No-Bake Coconut Macaroons

Oh, these no-bake coconut macaroons! Let me tell you, they’re a game-changer. In my quest for the perfect easy dessert, especially during those sweltering summer months when the thought of turning on the oven sends shivers down my spine (in a bad way!), these little gems have become a household favorite. The first time I whipped them up, I was honestly a bit skeptical – could something this simple really be that good? Well, let’s just say the plate was devoured within minutes, and my family, usually a tough crowd to please when it comes to desserts, was singing their praises. The chewy, sweet coconut, the subtle hint of almond, and the sheer ease of preparation make these macaroons an absolute winner. They’re the perfect treat to satisfy a sweet craving without any fuss, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked too! Get ready to experience a taste of tropical paradise in every bite, no baking required!

Ingredients

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: (1 can, 14 ounces) – The magic binder and sweetener! This thick, luscious milk is the key to holding our macaroons together and giving them that signature sweetness and chewy texture.
• Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened: (7 cups) – The star of the show! Unsweetened coconut allows us to control the sweetness of the macaroons, ensuring they’re perfectly balanced and not cloyingly sweet. It also provides that wonderful coconut flavor and delightful texture.
• Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) – A classic flavor enhancer! Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and depth to the macaroons, complementing the coconut beautifully and rounding out the overall flavor profile.
• Almond Extract: (½ teaspoon) – A secret weapon for flavor! Almond extract adds a subtle nutty and slightly sophisticated note that elevates these macaroons beyond the ordinary, without overpowering the coconut.
• Salt: (¼ teaspoon) – The flavor balancer! A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and other flavors, preventing the macaroons from tasting flat and ensuring a well-rounded taste experience.

Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare Your Workspace: Before you even begin, make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. This recipe is quick, but efficiency is key! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the macaroons from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything prepped will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Combine Sweetened Condensed Milk and Extracts: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. This rich, creamy base is the foundation of our no-bake macaroons. Next, add the vanilla extract and almond extract to the sweetened condensed milk. These extracts are flavor powerhouses, so even small amounts make a big difference. Using a whisk or a spatula, gently stir these ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant, ready to embrace the coconut.
3. Incorporate the Shredded Coconut Gradually: Now comes the coconut, the heart and soul of our macaroons! Begin by adding about half of the shredded coconut to the bowl with the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the coconut into the wet ingredients. Folding is crucial here – we want to incorporate the coconut without overmixing, which could make the macaroons tough. Continue to add the remaining coconut in batches, folding gently after each addition until all the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture should be thick and sticky, with the coconut evenly coated in the sweetened condensed milk. It should be just moist enough to hold its shape when formed into mounds.
4. Add a Pinch of Salt: Don’t forget the salt! A seemingly small amount of salt makes a world of difference in balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the coconut mixture and gently fold it in to incorporate it thoroughly. This seemingly insignificant step will elevate the overall taste and prevent the macaroons from being overly sweet.
5. Chill the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour can make shaping the macaroons much easier. The cold temperature will firm up the coconut mixture, making it less sticky and more manageable to handle. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This chilling step is particularly helpful if you find the mixture too soft or sticky to work with immediately. If you are in a rush, you can skip this step, but chilling is highly recommended for easier handling and shaping.
6. Shape the Macaroons: Once the mixture is chilled (or if you skipped chilling), it’s time to shape our macaroons. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the coconut mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a compact ball or mound. You can make them any size you prefer, but aim for roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter for even chilling and serving. Place each shaped macaroon onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round; a slightly rustic, hand-formed look is part of their charm!
7. Chill to Set: Now for the final chill! Place the baking sheet with the shaped macaroons in the refrigerator to set. This chilling time is essential for the macaroons to firm up and hold their shape. Chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until they are firm to the touch. The longer they chill, the firmer and more stable they will become. Overnight chilling is ideal for the best texture and stability.
8. Enjoy! Once the macaroons are thoroughly chilled and firm, they are ready to be enjoyed! Carefully remove them from the baking sheet and arrange them on a serving platter. These no-bake coconut macaroons are best served chilled straight from the refrigerator. Their cool, refreshing texture and sweet coconut flavor make them a delightful treat, especially on a warm day. Store any leftover macaroons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 macaroon (approx. 30g)
Servings Per Recipe: Approximately 24 macaroons
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Total Fat: 7g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (This includes gathering ingredients, mixing, and shaping the macaroons.)
Chill Time: Minimum 2 hours (Recommended 2 hours chilling to set, but can be chilled longer, even overnight, for optimal firmness.)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (Minimum total time including prep and chilling. Longer chilling enhances texture.)
Description: These No-Bake Coconut Macaroons are incredibly quick to prepare, with the majority of the time spent chilling in the refrigerator to achieve the perfect set and texture. They are ideal for when you need a delicious dessert without the fuss of baking!

