The Easiest 3-Ingredient Vegan Coconut Macaroons (Eggless & Gluten-Free!)

Get ready to indulge in the most delightfully chewy and incredibly simple cookies you’ve ever made! These vegan coconut macaroons are a true revelation, requiring only three core ingredients and minimal effort. What’s even better? They’re completely eggless, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for almost everyone. With their rich coconut flavor and irresistible texture, you’ll be amazed that something so delicious can be so effortlessly created in your own kitchen.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that’s destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Once you experience the joy of these homemade vegan macaroons, there’s no turning back. You’ve been warned: these might just become your new favorite obsession!

This recipe was originally published on February 14, 2020, and was updated with new photos and expanded information on December 11, 2022, to bring you the most comprehensive guide to making these delightful vegan coconut treats.

Why You’ll Adore These Vegan Coconut Macaroons

Beyond their utterly delicious taste and wonderfully chewy texture, these homemade macaroons offer a host of benefits that make them a perfect choice for any baker, from novice to expert. They are:

• Quick & Effortless: Forget complicated baking projects. This easy vegan macaroons recipe truly can’t be beaten for speed and simplicity. You need only 3 basic ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of active prep time to mix the dough. The oven does most of the work, leaving you more time to enjoy life’s sweeter moments.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Fun: Looking for a fantastic way to get your children involved in the kitchen? This recipe is perfect! Its straightforward steps mean kids can help with almost every stage, from mixing the ingredients to scooping the dough onto the baking sheet, and even the exciting part of dipping or drizzling with chocolate. It’s a wonderful activity that results in a tasty reward!
• Allergen-Friendly Delight: Catering to various dietary needs can sometimes be a challenge, but not with these macaroons. This recipe is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. This means more people can safely enjoy these delectable treats without worry, making them ideal for gatherings or as thoughtful gifts.

Macaroons vs. Macarons: Understanding the Difference

It’s a common point of confusion, but despite their similar-sounding names, macaroons and macarons are distinctively different cookies. Knowing the difference can prevent any baking mishaps and ensure you get the treat you’re craving!

Macarons are elegant, delicate French confections. They are typically crafted from egg whites, finely ground almond flour, and powdered sugar. Visually, they are characterized by their smooth, dome-shaped tops and the signature “feet” – ruffled edges that form around the base. Two of these delicate cookies are then sandwiched together with a rich, flavorful filling such as buttercream, ganache, or jam.

Macaroons, on the other hand, are dense, chewy, and wonderfully rustic cookies. They are primarily made from sweetened shredded coconut. While some traditional macaroon recipes utilize egg whites and sugar to bind the coconut, and others rely on sweetened condensed milk, our vegan version offers an equally delightful, plant-based alternative.

Are Macaroons Naturally Vegan?

Traditionally, most macaroon recipes are not vegan-friendly. The common binders used are either egg whites or dairy-based sweetened condensed milk, both of which are animal products. This means if you pick up a typical macaroon from a bakery, it’s highly likely to contain non-vegan ingredients.

However, the good news for vegan bakers and dessert lovers is that it’s surprisingly easy to adapt macaroons to be entirely plant-based! The secret lies in swapping dairy sweetened condensed milk for a fantastic dairy-free alternative, specifically sweetened condensed coconut milk. This simple substitution allows us to create the same incredibly chewy and rich coconut macaroons without any animal products, making them accessible to everyone following a vegan lifestyle.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Vegan Macaroons

One of the beauties of this recipe is its minimalist approach to ingredients. You only need a few key items to create these delightful treats, with an optional but highly recommended fourth ingredient for an extra touch of decadence. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Desiccated Coconut: This is the hero ingredient and the key to the classic macaroon texture. It is absolutely crucial that you use desiccated coconut. Unlike shredded or flaked coconut, desiccated coconut is very finely ground and has a lower moisture content. This finer texture and dryness are what allow the macaroons to hold their shape and achieve that signature dense, chewy interior. If you substitute with regular shredded coconut, your macaroons may spread too much and won’t hold together properly, resulting in a less desirable texture.
• Vegan Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: This ingredient acts as both the binder and the sweetener, giving our eggless coconut macaroons their rich flavor and moist chewiness. Brands like Nature’s Charm offer excellent options, including both sweetened condensed coconut milk and sweetened condensed oat milk. Both work beautifully in this recipe, providing the necessary sweetness and creamy texture without any dairy. Look for it in the baking aisle or specialty vegan sections of your grocery store.
• Vanilla Extract: While seemingly a small addition, vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the sweet coconut. For the best taste, I highly recommend using pure vanilla extract or a vanilla bean paste, rather than artificial or imitation extract, which can have a less nuanced flavor.
• Melted Chocolate (Optional, but Highly Recommended): If you want to take your dairy-free coconut macaroons to the next level, a dip or drizzle of melted chocolate is an absolute game-changer. You can dip the bottoms, drizzle generously over the tops, or do both for maximum chocolatey goodness! I typically use vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to use your favorite vegan chocolate bar or dark chocolate. Ensure your chosen chocolate is certified vegan.

