A Raw Vegan German Chocolate Pie can only be followed by no-bake easy-peasy Gluten-Free Vegan German Chocolate Macaroons, right? ;) Seriously, this easy to make treat is packed with wholesome goodness and makes an incredible petite dessert or a wonderful snack on the go {and a great lunchbox treat!}. If you've got some spare coconut, a few dates, some pecans, and a bit of chocolate, go ahead and make a batch of these quick-and-easy macaroons -- they come with my "you'll LOVE them" and "they'll be gone before you can say German Chocolate" guarantees! ;) 
P.S. Pardon my guesstimate of how many macaroons you'll end up with, by the way -- a few of my friends ate a bunch before I was able to count! That's what happens when your house is always full of people and your fridge is always packed with new desserts for the same said people to try out ;)
German Chocolate Macaroons
German chocolate cake in macaroon cookie form! These gluten-free vegan macaroons are packed with coconut and drizzled in delicious chocolate. Dairy-free treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: approx. 14 macaroons {~2 tablespoon each in size}
- Category: Cookies
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cups toasted shredded unsweetened coconut {use untoasted coconut for raw version}
- 1 cup toasted pecans {use untoasted for raw version}
- 5 tbsp coconut oil, soft or liquified {but not hot}
- 10 soft medjool dates
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¾ cup non-dairy chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar of your choice {or use this DIY Vegan Magic Shell for raw or easy paleo option -- see notes at end of recipe on how to use}
- optional: some salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for chocolate and salt flakes in a food processor and process for a few seconds at a time until the mixture is combined and can be lumped into a ball {don't over-process into a paste -- just enough to get the ingredients well-mixed and sticky when pressed together}.
- Shape into balls {1-2 tablespoon at a time -- mine were on the larger side} and place on a tray lined with parchment paper. Place the balls in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill and firm-up slightly.
- Melt your chocolate {either in a double boiler, or microwave, etc.} {or prepare the magic shell as per the directions in this recipe} while you wait for the balls to chill.
- Dip the bottom of each macaroon in the chocolate mixture. Drip off excess chocolate {to avoid excessive "feet" on your macaroons}. Place back on the parchment paper. When done dipping all macaroons, drizzle any remaining melted chocolate on top of each macaroon {I just used a fork for this part}. Optional: sprinkle with some salt flakes if you like your chocolate salted. Place the tray back into the fridge for another 10-15 minutes for the chocolate to harden. Enjoy! See notes below on storage.
Notes
Store any leftover macaroons in the fridge. If using tempered chocolate for coating {i.e. store-bought chopped chocolate bar or non-dairy chocolate chips} then these will hold up well at room temperature as well.
For the raw or easy paleo version, if using the magic shell option, bear in mind the chocolate coating is not tempered, meaning the chocolate will melt when warmed. So keep the macaroons refrigerated until eating time. They will still taste absolutely amazing, promise! But could get a little messy if you try and take them as an on-the-go snack...
Beth Ann says
Would these work without the nuts? I may be making them for some folks who simply cannot have nuts around.
Audrey says
Hi Beth, they'll work -- add an extra 1.5 cups coconut, and they'll be just coconut macaroons instead :)
P.S. There's also a nut-free section on the recipes page that you can have a look through for lots of totally nut-free options. There are also several nut-free macaroon recipes in my book Unconventional Treats, if you have that.
Debi says
These are amazing! I made 2 modification- I added cocoa powder in place of the chocolate and added a scoop of vanilla protein powder! I was going for German chocolate macaroons ? I can't wait to share this recipe with all my gym mates.
Audrey says
Awesome, Debi. I love the changes you made. Hope your gym mates enjoy them :)
Ga says
Hi Audrey! I'm pumped about this recipe (I go crazy for macaroons!). Do you by any chance have German heritage? I noticed this and another recipe, the Lebkuchen cookies, that made me wonder. I have some German in me and I am pinning both these recipes to remind me of what Oma (German for Grandma) use to make! :)
Audrey says
Thanks, Ga! :)
I have distant German roots, but my family is so intermixed I couldn't even tell you what part of the family it might be -- something on my fathers' side. My mother lived in Germany for a few years before I was born and I have some relatives on my husband's side who currently reside there. I'm also extremely partial to Wagner operas {one of my favorite composers}, and have always especially loved Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg -- the various gilds and trades highlighted in there are the epitome of great German classics for me :). All I can say is that I'm really drawn to international desserts of all kinds, and the Germans have certainly got their classics down to perfection. Sadly I can never partake in any of the traditional goodies sent to us from there {which look and smell wonderful!}, so I'm drawn to make Audrey-approved versions instead ;)
Rachel Edington says
Wow those look gorgeous. A work of art!!!! I have always loved macaroons!
Audrey says
Thanks so much, Rachel! This "work of art" can be accomplished by a 5 year old rolling little balls in the kitchen -- which is sort of my favorite part ;)
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I love macaroons! Love this raw version and that it's pretty much guilt free :)
Audrey says
Thanks Sharon. They definitely make a great wholesome sweet treat!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
These cookies look beautiful. I love that there is a paleo option as well. Pinning for later.
Audrey says
Thank you, Sandi! For personal use {a handy snack or treat}, I'd definitely go with the paleo version personally -- it's really simple to make and I actually prefer the flavor and the specs of it as compared to just melted commercial chocolate chips {but the thought of being able to leave them out at room temp for serving to others is definitely appealing -- hence the chips in this recipe}.
Ali the Skinny GF Chef says
I love this recipe Audrey! So healthy and beautiful. Thank you!
Audrey says
You're welcome, Ali! So glad you like it :)
P.S. So sorry for the super delayed response here. I just discovered my site has been throwing a whole lot of genuine comments into the spam folder and I just noticed them all in there today, yours included! :/
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
I LOVE making raw macarons! They're perfect for a sweet snack or pre-workout!
Audrey says
Thanks, Christina! These definitely make a great pre-workout snack.