Easy & Healthy Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies Recipe

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By Liliya

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This coconut macaroon oat cookies recipe is healthy, chewy, naturally sweetened, and baked with just a handful of pantry staples. These soft little breakfast cookies bring together all the magic of a classic macaroon with the wholesome goodness of oats and bananas—no refined sugar, no eggs, and no flour needed.

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These cookies are the perfect answer when you want something sweet that won’t derail your day. With just a few wholesome ingredients, they strike that magical balance of being both nourishing and delicious. You get the classic macaroon richness from the toasted coconut, while the oats and bananas keep things hearty enough for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For more fruity and filling breakfast cookie ideas, check out my Strawberry Banana Chia Oat Cookies and Banana Chia Oat Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies Recipe

  • Chewy and satisfying. Soft middles, crisp edges, and the perfect coconut chew.
  • Naturally sweet. Bananas and maple syrup make them taste indulgent without added sugar.
  • No flour, no eggs. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
  • Easy to mix and bake. One bowl, 10 minutes of prep, and no fancy tools required.
  • Perfect for breakfast or snacks. These feel like dessert but work for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a sweet bite with coffee.
  • Great for sharing. They stay fresh and hold up well when packed or gifted.
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With Liliya!


These came from a happy kitchen accident when I had leftover coconut, some very ripe bananas, and a craving for something cozy. I didn’t expect them to taste like the sweet macaroons I grew up with but the second they came out of the oven, warm and golden, I knew this was a keeper. My kids think they taste like breakfast candy, and honestly, they’re not wrong.

Liliya

Ingredients Needed For Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies

  • Quick-Cooking Oats. These bind the dough and soak up the cocoa mixture quickly, giving you that chewy cookie texture.
  • Shredded Coconut. Sweet, nutty, and perfectly textured, this adds body and richness to the cookies.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Adds chocolate depth and balances the sweetness.
  • White Sugar. Sweetens the whole batch and helps set the cookie texture as it cools.
  • Butter. Gives that melt-in-your-mouth richness. Use unsalted for best results.
  • Milk. A splash of milk helps the sugar and butter melt evenly. Any kind works here.

How I Make Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies

  • Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
  • Make the chocolate syrup. In a saucepan, bring the sugar, butter, and milk to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once bubbling, immediately remove from heat.
  • Combine. Pour the hot syrup into the oat mixture and stir well until fully combined.
  • Scoop and cool. Drop 15 spoonfuls of dough onto wax paper. Let cool completely at room temperature.
  • Serve. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy or pack up for later!
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Expert Tips for Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies


Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.


If your mixture looks dry, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a splash of milk to bring it together.


Let the dough rest for 5 minutes before scooping. This allows the oats to hydrate for a better bake.


Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies that bake uniformly.


For a beautiful golden crust, bake on the middle rack and avoid overcrowding the pan.


These are delicate while warm, so let them cool fully to firm up before moving.

Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Chocolate Chip Coconut. Fold in 2 to 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips for extra decadence and a fun twist on the classic.
  • Tropical Twist. Add a tablespoon of crushed pineapple (drained) or finely chopped dried mango for bright island flavor.
  • Nutty Macaroons. Stir in chopped almonds, cashews, or walnuts to add crunch and a boost of protein.
  • Coconut Almond Joy. Combine dark chocolate chunks and slivered almonds for a cookie that tastes like your favorite candy bar.
  • Vegan Option. These are naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Low-Sugar Swap. Use unsweetened coconut and skip the syrup if your bananas are very ripe.
  • Spiced Version. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy flavor twist.

Storing / Freezing Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies

  • Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because of the bananas and coconut, they’re best enjoyed within the first day or two for the softest texture. If your kitchen is warm or humid, storing them in the fridge will help them last longer without softening too much.
  • For refrigerator storage, place cookies in a sealed container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep fresh and chewy for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.
  • To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to restore a freshly baked feel.
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How to Grab Them for Work / School

These cookies are a dream for busy mornings and on-the-go snacking. Once they’ve cooled completely, pop a few into a reusable snack bag or a small airtight container and toss them into your bag. Because they’re soft but sturdy, they hold up well in lunchboxes or backpacks without crumbling. For longer commutes or warmer weather, refrigerate them the night before and pack them chilled they’ll be perfect by mid-morning.

FAQs About Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies

Can I use quick oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best here. Quick oats may cause the cookies to spread more and become softer.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

Yes, but it will make the cookies noticeably sweeter and possibly more moist. Reduce added sweetener slightly if you do.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is needed. These bake beautifully right after mixing.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?

Yes! Scoop the dough into mounds, freeze on a tray, then store frozen until ready to bake. Add a couple extra minutes to bake time from frozen.

What kind of bananas are best?

Bananas that are spotty and soft give the best sweetness and moisture. Avoid underripe bananas.

Can I pack these in lunchboxes?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely before packing to prevent sticking or condensation.

More Coconut Treats

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Easy & Healthy Coconut Macaroon Oat Cookies Recipe

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  • Author: Liliya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 14 cookies
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Soft, naturally sweetened coconut macaroon oat cookies made with bananas, oats, and maple syrup. A healthy, flourless treat for breakfast or snacking.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup milk


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat and pour over the oat mixture. Stir well until fully combined.
  4. Drop 15 spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper and let cool completely at room temperature.
  5. Once cooled and set, enjoy or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and texture.
  • Let dough rest 5 minutes before scooping so oats can hydrate.
  • Cookies will be soft when warm but firm up as they cool.
  • Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Calories: 218
  • Fat: 9.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Fiber: 2.1g
  • Protein: 1.6g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
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Hi,

my name is Liliya

The heart behind We Are Recipes . Here, I share my zeal for all things delicious and easy to make. Our kitchen is always bubbling with new ideas, from one-pot wonders to the sweetest confections. Each recipe is crafted to add joy and flavor to your table without all the fuss. I’m here to make sure you always leave with a recipe that brings smiles all around!

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