
92 Calories
4g Fat
12g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36
Amount per serving
Calories 92
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 52mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 98mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)