Why Are My Coconut Macaroons Crumbly?

Our answer

Nigella's Coconut Macaroons (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) are coconut cookies that are made with shredded coconut. They should have a slight crust on the outside but be soft and moist inside. If the macaroons are dry it could be that they have been over baked, so bake just until a crust has formed on the outside and they are lightly golden. The coconut mixture should be formed into mounds before baking - if the mounds are flattened then the macaroons will dry out more easily during baking, so try to keep the macaroons domed.

The recipe specifies shredded coconut, which is moist and slightly sweet. If desiccated coconut is used instead then the cookies will dry out more as desiccated coconut is quite dry and will absorb moisture. Desiccated coconut is also unsweetened and has a finer texture than shredded coconut, which will also affect the taste and texture of the macaroons. Shredded coconut can be bought easily in the US but in other countries you are most likely to find it on line.