How to Serve

These versatile no-bake coconut macaroons can be served in a variety of delightful ways:

• Simply Chilled: The most classic and refreshing way to enjoy them. Straight from the refrigerator, their cool and chewy texture is perfectly satisfying.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness, making them even more visually appealing.
• Drizzled with Melted Chocolate: Elevate your macaroons with a drizzle of melted dark, milk, or white chocolate. The rich chocolate complements the coconut flavor beautifully. You can create decorative patterns or simply drizzle generously.
• Dipped in Chocolate: For a truly decadent treat, dip the bottoms (or the entire macaroon!) in melted chocolate and let it set. This creates a delightful chocolate coating that adds a satisfying crunch and extra layer of flavor.
• Alongside Fresh Fruit: Serve macaroons with a side of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the macaroons.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla, coconut, or chocolate ice cream for a more substantial and indulgent dessert. The creamy ice cream and chewy macaroons create a wonderful textural combination.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include these macaroons on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit for a beautiful and varied spread.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as a sweet accompaniment to your afternoon coffee or tea. The coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with both hot beverages.

Additional Tips for Perfect No-Bake Coconut Macaroons

1. Use Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to control the sweetness of the macaroons. Sweetened condensed milk is already quite sweet, and unsweetened coconut ensures a balanced flavor that isn’t cloying.
2. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the coconut, gently fold it into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Overmixing can make the macaroons tough. Fold just until the coconut is evenly distributed and moistened.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: If you prefer a less sweet macaroon, you can slightly reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use a mix of sweetened and unsweetened shredded coconut. Taste the mixture before chilling and adjust accordingly.
4. Chill the Mixture for Easier Shaping: Chilling the coconut mixture before shaping is highly recommended, especially if you find it sticky or difficult to handle. Cold mixture is much easier to roll and shape into neat macaroons.
5. Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For consistently sized macaroons, use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. This will ensure they chill and set evenly and look more uniform on a platter.
6. Ensure Macaroons are Firmly Chilled: Adequate chilling time is crucial for these no-bake macaroons to set properly. Chill them for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until they are firm to the touch. They will continue to firm up as they chill.
7. Storage is Key: Store leftover macaroons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain their texture and freshness for up to a week. They are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge.
8. Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla and almond extracts are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavorings! Try adding a few drops of coconut extract for an intensified coconut flavor, or a hint of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist. You could also incorporate mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
A: While you can use sweetened shredded coconut, the macaroons will be significantly sweeter. If using sweetened coconut, consider reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to balance the sweetness. Unsweetened coconut is generally recommended for the best flavor balance.

Q2: Can I freeze these no-bake coconut macaroons?
A: Yes, these macaroons freeze beautifully! Once they are fully chilled and set, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Freezing is a great way to make them ahead of time.

Q3: My macaroon mixture is too sticky, what should I do?
A: If your mixture is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a longer period. The cold temperature will firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also add a little more shredded coconut, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. Ensure you are using the correct ratio of ingredients as specified in the recipe.

Q4: Can I bake these macaroons instead of chilling them?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed to be no-bake, you can bake them if you prefer a slightly toasted exterior. To bake them, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. However, baking will change the texture, making them slightly crispier on the outside and chewier inside, compared to the purely chewy texture of the no-bake version.

Q5: How long do these macaroons last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these no-bake coconut macaroons will last for up to a week. They are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness and texture. Freezing extends their shelf life to 2-3 months.

Q6: Can I make these macaroons vegan?
A: Unfortunately, sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in this recipe and is dairy-based, making the standard recipe not vegan. While there are vegan condensed milk alternatives available, they may not yield the exact same texture and results. Experimentation with vegan condensed milk alternatives might be necessary to achieve a vegan version.

Q7: Can I add other flavors to these macaroons?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for flavor variations. You can add citrus zest (lemon, lime, orange), spices like cinnamon or cardamom, chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, macadamia), mini chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel or Nutella into the mixture before shaping. Get creative and customize them to your liking!

Q8: Why are my macaroons flat and not holding their shape?
A: Flat macaroons can be due to a few reasons. Firstly, the mixture might be too wet. Ensure you are using the correct amount of shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk as specified in the recipe. Secondly, insufficient chilling time can also lead to spreading. Make sure to chill the macaroons for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until they are firm before serving. If you skipped chilling the mixture before shaping, this could also contribute to flatter macaroons. Chilling the mixture before shaping is highly recommended for better shape retention.

Print