Easy Vegan Macaroons
These vegan macaroons are a treat for anyone who avoids eggs. They’re made with seven simple ingredients: shredded coconut, aquafaba, cream of tartar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and coconut oil. The optional chocolate coating requires just dark chocolate and coconut oil to make.
The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, but you will need to whisk the aquafaba either by hand or with a stand mixer. This dessert is worth the extra step. Bring these to a party and everyone will be shocked that they are egg-free.
Ingredients
MACAROONS
- 4 cups packed shredded unsweetened coconut* (see notes for brand recommendations)
- ½ cup aquafaba (brine from canned chickpeas )
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional // to help the aquafaba stiffen)
- 7 Tbsp maple syrup (DIVIDED // or sub stevia to taste – 1-2 packets)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 Tbsp melted coconut oil (If avoiding oil, omit // coconut oil adds moisture and helps them brown in the oven)
CHOCOLATE COATING optional
- 2/3 cup chopped vegan dark chocolate (I like Trader Joe’s 72% dark chocolate bar)
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil (if avoiding oil, omit)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and spread coconut on a baking sheet (or more baking sheets if making a larger batch). Toast for 2-4 minutes or until just slightly golden brown (be careful not to burn // see photo). Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (162 C).
- Transfer coconut to a food processor (or a mixing bowl) and add just under half of the maple syrup (3 Tbsp or 45 ml maple syrup as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Pulse a few times (or stir) to combine, being careful not to overmix. This will slightly moisten and sweeten the coconut (see photo). Set aside.
- To a large mixing bowl, add aquafaba and cream of tartar (optional), and whip with a hand or stand mixer (you can whisk by hand, but it takes longer).
- Once fluffy and semi-stiff peaks have formed (see photo), add remaining maple syrup (4 Tbsp or 60 ml maple syrup as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), vanilla, and salt and whip again to combine. Lastly, pour in melted coconut oil and whip again to combine. At this point, taste your aquafaba and see if it needs any more sweetness. You can add either a little stevia or a bit more maple syrup. But don’t go overboard with the maple syrup or it may deflate your aquafaba.
- Start with adding 3/4 of your coconut to the aquafaba and fold/stir to combine. If it looks too wet, add more coconut flakes a little at a time until you get a very moist “dough” (see photo). If the dough is too wet, they won’t rise in the oven. If it’s too dry, they will be crumbly. So be sure to add a little at a time until the proper texture is achieved. If you add all of the coconut and it still appears too wet, it’s fine to add a little untoasted coconut!
- Measure out heaping 1 Tbsp amounts and scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees F (162 C) for 25 minutes. Then increase heat to 350 degrees F (176 C) and bake for 8-10 min more or until golden brown and semi-firm to the touch (see photo).
- Let cool. Then enjoy. For a chocolate coating (optional), melt vegan dark chocolate and coconut oil over a double boiler (or in the microwave in 30 second increments) until smooth and creamy. Then dip the macaroons into the chocolate and place on a parchment- or wax paper-lined baking sheet or serving platter. Drizzle the tops with remaining chocolate and set in the refrigerator (or freezer) to cool until the chocolate is firm to the touch.
- Store leftover macaroons covered and at room temperature up to 3 days, in the refrigerator up to 5 days, or in the freezer up to 1 month. They are crispy the first day and then tend to soften, which is normal. They are still delicious though! Just best when fresh.