You definitely won’t want to delay trying this dark chocolate coconut macaroons recipe! My paleo coconut macaroons are made with loads of coconut (both coconut milk and flakes!) and lightly sweetened with honey. The chocolate adds both rich cocoa flavor, and a beautiful color contrast. These gluten-free macaroons are delicious all on their own, but I always give them a quick dunk in chocolate… because, well, CHOCOLATE!
These little coconut cookies are perfect for gifting! Whether it’s a friend, family, or co-worker, anyone will love these macaroon cookies. And, you don’t even need to tell them that they are healthy coconut macaroons.
What Is A Macaroon?
A macaroon is a cookie that is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s made with coconut and is often dipped in chocolate .
Traditional macaroon recipes are filled with lots and lots of SUGAR! I had zero desire to make these easy macaroons with lots of sugar, so I decided to make a healthier option!
How Do You Make Coconut Macaroons?
These chocolate-dipped macaroons are surprisingly easy to make!
Here’s how to make paleo macaroons that are naturally sweetened:
- Make “coconut condensed milk.” Simmer and thicken coconut milk and honey in a saucepan to the consistency of condensed milk. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Beat the egg whites. You’ll need to use high speed, and they are ready when you begin to notice stiff peaks.
- Mix together paleo macaroon batter. Mix together the shredded coconut, coconut milk mixture, and vanilla. Then fold in the egg whites slowly.
TIP: Be sure to use a gentle folding motion to add the egg whites. Don’t stir or you’ll break them down!
- Scoop mounds of cookie dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the chocolate glaze. Heat coconut oil and honey together, until melted and smooth.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and dip the cookies in glaze. You’ll need to wait for the chocolate to set, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt flakes.
TIP: The sea salt is optional, but I love the combo of chocolate and sea salt!
What Is The Difference Between A Macaroon And A Macron?
Both macaroons and macrons are types of cookies and similar sounding names, but that is about all they have in common.
Macaroons have a coconut base to them, whole macros are meringue style cookies. Macrons have a sandwich shape with filling in the center, while these gluten-free coconut macaroons are more of a mound cookie that has been dipped in chocolate.
Both versions are delicious, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free and paleo option, these easy coconut macaroons are the way to go.
How Do You Store Gluten-Free Macaroons?
Store these paleo coconut macaroons in an airtight container. This coconut macaroons recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, because they will last 4-5 days.
You can keep them on the counter, in the pantry, or even in the refrigerator. They taste great cold or at room temperature.
Can I Freeze Paleo Coconut Macaroons?
Yes, you can make these paleo coconut macaroons and freeze them. I find this coconut macaroons recipe is best if you flash freeze them before placing them in a storage container.
To flash freeze, just layer them on a baking sheet, so they aren’t touching each other. Then, freeze for 2-3 hours until they are solid. Once they are hard, you can place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw them in the refrigerator or on the counter when ready to eat.
More Paleo Cookie Recipes
If you love this coconut macaroons recipe, check out some of my other amazing paleo cookies:
- Chewy Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies – Does it get any better than a chewy chocolate chip cookie? No. Pair with a glass of almond or coconut milk.
- Cookie Dough Truffles – One of the most popular recipes – and for good reason, these are delicious!
Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Recipe:
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RECIPE CARD
Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Recipe
This easy chocolate coconut macaroons recipe needs only 5 ingredients, plus the chocolate dip. Gluten-free paleo coconut macaroons are sweet, crunchy, and naturally sweetened.
Ingredients
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- 1 cup Full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 8 ounces Unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 Egg whites
Chocolate Glaze
- 4 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 1/4 cup Cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- Flaked sea salt
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a small sauce pan over medium heat, whisk the coconut milk and 2 tablespoons of honey together. Bring to a simmer and let reduce a bit, until it darkens just a little in color and thickens to the consistency of condensed milk. Remove from heat and let cool.
With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.
- Mix the shredded coconut, condensed coconut milk, and vanilla together in a medium bowl.
- Gently fold in the egg whites until incorporated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter at a time into little mounds.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden.
While the macaroons are baking, mix up the chocolate glaze. In a small sauce pan, melt the coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey together. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth and creamy.
