Transport yourself to a beachy paradise with these irresistible Coconut Lime Macaroons. This vibrant twist on traditional macaroons combines the tropical sweetness of coconut with bright, citrusy lime zest, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s both chewy and crisp. Originally inspired by traditional French macarons, these coconut-based cookies are significantly easier to make while still maintaining an elegant and sophisticated flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 5⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut (14 ounces)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- 2 large egg whites
- Zest of 2 limes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
- Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mix Base Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine shredded coconut, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated
- Prepare Egg Whites
- In a separate clean bowl, whisk egg whites using an electric mixer on high speed
- Continue whisking until stiff peaks form (approximately 3-4 minutes)
- Test by lifting the beater – peaks should stand straight up
- Combine Mixtures
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the coconut mixture
- Add lime zest
- Use a folding technique to maintain the air in the egg whites
- Shape and Bake
- Drop rounded tablespoons of mixture onto prepared baking sheets
- Leave 2 inches (5cm) between each macaroon
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through
- Cookies should be golden brown when done
- Cool and Serve
- Let macaroons cool on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes
- Transfer to wire rack to cool completely
Nutritional Information
Per macaroon (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 125
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Time Requirements:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 macaroons
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients
- Use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume
- Let coconut come to room temperature if stored in refrigerator
- Perfect Peaks
- Use a clean, dry bowl for whipping egg whites
- Avoid any yolk contamination for best results
- Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form to prevent overbeating
- Proper Folding Technique
- Use a wide rubber spatula
- Fold gently to maintain air in egg whites
- Stop folding as soon as ingredients are incorporated
- Consistent Sizing
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform macaroons
- Maintain consistent size for even baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Citrus Variations
- Replace lime zest with lemon or orange zest
- Use a combination of citrus zests
- Add 1 tablespoon citrus juice for stronger flavor
- Chocolate Options
- Dip bottoms in melted dark chocolate
- Drizzle with white chocolate
- Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to mixture
- Dietary Modifications
- Use unsweetened coconut and adjust sweetened condensed milk
- Try coconut condensed milk for dairy-free version
- Use sugar-free condensed milk for lower sugar option
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make these macaroons ahead of time?
A: Yes, they can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Why did my macaroons spread too much?
A: This usually happens if the egg whites weren’t whipped to stiff peaks or were overmixed when folding.
Q: Can I freeze these macaroons?
A: Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Why are my macaroons too dry?
A: They might have been overbaked. Watch carefully and remove from oven when just golden brown.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature Storage
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps fresh for up to 1 week
- Place wax paper between layers
- Freezer Storage
- Freeze in airtight container
- Store up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours
- Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare dough up to 24 hours ahead
- Store covered in refrigerator
- Bring to room temperature before baking
- Shipping and Gifting
- Pack in sturdy container with padding
- Ship with expedited shipping
- Include storage instructions for recipient