Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and granulated sugar. Mix well to combine.
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become frothy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and whisk until combined.
Gradually pour the egg whites into the coconut mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when squeezed.
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form small mounds of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each mound.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the macaroons to cool completely on the baking sheet.
If desired, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons into the chocolate or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops. Let the chocolate set before serving.