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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Lemon Coconut Macaroons (gluten-free & dairy-free)

    Modified: Apr 2, 2025 • Published: Mar 30, 2022 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • 15 Comments

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    A bowl filled with coconut macaroons with a lemon wedge next to it.
    A bowl of coconut macaroons with a lemon wedge next to it.
    A bowl filled with coconut macaroons with a lemon wedge next to it.

    These are the best lemon coconut macaroons! They are so easy to make and have the most incredible lemon flavour. This recipe is made with simple ingredients including almond flour, shredded coconut, lemon, and honey and these macaroons are gluten-free and dairy-free.

    A bowl filled with toasted lemon macaroons with a lemon wedge next to it.

    Lemon flavoured desserts like my gluten-free lemon pop tarts, vegan lemon cheesecake, and lemon lavender cookies are some of my all time favourite treats, which is why I can't wait for you to try the lemon macaroon recipe I am sharing with you today.

    Table of Contents
    • Why you will love this recipe:
    • Ingredients and substitutions: 
    • Recipe variations:
    • How to make lemon coconut macaroons: 
    • Top tips: 
    • Lemon coconut macaroons FAQs:
    • Other lemon recipes you will love: 
    • Recipe

    Why you will love this recipe:

    • The taste! These homemade lemon coconut macaroons have the best lemon flavour. They are sweet, but not too sweet, and are lightly toasted to give them the best texture.
    • They are quick and easy to make and take less than 15 minutes to bake.
    • They are made in one bowl so the clean up is so simple - just like my gluten-free yogurt biscuit recipe.
    • These lemon coconut macaroons make the perfect healthy dessert or snack and you can use these as lemon energy bites or energy balls too!
    • They are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free, made without condensed milk, egg free, and paleo and can easily be made vegan. 

    If you are a fan of lemon desserts you will also love lemon blueberry cookies recipe, easy lavender mint lemonade and my lemonade smoothie recipe.

    Ingredients and substitutions: 

    For the full ingredient list and exact measurements refer to the recipe card later in this post.

    Jump to the Recipe Card.
    Bowls with different foods in them including coconut oil, almond flour, lemon zest, honey, shredded coconut and lemon juice.
    • Finely shredded coconut - the key to this lemon coconut macaroon recipe. But don't worry, the coconut flavour is not strong if you aren't a coconut fan. Be sure to use finely shredded coconut and not coconut flakes.
    • Almond flour - to help give this macaroon recipe the perfect texture and flavour. Be sure to use almond flour and not almond meal which is too coarse and gritty. Instead of almond flour you can use cashew flour.
    • Honey - one of my favourite natural sweeteners. Honey gives this dessert the perfect amount of sweetness while keeping this recipe refined sugar free. 
    • Lemon juice and lemon zest - to give these macaroons the most incredible and refreshing lemon flavour!
    • Coconut oil - this helps give this dessert the perfect texture and adds moisture.

    Recipe variations:

    • To make vegan: use maple syrup or date syrup instead of honey to sweeten these lemon coconut macaroons.

    How to make lemon coconut macaroons: 

    A glass bowl with lemon zest, almond flour, shredded coconut and honey in it.
    1. Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and in a large bowl mix together the shredded coconut, almond flour, sea salt, lemon zest, coconut oil, honey and vanilla with a pastry blender or fork.
    A glass bowl with a crumbly dough in it with a pastry blender in the dough.
    1. Step 2: Now add the fresh lemon juice and mix everything together with the pastry blender. The mixture should be moist, but not wet.
    A baking sheet lined with parchment paper with uncooked lemon macaroons on it.
    1. Step 3: Then form the mixed ingredients into approximately 1 inch balls with your hands and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    A baking sheet lined with parchment paper with cooked coconut macaroons on it.
    1. Step 4: Bake the macaroons for 12-14 minutes, until just toasted. Then let them cool completely before enjoying. 

    Top tips: 

    • When making these macaroons, if you find the dough sticking to your hands, wet your hands before assembling the dough balls. 
    • Be sure to use melted coconut oil for making these macaroons.
    • How to store: store any leftover lemon coconut macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for ups to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days. I actually love how they taste when they are cold from the fridge.
    A batch of lemon coconut macaroons on a plate with lemon wedges next to them.

    Lemon coconut macaroons FAQs:

    What is the difference between a macaroon and a macaron? 

    Both desserts are classically made with egg whites, sugar, vanilla and salt, however, macarons are typically made with finely ground blanched almonds (also known as almond flour), while macaroons are made with flaked coconut. Macarons look like little cookie sandwiches, while macaroons are round in shape. 

    Can I make these macaroons vegan?

    Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or date syrup. 

    What if I can't have almond flour?

