Macarons and macaroons use different ingredients and are completely different desserts. Macarons are small sandwich-style confections with a filling using almond meal as an ingredient. Macaroons are drop-style cookies using shredded coconut. Coconut macaroons are made from shredded coconut held together by egg whites and granulated sugar. They have rough edges that turn brown are chewy inside and are often dipped in chocolate.