Almond Joy cookies

If you’re a fan of the beloved Almond Joy candy bar, you’re going to love these Almond Joy cookies! This sweet, chewy treat combines the rich flavors of coconut, chocolate, and almonds to create the ultimate cookie experience. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to bake for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a homemade cookie, Almond Joy cookies are the perfect choice.

What Makes Almond Joy Cookies So Special?

Almond Joy cookies bring together all the best ingredients from the classic candy bar in a cookie form. Each bite features a combination of:

  • Crisp and chewy coconut: Just like the candy, these cookies have a delicious coconut base that adds a chewy texture.
  • Rich chocolate: The inclusion of chocolate chips makes these cookies just as decadent as the candy bar itself.
  • Crunchy almonds: Whole almonds are added on top, providing a satisfying crunch and a nutty finish.

These cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and chocolatey goodness. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized to fit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make your Almond Joy cookies, you’ll need:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup whole almonds

These ingredients combine to form the perfect base for your cookies. You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips for that classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.

How to Make Almond Joy Cookies

Making Almond Joy cookies is a simple process. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step ensures that your cookies will have a soft, chewy texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that wonderful aroma.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to avoid over-mixing.
  6. Stir in Coconut and Chocolate: Fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips. This is where your Almond Joy cookies start to take shape!
  7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
  8. Top with Almonds: Place one whole almond on top of each cookie dough ball. This step adds a finishing touch and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
  9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center of the cookies should remain soft and chewy.
  10. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your homemade Almond Joy cookies!

Tips for Perfect Almond Joy Cookies

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps the dough come together more smoothly.
  • Don’t overbake: Almond Joy cookies are best when they are slightly soft in the center. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking and making them too crispy.
  • Experiment with different chocolates: If you’re a fan of white chocolate or milk chocolate, feel free to use those in place of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.

Why You’ll Love These Almond Joy Cookies

Almond Joy cookies are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

  • Nostalgic flavor: If you love the Almond Joy candy bar, these cookies will remind you of its sweet, satisfying taste.
  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and an easy process, these cookies are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday party, or a cozy afternoon treat, Almond Joy cookies are a great option for any occasion.
  • Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own by adding extra ingredients like caramel, peanut butter chips, or even swapping out almonds for other nuts.

Conclusion

Almond Joy cookies are the ideal combination of flavors that everyone will love. With a delightful mix of coconut, chocolate, and almonds, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or a perfect treat to enjoy at home. Simple to make, incredibly tasty, and totally customizable, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic Almond Joy candy bar. Happy baking!

Serving and Storage Tips for Almond Joy Cookies

Serving Tips:

  1. Pair with a Beverage: Almond Joy cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a hot chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
  2. Presenting for Special Occasions: If you’re serving these cookies at a party or holiday gathering, consider arranging them on a decorative platter or adding some festive touches like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra flair.
  3. Perfect for Gift-Giving: Pack these cookies into a cute tin or jar and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift. Almond Joy cookies are a great way to share the joy of baking with friends and family.
  4. Serve Warm: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookies while they’re still slightly warm from the oven. The chocolate chips will be melty and the cookies will have a soft, gooey center.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store at Room Temperature: Almond Joy cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. This helps them maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor.
  2. Freezing for Later: If you want to keep some cookies for a longer period, freeze them! Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste.
  3. Separate Layers with Parchment Paper: If you’re storing a large batch, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
  4. Avoid Storing in the Refrigerator: Storing these cookies in the fridge may cause them to dry out. It’s best to keep them at room temperature or freeze them for longer-term storage.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Almond Joy cookies stay fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy anytime!

1. Can I make Almond Joy cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze for 2 hours, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

2. Can I substitute the almonds with another type of nut?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can substitute them with other nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. The flavor will change slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious with your preferred nuts.

3. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make Almond Joy cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help provide structure to the cookies. You may also want to check the labels of your coconut and chocolate chips to ensure they are gluten-free.

4. Can I add more coconut or chocolate to the recipe?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of coconut and chocolate chips according to your preferences! If you want a more coconut-heavy flavor, you can increase the shredded coconut by ½ cup. Similarly, if you love chocolate, add more chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate for extra richness. Just keep in mind that adjusting the quantities may slightly affect the texture of the cookies.

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Almond Joy cookies

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Almond Joy cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with the classic flavors of coconut, almonds, and chocolate. With just a handful of ingredients and no flour required, they’re the perfect quick treat for Almond Joy candy lovers!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups (240 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 2/3 cup (200 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) chopped almonds (or whole almonds for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix the ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
    • Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped almonds.
  3. Shape the cookies:
    • Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture and form them into small mounds or balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
  5. Cool:
    • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Serve and enjoy:
    • These cookies can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.



Notes

  • For a more authentic Almond Joy look, press a whole almond into the top of each cookie before baking.
  • Substitute dark chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips for variety.
  • Freeze the cookies for up to 2 months for a make-ahead treat.


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