Dip each macaroon into the chocolate mixture. Allow the chocolate to harden just a bit before topping with the salt, or it will melt.
Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 1 small cookie
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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30 Comments
Barb
Question – How cool does the coconut mixture need to be? Room temperature?
Cooler? I don’t think I cooked it long enough or let it cool enough. The whipped egg whites did not fold in properly. There is no way I can form a cookie with the mixture. I put it in the fridge to see if it will solidify more. We shall see.
Dannii
I love chocolate and coconut together. This is delicious!
Patty
Yum! These are so delicious and coconutty 🙂 I love love the combo of coconut and chocolate – these are absolute heaven!
Kelly Anthony
Oh my! That chocolate is incredible. Coconut macaroons are one of my favorite cookies. I love that these are paleo AND gluten-free! No worries about breaking the diet! Yay!
Catherine
Coconut macaroons are my weakness! These are absolutely fabulous.
Anita
I’m loving these macaroons. The coconut condensed milk has a great taste. I might ditch my usual dairy condensed milk and just use this instead. 🙂
Neen
is the vanilla a pod scraping? An essence? An extract?
Thank you
Lauren
Hi Neen, it’s vanilla extract.
Kimberly
I was really excited about trying these, but mine turned out runny and fell apart. What am I doing wrong?
Lauren
Hi Kimberly! I’m so sorry these didn’t work out for you. A few things: Did you cook the coconut milk long enough for it to thicken? Also, you may have overmixed the batter which could break down the whipped eggs. Let me know if you try them again and if either of these two things fixed the problem.
Patty
In this recipe, is the coconut milk as in “Silk” coconut drinking milk or the canned coconut milk?
Lauren
Hi Patty, it’s the canned coconut milk!
Catherine Short
Um..I need these in my life! I’m not paleo but I am gluten-free and only recently discovered that I can eat macaroons (did not grow up eating them). These sound so good.
Nelle Monaco
These are beautiful – love your photos and look delicious! can’t wait to try 🙂 thank you for sharing!
Ohmydish
Wow! Dark chocolate, coconut macaroons and sea-salt. Delicious combination!
Lauren
Thank you!
Thalia
Love a classic macaroon cookie! Especially when they combine my ultimate love.. chocolate.
Lauren
Isn’t everything a little better with chocolate?
Amallia
wow lovely pictures! The macaroons look so tempting:-)
Lauren
Thanks so much!
Arman
You’re grandma’s a lucky woman to get macaroon, both homemade or store bought 😉
These look delicious and I LOVE the dark chocolate coating- Yum!
Josie
You had me at salted dark chocolate! These look amazing 🙂
cristina
What a sweet treat and thoughtful, from the heart food gift to receive these macaroons. I luv the salted dark chocolate glaze you’ve dipped them in. Beautiful and decadently delicious! 🙂
Cailee
YUM! I love love LOVE salted dark chocolate! It’s seriously like the best thing ever! Great recipe girl!!
Kristina
YES, it is so nice to just cook for cooking’s sake! I love my job, and I just love to cook, no camera, no plan, just enjoying the food and the company.
…and just enjoying the moment. I have learned this again and again in the last few years – I am getting better at it 😉 my husband and I both love to have a vacation or events to look forward to, so we still plan, but we also look forward to… Friday date night. Sunday afternoon walk with the dachshund. 🙂
These macaroons look great, perfect for Easter and your grandmother will love them!
Amanda
I absolutely agree with the sentiment that we should take the time to really enjoy life and not let it pass you by. So true. These macaroons look incredible. I can’t believe I’ve never actually made any at home before!!
Katherine
Oh man, last night I decided to take a break from cooking for the blog…so I ended up eating leftovers. It’s so rare that I just cook for myself just because. Although if I made these, I might eat them before I have a chance to take any pictures 🙂
Christie
I know the feeling. I, too, have been trying to cook just for the love of it instead of work. It makes me so much happier. I also love recipes like this that are about family. What a fabulous memory to have of your grandmother. It makes this recipe even more special.
Liv @ Healthy liv
Wow, your photography is amazing and these macaroons look beautiful and so yummy! Craving dark chocolate and macaroons too early in the morning now 😉
Lauren
Thanks so much Liv! I just had a few for breakfast