Chocolate Macaroons

The holiday season often comes with a mix of excitement, tradition, and stress, especially for athletes. Training doesn’t stop just because it’s December, yet food choices suddenly feel polarized: either ultra “clean” or complete indulgence. I created this chocolate macaroon recipe to sit comfortably in the middle.

These macaroons are rich, chocolatey, naturally gluten-free, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. They’re easy enough to make between training sessions and festive enough to earn a spot on your holiday table. Most importantly, they help athletes satisfy a sweet tooth without guilt or overthinking, something that matters just as much as the nutrients themselves.

Food is fuel, but it’s also culture, joy, and connection.

Why Macaroons are an Underrated Athlete Treat

When athletes think about performance nutrition, desserts are often the first thing to be restricted. But completely removing enjoyable foods can backfire, leading to cravings, overeating, or an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead of labelling foods as “good” or “bad,” this recipe focuses on balance.

Why Chocolate Macaroons Work for Athletes

• Carbohydrates to support training demands and replenish glycogen

• Fats that slow digestion slightly, helping with satiety

• Simple ingredients that are easier on digestion compared to heavily processed sweets

• Portion-friendly size: you can create your own cookie size, which means one or two go a long way

Around the holidays, athletes often increase training stress (year-end goals, winter races, or strength blocks). That combination of physical stress and mental restriction can increase the desire for sugar. These macaroons allow space for enjoyment without throwing nutrition out the window.

A Christmas Tradition worth keeping

This chocolate macaroon recipe is one I make every Christmas. Not because it’s flashy or trendy, but because it’s reliable. It doesn’t require fancy equipment, hours of prep, or advanced baking skills. You mix, scoop, set, and enjoy. That simplicity matters, especially during a busy season.

I make them every year while wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, or hosting family and friends. Whether it’s a family cookie swap, a festive dinner, or a post-training treat, these macaroons fit seamlessly into the holiday season. They allow you to celebrate with loved ones, enjoy traditions, and fuel your body without compromise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? It’s short, simple, and easy for anyone to make.

Core Ingredients

• Unsweetened shredded coconut - 1.5 cups 

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup 

• A pinch of salt (optional)

• Coconut oil (optional) - 2 teaspoons 

Each ingredient plays a role:

• Coconut provides texture and healthy fats

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate supports sweetness & quick energy

• Salt enhances flavour, provides an electrolyte top-up and balances sweetness

How to Make Chocolate Macaroons (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is intentionally straightforward, making it accessible even if baking isn’t your strong suit.

Step 1: Prep

Start by lining a plate or baking tray with parchment paper. This simple step prevents the macaroons from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially helpful during the busy holiday season when you might be juggling other baking projects. Parchment paper also ensures that the bottoms of your Macaroons remain smooth and intact, giving them a polished look without extra effort. Next, set up a medium-sized pot on your stove over medium heat. This will be used to melt your chocolate in the next step.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Place your chocolate chips in a medium-sized pot over low to medium heat and gently melt them, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Take your time here, slow, even melting ensures a smooth texture and rich chocolate flavour. If you prefer a slightly thinner, more pourable consistency, add 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil while melting. This also gives your macaroons a glossy, professional-looking finish.

Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove the pot from the heat briefly to avoid overheating. Then, add the shredded coconut and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir thoroughly so that every piece of coconut is coated in chocolate and the salt is evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and sticky.

Step 3: Scoop

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, portion the chocolate-coconut mixture onto your prepared baking tray. Aim for even-sized portions so that each macaroon bakes and sets consistently. There’s no need to flatten the macaroons; the mixture is naturally sticky and dense, so the cookies will hold their shape as they set. If you prefer a slightly flatter top, you can gently press them with the back of your spoon, but it’s completely optional. Part of their charm is their homemade look, which adds to the festive feel.

Leave a little space between each portion on the tray so that they don’t stick together as they cool and harden. This is especially important if you plan to freeze them for later use.

Step 4: Set and Enjoy

Place the macaroons onto a plate or baking tray and transfer them to your fridge. Allow them to cool and harden completely, which usually takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of your macaroons and the temperature of your fridge. This step ensures that the chocolate sets properly and the coconut holds its shape, giving you that perfect chewy-yet-firm texture.

Tools Required 

• Large plate or baking sheet

• Parchment paper 

• Medium-sized pot 

• Spoon or ice cream scoop 

• Spatula (for stirring and combining) 

Nutritional information per Macaroon (including optional ingredients coconut oil and salt. Makes 12 Macaroons.)

Calories: 199  Carbs: 14g  Protein: 3g  Fats: 14g 

Mental performance counts too

Food restriction increases stress. Stress impacts sleep, recovery, hormones, and training quality. Allowing enjoyable foods, especially during emotionally charged seasons like the holidays, supports both physical and mental performance.

When to eat these as an Athlete:

There’s no “perfect” time, but here are a few practical ideas:

• Post-training treat alongside a balanced meal

• Afternoon snack on lighter training days

• Holiday dessert without needing to “make up for it” later

One or two macaroons paired with protein or a meal can fit seamlessly into your day.

Storage, Freezing, and Holiday Prep Tips

These macaroons are ideal for holiday prep during busy days. 

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator 

• They freeze wonderfully if you want to prep ahead or keep them into the new year

Balancing Performance and Enjoyment during the Holidays

You don’t need to earn food. You don’t need to justify dessert with extra training or restrict later to “balance it out.” Nutrition works best when it’s consistent, flexible, and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This chocolate macaroon recipe has become a Christmas staple of mine for a reason. It’s easy, satisfying, and supportive of an athlete's lifestyle, without being overly complicated or restrictive. Whether you’re deep into marathon training, lifting through the winter, or simply staying active during the holidays, this recipe offers a way to enjoy something sweet while still honouring your body’s needs. Performance isn’t just built in the gym or on the road, it’s built in the kitchen, too.

If you’re unsure how to balance treats like this with your training, working with a sports nutrition coach can help! Join the Athlete Performance Program and learn how to fuel for performance and enjoyment.