Lemon Coconut Macaroons Recipe: Zesty Bite-Sized Joy

Lemon coconut macaroons blend tropical sweetness with bright citrus notes for an irresistible treat.

These delightful cookies capture the essence of sunny flavors in every bite.

Crisp edges and soft, chewy centers make them a textural wonder.

Light and fragrant, the recipe redefines simple ingredients into something magical.

Zesty lemon brings unexpected complexity to the traditional coconut base.

The subtle balance of tangy and sweet creates a memorable dessert experience.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable confection.

Why Lemon Coconut Macaroons Are Zesty and Fun

• Bursting with Citrus Freshness: Lemon zest and juice infuse these macaroons with a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness, creating a vibrant and refreshing taste sensation.
• Perfectly Textured Treat: The combination of whipped egg whites and shredded coconut results in a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior that melts in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy Baking Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these macaroons are a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers impressive results in under an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Elegant Finish with White Chocolate: The white chocolate dip and drizzle add a luxurious touch, transforming these humble macaroons into an elegant and Instagram-worthy dessert that's sure to impress family and friends.

What Ingredients Make Lemon Coconut Macaroons Shine

• Shredded Coconut: Sweet and fluffy base that provides signature texture and classic macaroon flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy binder that adds sweetness and helps hold the macaroons together.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy notes that add refreshing tang and aromatic complexity.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, subtle flavor that deepens the overall taste profile.

• Egg Whites: Light and airy component that provides structure and helps create a delicate texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet flavors in the macaroons.

• White Chocolate: Smooth coating that adds richness and creates an elegant visual presentation.

The Baking Process for Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C)
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat

Step 2: Create Coconut Mixture

• Shredded coconut
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Stir ingredients until well blended

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

• Separate egg whites into a clean mixer bowl
• Add a pinch of salt
• Whip on high speed with whisk attachment
• Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

• Gently fold whipped egg whites into coconut mixture
• Blend carefully to maintain egg white volume
• Mix until ingredients are fully incorporated

Step 5: Shape Macaroons

• Use a tablespoon to drop rounded coconut mixture onto prepared baking sheet
• Space macaroons evenly apart
• Leave enough room between each cookie

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Place baking sheet in preheated oven
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Watch for light golden edges
• Remove when perfectly bronzed

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

• Let macaroons cool completely on baking sheet
• Melt white chocolate using package instructions
• Dip macaroon bottoms in melted chocolate
• Place on parchment paper to set

Step 8: Final Drizzle

• Drizzle remaining white chocolate over macaroons
• Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for brightness
• Allow chocolate to fully set

Step 9: Store and Serve

• Transfer macaroons to airtight container
• Keep at room temperature
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture

Tips for Crisp Outside and Soft Inside Lemon Coconut Macaroons

• Whip Egg Whites Perfectly: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume and stability when creating stiff peaks.
• Fold Gently: Use a light, careful folding technique to maintain the airiness of whipped egg whites and prevent deflating the mixture.
• Consistent Sizing: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to create uniform macaroons that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Watch Browning Carefully: Check macaroons frequently during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a delicate texture.
• Chocolate Dipping Trick: Let melted white chocolate cool slightly before dipping to create a smoother, more even coating on the macaroon bottoms.

Best Ways to Store Lemon Coconut Macaroons

• Refrigerate: Store macaroons in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual macaroons in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen macaroons at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve their delicate crisp edges and soft center.

Drinks That Go Well with Lemon Coconut Macaroons

• Pair with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Create a refreshing lemon-lime spritzer that complements the bright, zesty flavors of the macaroons. Mix fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey for a light, effervescent drink that enhances the citrusy notes.
• Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate Earl Grey tea with a hint of lavender to balance the sweet coconut and tangy lemon flavors. The floral undertones and subtle bergamot will provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the macaroons.
• Serve alongside Passion Fruit Sorbet: Scoop a small portion of tart passion fruit sorbet to cut through the richness of the white chocolate and coconut. The tropical, acidic notes will create a vibrant flavor contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Complement with Chilled Limoncello: Pour a small glass of cold limoncello to echo the lemon's brightness while adding a sophisticated Italian twist. The sweet, citrusy liqueur will harmonize perfectly with the macaroons' delicate texture and flavor profile.

Coconut-Loving Variations of Lemon Coconut Macaroons

• Tropical Paradise Macaroons: Swap lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a vibrant citrus flavor that transports you to a sunny beach getaway.
• Almond Coconut Crunch: Add chopped toasted almonds to the mixture for extra texture and a nutty undertone that complements the coconut's sweetness.
• Chocolate Dipped Dream: Replace white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate for a rich, decadent coating that adds depth to the classic macaroon.
• Berry Burst Macaroons: Fold in finely chopped dried raspberries or strawberries to introduce a tangy, fruity element that brightens the coconut base.

Lemon Coconut Macaroons Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate lemon coconut macaroons bring Mediterranean sunshine to classic cookie traditions. Sweet shredded coconut and zesty lemon zest create a delightful balance you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
• 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 egg whites, room temperature

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 ½ tablespoons (37.5 milliliters) lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt

Coating/Decoration:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) melting white chocolate

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by setting the oven temperature to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Create a delightful coconut base by blending shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and fragrant vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
3. Separate egg whites into a clean mixer bowl and incorporate a pinch of salt, then whip vigorously using a whisk attachment until peaks become stiff and glossy.
4. Delicately fold the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture, ensuring a light and airy texture without deflating the egg whites.
5. Using a spoon, carefully drop rounded mounds of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing between each macaroon.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown edging that signals perfect doneness.
7. Remove the macaroons from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet, maintaining their delicate structure.
8. While cooling, gently melt white chocolate using recommended melting techniques, creating a smooth and glossy coating.
9. Transform each macaroon by dipping its base into the warm white chocolate, then place back on parchment paper to set.
10. Add a final decorative touch by drizzling remaining white chocolate over the macaroons and sprinkling additional lemon zest for visual appeal.
11. Once chocolate has fully solidified, transfer macaroons to an airtight container for storage at room temperature.

Notes

• Whip egg whites to stiff peaks for maximum fluffiness and structure in your macaroons.
• Gentle folding technique prevents deflating the delicate egg white foam, ensuring light and airy texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for vibrant, bright citrus flavor that complements the sweet coconut.
• Perfectly golden edges indicate the ideal baking time, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• White chocolate dip adds elegance and extra sweetness, transforming simple macaroons into a gourmet treat.
• Store in airtight container to maintain freshness and enjoy within 3-4 days at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg