3-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons – Crispy and Chewy

There’s something wildly comforting about baking with just three ingredients. It’s like getting decent gas mileage in a V8—you didn’t expect it, but now you’re hooked.

Coconut macaroons, in particular, punch way above their weight.

They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and about as high effort as flipping on cruise control. Minimal ingredients, maximum payoff.

You don’t need a culinary degree or a pantry that looks like a baking aisle exploded.

If you’ve got sweetened shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar (and, okay, maybe a pinch of salt for good measure), you’re golden—literally and figuratively.

Let’s break it down.

Coconut Macaroons (3-Ingredient Bliss)

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that’s equal parts easy and impressive—and these 3-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons hit that sweet spot. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and made with pantry staples, they’re the culinary equivalent of a low-effort win.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 macaroons

Calories 115 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula or spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon (optional)
• Wire rack (optional but nice to have)

Ingredients

  

• 2 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 large egg whites
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• Optional: Pinch of salt or ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare your baking sheet

  This temperature hits the sweet spot for golden edges and chewy centers.

  Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and perfect bottoms (macaroon bottoms, of course).
  
• Whisk the egg whites and sugar

  In a mixing bowl, combine 2 egg whites and ⅓ cup sugar. Whisk until slightly frothy—aim for root beer float foam, not stiff peaks.

  Add a pinch of salt or extract if using.
  
• Stir in the coconut

  Add 2½ cups of sweetened shredded coconut. Mix until fully coated and clumpy. It should hold together when you press it into a ball.
  
• Scoop into mounds

  Use a cookie scoop, tablespoon, or your hands to form small, uniform mounds.

  Place them on the baking sheet with 1 inch between each.

  Pro tip: Lightly wet your hands or scoop to avoid stickiness.
  
• Bake for 20–25 minutes

  Bake until the edges are deep golden brown and the tops are lightly toasted. Start checking at 20 minutes.
  
• Cool

  Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or the countertop to finish.

  Optional: Dip bottoms in melted chocolate and chill to set.
  

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

• Texture check: Your mix should clump like a snowball. Too loose? Add more coconut.
• No spreading here: But for extra insurance, chill the mixture for 15 minutes before baking.
• Go gourmet: A splash of vanilla or almond extract, a pinch of lime zest, or a dusting of espresso powder makes these next-level.
• Chocolate optional (but not really): Dark chocolate drizzle = elite move.

Keyword 3 Ingredients, Coconut Macaroons, Gluten-free, Quick Dessert, Sweet Snack

Why 3 Ingredients Just Hit Different

Think of it like a hybrid car. There’s something efficient and smart about doing more with less.

With coconut macaroons, the magic is in the balance—like a well-calibrated fuel injector that delivers power without guzzling resources.

That’s it. No flour, no butter, no kitchen gymnastics. Just three ingredients that play together better than an engine firing on all cylinders.

Let’s Talk Add-Ons (If You’re the “Extra” Type)

Look, we all know someone who adds spoilers and aftermarket exhausts to a perfectly fine car. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it screams midlife crisis.

Same deal here. You can absolutely add extras, but do it with intention.

Optional Upgrades

Keep it minimal. Or don’t. Just own the choice.

Storage Tips: Or How Not to Let Them Go Stale in 48 Hours

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp. They’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days, but honestly, they usually don’t last that long.

If by some miracle they do, pop them in the freezer. You can eat them straight out or microwave them for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked illusion.

It’s like meal-prepping but for your snack-loving future self.

Why They’re the Perfect Bake (Even If You Don’t Bake)

@justataste Chewy, crunchy & coconutty 🥥🍫 #coconutmacaroons #coconutdessert #coconut #macaroons #easymacaroons #cookiesoftiktok #coconutcookies #tiktokdessert #easydessert #quickcookies ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Not everyone wants to be a pastry chef. Some of us just want a win in the kitchen that doesn’t require a spreadsheet and a backup plan.

Coconut macaroons deliver the joy of baking without the chaos of multi-step recipes or a sink full of dishes.

They’re:

Wrapping It Up (Because You’ve Got Macaroons to Make)

So there you have it. Three humble ingredients, one tray of macaroons, and a moment of crispy-chewy bliss that rivals the satisfaction of hitting every green light on the way home.

And if you’re looking for something even simpler, try making 3-ingredient Nutella cookies—they’re just as irresistible.

Bake them for yourself, share them with friends, or hoard them in a tin like a squirrel storing snacks for winter. No judgment here.

Just promise me you won’t forget to save a few. You’re gonna want that second (or fourth) one later.