    I recommend using cashew flour instead. 

    Can I freeze these macaroons?

    Yes, these macaroons also freeze really well and can be frozen for ups to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer proof bag.

    Other lemon recipes you will love: 

    • A stack of five lemon blueberry cookies on a plate with lemon slices.
      The Best Lemon Blueberry Cookies (Soft & Chewy)
    • Two glasses of huckleberry lemonade topped with lemon slices and blueberries.
      Homemade Huckleberry Lemonade (no alcohol)
    • Cranberry lemon bars on plates with lemons and cranberries around them.
      Gluten-Free Cranberry Lemon Bars
    • A vegan lemon cheesecake topped with shredded coconut and raspberries.
      No Bake Vegan Lemon Cheesecake (raw, gluten-free)

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! And don’t forget to leave this recipe a star review before you go!

    Recipe

    A bowl filled with coconut macaroons with a lemon wedge next to it.

    Lemon Coconut Macaroons

    These lemon coconut macaroons are such a simple, delicious dessert. With a refreshing lemon flavour and hints of coconut you will love how easy they are to make.
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Baking, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 17 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Dr. Erin Carter

    Equipment

    • Large bowl
    • Baking sheet
    • Parchment paper

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups finely shredded coconut
    • 1 cup almond flour
    • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
    • 1 pinch sea salt
    • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
    • 1/3 cup honey (use maple syrup for vegan)
    • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350F.
    • In a large bowl mix together the shredded coconut, almond flour, sea salt, lemon zest, coconut oil, honey and vanilla with a pastry blender.
    • Once the above ingredients are combined add the fresh lemon juice and mix together with the pastry blender. The mixture should be moist, but not wet.
    • Form the mixed ingredients into approximately 1 inch balls with the palm of your hands and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake in oven for 12-14 minutes or until tops start to turn golden brown.
    • Remove from oven and let macaroons cool. Then enjoy!

    Notes

    1. If you are having a hard time getting the dough to stick together, wet your hands and then form the dough into balls.
    2. Nutritional values are an estimate, and will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @pureandsimpleno or tag #pureandsimpleno!

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. William

      April 22, 2022 at 12:31 am

      Would using egg whites help keep them together? Or is that the job of the coconut oil?

      Reply
      • Erin Carter

        April 22, 2022 at 12:35 am

        Hey!
        There is no need for egg whites in this recipe. The macaroons stay together totally fine. Both the honey and the coconut oil help with that.
        I hope you like them!

        Reply
        • William

          April 22, 2022 at 3:46 am

          Ahh. I'm doing a keto version, so honey is off the list.

          Reply
          • Erin Carter

            April 22, 2022 at 12:59 pm

            I have never tried any keto variations of this recipe so any changes you make I cannot guarantee if they will work out.

            Reply
    2. Kristie

      March 30, 2022 at 1:43 am

      YUMMMMM!!! 🙂5 stars

      Reply
    3. Erin Carter

      July 25, 2016 at 11:50 pm

      I have never tried this recipe with orange juice. I suspect it would work but I make no promises. If you end up trying it I would love to hear how it turns out.

      Reply
    4. Anonymous

      July 25, 2016 at 6:26 pm

      Looks great. Can I use juice from an orange instead of lemon?

      Reply
    5. Erin Carter

      May 06, 2016 at 2:16 am

      Lemon flavoured desserts are some of my favourite! I hope you like them xoxo

      Reply
    6. DV

      May 06, 2016 at 1:45 am

      can't wait to try these! and lemon glaze.....yom yom my taste buds are zinging for lemon!

      Reply
    7. Erin Carter

      April 06, 2016 at 11:48 am

      I can't believe I didn't include that! so sorry! I believe it makes about 15-16 depending on the size of the macaroons you make. But the next time I make them I will let you know for sure.

      Reply
    8. Gypsegrl

      April 06, 2016 at 4:20 am

      Thanks for the recipe! How many macaroons does it make?

      Reply
    9. Erin Carter

      December 07, 2015 at 3:37 pm

      Oh Jessica the lemon glaze sounds like an amazing addition!

      Reply
    10. Jessica

      December 07, 2015 at 3:31 pm

      These look delicious! Can't wait to try these with a lemon glaze 🙂

      Reply
    11. Erin Carter

      May 14, 2015 at 8:02 pm

      Hi Elizabeth. Unfortunately coconut flour cannot be subbed 1 for 1 for almond flour. Coconut flour needs much more moisture than does almond flour so they recipe wouldn't work out. I will work on developing a coconut flour version in the future though since I know many people can't tolerate the nuts!

      Reply
    12. Elizabeth

      May 14, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      Hi there! Could I use coconut flour instead of almond flour? Thank you!

      Reply

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    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

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