11 Different Ways to Make Macaroons

Who loves macaroons? No, we’re not talking about those cookies that look like colorful little burgers — those are macarons. Although French macarons are mistakenly often called macaroons, they’re unmistakably different when it comes down to taste, texture, and appearance. Macaroons are Italian gluten-free cookies that are made from coconut and they’re traditionally held together by whipped-up egg whites. Almond, vanilla, and a chocolate coating are popular ways to flavor macaroons. You can always see the texture of the coconut flakes, even when they’re coated in chocolate. Macarons, on the other hand, are meringue-based French sandwich cookies that often have a fruit jam or ganache filling.

For whatever reason, on May 31^st, we celebrate Macaroon Day! What better way to welcome the warmer weather than with a coconut-based cookie? The original recipe may call for egg whites, but we actually don’t need them at all to make a fantastic macaroon. We can use chia seeds, Medjool dates, coconut oil, and other methods to hold our cookies together — and we can also get creative with the flavors. Don’t believe us? Check out these 11 different ways to make macaroons.

1. Raw Lemon Macaroons

These Raw Lemon Macaroons are a great raw vegan snack for lemon and coconut lovers! Easy to make and even easier to eat, their bright, citrusy flavor combined with flaky coconut is perfect for spring! They need to be dehydrated, but if you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also “bake” them at your oven’s lowest temperature setting.

2. Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

If Almond Joys are proof of anything it’s that coconut and chocolate go marvelously together. These Chocolate Coconut Macaroons bring the classic combination to macaroon-form. You can have these bite-sized treats ready in just 15 minutes only using seven simple ingredients! What more could you want?

Get the Blissful Cookbook!

3. Maple Cardamom Macaroons

These Maple Cardamom Macaroons are simple and the perfect tea accompaniment. They’re not overly sweet, which is a nice change from the usual macaroon flavor profile. Vanilla extract, hazelnut, and maple syrup give these treats a subtle sweetness while chia seeds keep them intact.

4. Carrot Cake Macaroons

A bite-size alternative to carrot cake, these oat-based Carrot Cake Macaroons are just delicious for when you crave something sweet. They can be made two ways; the first is with a sweet cashew frosting and the other is with a dark chocolate drizzle. Or, get adventurous and try it both ways at the same time. They’re so easy to make, and ready in no time!

5. Simple Coconut Macaroons

This recipe is for perfect, Simple Coconut Macaroons that won’t fall apart. They’re free of refined sugar but still sweet. As they bake, the coconut toasts and takes on a delightfully nutty flavor. You don’t need any special ingredients to make these, either — everything you need is likely already in your pantry.

7. Cherry Almond Macaroons

These Cherry Almond Macaroons are slightly tart, creamy, and nutty with a natural sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. These are also incredibly easy to make. It’s a perfect treat to make when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

8. Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons

Considered to be the world’s most delicious nuts, macadamias are small, crispy buttery flavored powerhouses full of good fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They bring a richness to these Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons that’s different from your average cookie that’s enhanced by their chocolatey flavor. If you live chocolate (or know somebody who does), then these are a must-make.

9. Raw Macaroons Two Ways

When you can’t decide between plain and chocolate, go for this recipe for Raw Macaroons Two Ways! One is like your standard macaroon and the other is made chocolatey through the use of raw cacao and maca powder with a pinch of sea salt to balance out the sweetness. Both are raw and totally delicious.

10. Dark Chocolate-Dipped Vanilla Mint Macaroons

These Dark Chocolate-Dipped Vanilla Mint Macaroons just melt in your mouth. Their coconutty flavor is enhanced with vanilla and mint extracts and they’re dipped in a rich dark chocolate coating. There’s never a wrong time for vanilla, mint, and chocolate!

11. No-Bake Almond Butter Macaroons

 These No-Bake Almond Butter Macaroons are a winner that relentlessly beg to be made, eaten, and then made again. You need only one bowl to make them and you don’t even need a tool — just your hands — to do the mixing. Although if you do use your hands, the batter might not make it to the tray. It’s so good, you’ll want to eat it all before you even have the chance to shape it into cookies.

Whether it’s a traditional macaroon recipe or something more creative, we love all macaroons. What’s your favorite kind? Tell us in the comments!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!