Easy Gluten-Free Keto Coconut Macaroons Recipe | Wholesome Yum (2024)

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the low carb desserts! So many of my faves are made with almond flour, but many people with nut allergies ask me for alternatives. So, I created a keto coconut macaroons recipe to change that up!

And when I served these gluten-free coconut macaroons for friends, they didn’t believe me that they are low carb. These are a keeper!

In fact, these just might be the best coconut macaroons recipe ever. 😉

What Are Keto Coconut Macaroons?

Keto coconut macaroons are sphere shaped cookies made with whipped egg whites and shredded coconut. Like my coconut flour cake, they are loaded with coconut flavor!

People sometimes confuse coconut macaroons and macarons. They share a similar history, both with French origins. And, both are made with whipped egg whites.

But, the similarities end there. Gluten-free coconut macaroons are made with (surprise!) coconut, whereas macarons are made with ground almonds. Even though they share a lot of common preparation, the taste is completely different. Macarons are little meringue-like sandwiches, whereas coconut macaroons are balls of shredded coconut with a golden crispy exterior.

The good news is, making the best coconut macaroons is way easy! And if you want to try macarons, this keto macarons recipe is the perfect no-fail guide.

How To Make Coconut Macaroons Without Condensed Milk

Many coconut macaroon recipes use condensed milk, but you don’t need it! You can easily make coconut macaroons without condensed milk. And if you want sugar-free keto coconut macaroons, sweetened condensed milk is out.

You only need 4 basic ingredients to make the best coconut macaroons:

• Egg whites
• Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened shredded coconut

They are naturally gluten-free and sugar-free!

The key for how to make coconut macaroons is to whip the egg whites to medium-stiff peaks. They should look like this:

Beat in the sweetener, vanilla, and sea salt if you’re using it. The salt provides a nice balance in flavors, so I do recommend it. Finally fold in the shredded coconut, making sure not to break down the egg whites.

A cookie scoop works well to place the easy coconut macaroons onto a baking sheet without breaking them down:

Finally, bake ’em until they are golden:

I added a chocolate drizzle to my keto coconut macaroons, which is simply melted sugar-free chocolate chips mixed with melted coconut oil for easier drizzling.

Why Are My Coconut Macaroons Flat? Runny? Spreading?

This is the most common issue people experience when making gluten-free coconut macaroons. Otherwise they are pretty straightforward.

If your macaroons are flat, runny, or spread during baking, the reason has to do with the egg whites. The cause is one of these two issues:

1. Not beating the egg whites enough. The egg whites must reach medium-stiff peaks. A good test is to tilt the bowl – the egg whites should barely move and not slide or pour out! If they do, you need to keep beating to get them more stiff.
2. Breaking down the egg whites when folding. Don’t just stir the coconut flakes into the egg whites, which will break them down. Gradually add them using a folding motion, so that the egg whites stay very fluffy. The resulting batter/dough should be light and fluffy, not runny.

As long as you get the egg whites right, I promise this will be the easiest, best coconut macaroons recipe!

How To Store Coconut Macaroons After Baking

You can store coconut macaroons on the counter for a few days. They are fine there as long as your house is not too warm to melt the chocolate on top.

If you want them to last longer, or if you have a warm kitchen, the fridge may be a better option. They will keep for about a week refrigerated.

Can Coconut Macaroons Be Frozen?

Yes! I froze these keto coconut macaroons without any issues. They last for months this way.

To freeze this coconut macaroons recipe, cool and chill the macaroons first to set the chocolate. Then, arrange the macaroons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer. Once they have solidified, you can transfer them to a freezer bag to save space.

When you are ready to enjoy your keto coconut macaroons, simply thaw them in the fridge or on the counter.

If you’d like, you can place them back in the oven after thawing to crisp up the outside a bit.

• Hand mixer – This one is powerful, and the adjustable speeds are fantastic. Use the whisk attachment for beating egg whites.
• Cookie sheet – Kind of a must for making cookies, right?
• Parchment paper sheets – These are so convenient to avoid fighting with curling edges from a roll.
• Medium cookie scoop – This prevents breaking down the coconut macaroons when forming them and placing on the cookie sheet.