Simple Steps to Your Perfect Vegan Macaroons

Making these easy vegan coconut macaroons is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for chewy, golden-brown perfection:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface is crucial for preventing your macaroons from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, vegan sweetened condensed coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all the coconut is evenly coated and a sticky dough forms. The mixture should be cohesive and hold together when pressed.

3. Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop (a heaped tablespoon size works perfectly), scoop out portions of the macaroon dough. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. These macaroons won’t spread much, but a little space prevents them from sticking together.
4. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 14-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the edges and tips of the coconut. Since these eggless coconut macaroons contain no eggs, they are safe to enjoy even if slightly under-baked for a chewier texture.

5. Cool and Decorate (Optional Chocolate): Once baked, let the macaroons cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to move them. This allows them to firm up and prevents breakage. If you’re adding chocolate, now’s the time! Dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons in melted chocolate and drizzle some extra chocolate on top for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Coconut Macaroons

Achieving bakery-quality vegan coconut macaroons is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Invest in a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop is your best friend for this recipe. It makes portioning out the eggless coconut macaroons incredibly easy, ensures uniform size for even baking, and keeps your hands clean. Plus, it gives them a beautifully rounded shape.
• Ensure Proper Spacing: While these vegan macaroons don’t spread significantly during baking, it’s still a good idea to space them about an inch apart on the baking sheet. This ensures good air circulation around each cookie and prevents them from melding together into one giant macaroon.
• Bake to Your Preferred Golden Hue: The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and your desired level of crispiness. Since these cookies are egg-free, you don’t have to worry about underbaking from a safety perspective. Bake them until they reach your favorite shade of golden-brown – from lightly golden for a softer chew to a deeper golden for a slightly crisper exterior.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Always line your baking sheet. Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Never place them directly on an unlined pan.
• Cool Completely Before Handling: This is a critical step, especially if you plan to dip them in chocolate. Hot macaroons are delicate and can break easily. They also need to be cool for the chocolate to set properly. Patience is key here!
• Don’t Overmix: Once your ingredients are combined and a sticky dough forms, stop mixing. Overmixing won’t necessarily harm the texture of these macaroons as it might with flour-based cookies, but it’s unnecessary extra work.

How to Perfectly Dip Your Vegan Macaroons in Chocolate

Adding a chocolate coating or drizzle takes these already wonderful gluten-free macaroons from great to gourmet! Here’s how to do it effectively:

First and foremost, ensure your macaroons are completely cooled. Warm macaroons will cause the chocolate to melt and slide right off.

Melt your chosen vegan chocolate. You can do this by chopping up a vegan chocolate bar or using vegan chocolate chips. A simple method is to place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, for a truly smooth and tempered chocolate finish, you can use a double boiler method. This handy article on how to temper chocolate offers a more advanced technique if you’re aiming for that professional sheen and snap.

Once your chocolate is melted and smooth, gently dip the bottom of each cooled macaroon into the chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the dipped side down onto a fresh piece of parchment paper. If you desire even more chocolate, use a fork or spoon to elegantly drizzle extra melted chocolate over the tops of the macaroons. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a quicker set before serving.

Storage and Freezing Directions for Freshness

These homemade vegan coconut macaroons are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully, allowing you to savor them over time or prepare them in advance.

Room Temperature Storage: Any leftover macaroons can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their chewy texture, avoid storing them in a humid environment.

Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: For longer storage, place the macaroons in a freezer-safe, airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before indulging. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Coconut Macaroons

More Delicious Gluten-Free Cookies to Explore

If you’re loving these gluten-free vegan macaroons and looking for more plant-based and gluten-free baking adventures, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic cookie recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings:

• If you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies (and who isn’t?), you absolutely must try my gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. For an alternative, these almond flour chocolate chip cookies offer a wonderfully rich flavor and tender texture. Both recipes promise deliciously soft and chewy results every time.
• For those mindful of sugar intake, or simply seeking a unique twist, these wholesome chickpea chocolate chip cookies are a delightful surprise. They’re packed with flavor and a healthier option for your cookie jar.
• Not always in the mood for chocolate? My gluten-free sugar cookies recipe is the perfect canvas for your creativity. This versatile basic cookie is excellent for decorating with icing, just like I did for my festive vegan and gluten-free Easter egg cookies.
• I also used that same reliable sugar cookie base to create these charming gluten-free thumbprint cookies. While jam is the traditional filling, I personally love using leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving for a unique and tangy twist!

And if you’re eager to explore more plant-based and allergy-friendly dessert options, be sure to check out this comprehensive list of 20+ top-rated gluten-free and dairy-free desserts!