National Macaroon Day (May 31)

National Macaroon Day is celebrated each year on May 31, giving coconut lovers a sweet excuse to indulge in this chewy treat.

While often confused with the more delicate French macaron, the humble macaroon has its own rich backstory.

Whether you enjoy yours dipped in chocolate, dotted with almonds, or completely classic, this day is a great reason to bake, share, and savor one of the most beloved cookies around. This is just one of many weird holidays in May.

When is the Holiday?

National Macaroon Day falls on May 31 every year. It’s a celebration of coconut-based cookies that have been a dessert staple for generations.

Who Invented It?

Like many food-themed holidays, the origins are unclear. It likely began as a promotional effort from coconut producers or bakeries aiming to give this chewy cookie its own spotlight.

While there’s no official founder, the day has been widely adopted by foodies and bakers alike.

The History of the Holiday

Macaroons date back to Italian monasteries, originally made with crushed almonds. The name comes from the Italian word maccarone, meaning paste.

They spread to France through monastic communities and evolved regionally.

The U.S. version took shape in the 19th century with the introduction of shredded coconut—leading to the moist, chewy cookie we know today.

Jewish communities embraced them for Passover since they contain no leavening agents.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

Endless Variations – Today’s macaroons include vegan, keto, chocolate-dipped, and even fruity options.

Macaroon ≠ Macaron – Macaroons are coconut-based; macarons are almond-based and sandwich-style.

Perfect for Passover – No flour or leavening makes macaroons ideal for the Jewish holiday.

Scottish Macaroon Bars – These are fondant-based, covered in chocolate and coconut—completely different but still called macaroons.

Macaroon Sisters – Two nuns popularized almond macaroons in Nancy, France, during the French Revolution.

Activities to Celebrate

Try a Healthier Twist – Make a version that’s vegan, low-carb, or sugar-free and host a “healthier treats” theme day with other modified recipes.

Bake Macaroons at Home – Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, making macaroons is simple and satisfying. Try basic coconut versions or experiment with flavors like espresso, lemon zest, or almond extract.

Set Up a Macaroon Bar – Offer toppings like melted chocolate, chopped nuts, sea salt, dried fruits, or sprinkles so guests can customize their own macaroon creations.

Plan a Macaroon Tasting Party – Feature regional versions like Filipino-style macaroons, Scottish macaroon bars, and classic American chocolate-dipped varieties. Rate them for taste, texture, and originality.

Join a Baking Challenge – Start a friendly baking competition on social media using #MacaroonDayChallenge. Share photos and vote on the most creative versions.

Create a Macaroon Gift Box – Package homemade macaroons in clear treat bags or small boxes with ribbons and tags. Perfect for neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Educational Angle for Kids – Use macaroons to teach about cultural food traditions. Compare ingredients, origins, and use this to explore geography or history in a fun, hands-on way.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

Two-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons. The fastest version: just shredded sweetened coconut and egg whites, stirred and scooped onto a tray. It’s minimal effort, but still yields a sweet, satisfying cookie that’s great for baking with kids.

Perfect Coconut Macaroons. Crispy on the outside and chewy in the center, these classic coconut macaroons use just egg whites, sugar, and shredded coconut. They’re simple to make, naturally gluten-free, and ideal as a base recipe for adding your own twist.

Chocolate Chip Coconut Macaroons. This version mixes mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the coconut batter before baking. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with chocolate in every bite—perfect for dessert platters or chocolate lovers.

Coconut Macaroons with Chocolate Drizzle. Once baked, these golden macaroons are drizzled with melted dark or milk chocolate. The drizzle adds a decadent finish while balancing the sweetness of the coconut.

Filipino Coconut Macaroons. Denser and more cake-like than the traditional chewy cookie, these are baked in mini cupcake liners. Made with condensed milk and often topped with a touch of vanilla, they’re a staple in many Filipino households.

Vegan Aquafaba Coconut Macaroons. A great option for those avoiding eggs, this recipe uses aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to whip up a meringue-like base. Light, slightly crisp, and wonderfully chewy—without the animal products.

Coconut Macaroons Without Condensed Milk. For those looking for a lighter option, these macaroons skip the sweetened condensed milk and rely instead on egg whites and sugar. They bake up beautifully and offer a less rich but still satisfying flavor.

Dulce de Leche Coconut Macaroons. A caramel-forward take on the classic—these are filled or topped with thick dulce de leche, which seeps into the coconut for a gooey, rich bite. Excellent served warm or chilled.

Low Carb Chocolate Chip Coconut Macaroons. Made with unsweetened shredded coconut, sugar-free chocolate chips, and a sugar substitute like erythritol, this version keeps the carbs low while keeping the flavor and texture on point.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Links to Resources

Silicone Macaroon Baking Mat Set – Perfect for evenly shaped macaroons and easy cleanup. Reusable and non-stick for less mess.

Cookie Scoop Set (Small, Medium, Large) – Get consistent sizes every time, whether you’re baking mini macaroons or jumbo treats.

Coconut Shredder Tool – For anyone using fresh coconut, this tool makes it quick and safe to shred by hand.

Related Holidays

National Almond Day (February 16) – Almonds were part of the original macaroon recipe before coconut took over. Celebrate by making almond macaroons or incorporating almond extract into your baking.

National Chocolate Chip Day (May 15) – A natural pairing—add chocolate chips to your macaroons for a richer, more indulgent bite. It’s a great excuse to bake both traditional and chocolatey versions.

National Macaron Day (March 20) – Not to be confused with macaroons, macarons are delicate French sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled with ganache or buttercream. Celebrate both for a sweet comparison of textures and flavors.

Pin it!

Share this post about National Macaroon Day on Pinterest!