Preheat oven to 350°F

Combine coconut, granulated sugar, egg whites, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl using your hands or a wooden spoon.

With approximately two tablespoons of the mixture in your hands, form two-inch tall trees. Use your fingertips to make pointed tops.

Transfer each tree to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.

If you are going to put the little stars on after they are baked, then poke a toothpick through the top so that after the trees are baked the toothpick holding the star goes in easier.

Bake until edges are golden and trees are firm, 12 to 14 minutes.

Let cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.

Cookies can be made up to 1 day ahead.