Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

Chocolaty Almond Joy Cookies Recipe: Sweet Treat Upgrade

Crumbly, sweet almond joy cookies promise a delightful twist on classic dessert experiences.

Chocolate and coconut dance together in this nostalgic treat that reminds you of childhood candy bars.

Nutty undertones add depth to each perfectly baked morsel.

Soft centers blend seamlessly with crisp edges, creating a textural symphony.

Rich flavors meld into a harmonious bite that feels both comforting and exciting.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Bake these cookies and watch smiles emerge with every delectable crunch.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Almond Joy cookies?

The main ingredients include shredded coconut, chopped almonds, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and flour to bind everything together.

  • Are these cookies gluten-free?

No, the traditional recipe contains flour, making them not suitable for gluten-free diets. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour alternatives.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes baking more convenient.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. They should hold their shape but still be soft when you take them out of the oven.

What Makes Almond Joy Cookies So Irresistible

  • Craft Sweet Memories: These Almond Joy cookies transport you to childhood with classic candy bar flavors baked into a delightful treat that sparks nostalgia and joy.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Create these delectable cookies with just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds makes these cookies a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers.
  • Adaptable Baking Fun: Easily customize the recipe by adjusting ingredients or playing with different mix-ins to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Almond Joy Cookies

For the Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep chocolate taste that complements the almond and coconut.
  • Shredded Coconut, Sliced Almonds: Add signature Almond Joy candy bar flavors and delightful texture to the cookies.
For the Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg, Vanilla Extract: Help bind the ingredients and add depth of flavor to the cookie dough.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.

How to Make Chocolate Coconut Almond Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 325°F (163°C) and let it start heating while you prepare the delightful cookie mixture.

Step 2: Shape Your Cookie Clusters

Grab your trusty cookie scoop and carefully create uniform clusters of the mixture.

Press the mixture firmly to ensure each cookie holds together beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and gently place your cookie clusters on it.

Make sure to leave a little breathing room between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies transform.

Watch for those gorgeous golden-brown edges that signal they’re ready – this should take about 12-14 minutes.

Step 5: Cool And Preserve

Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet.

This helps them set and become perfectly crisp. After they’ve cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
  • Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper for even heat distribution and crispier edges.
  • Swap chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles that complement the almond and coconut.
  • Check cookies at 10 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens vary in temperature and performance.
  • Store cookies in a single layer with wax paper between each row to maintain their texture and prevent sticking.

Fun Ways to Vary Almond Joy Cookies

  • Coconut Lovers Delight: Replace almonds with toasted coconut flakes and add extra shredded coconut to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Chocolate Chunk Variation: Substitute chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate or milk chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Remove almonds completely and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch while making the recipe safe for nut allergy sufferers.

Delicious Pairings for Almond Joy Cookies

  • Pair Creamy Coconut Milkshake: Blend coconut milk, vanilla ice cream, and toasted coconut flakes to complement the almond and chocolate flavors of the cookies.
  • Serve Rich Dark Roast Coffee: Choose a bold, dark roast coffee with hints of chocolate to enhance the cookie's sweet and nutty profile, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Match Chocolate Hazelnut Liqueur: Drizzle a smooth chocolate hazelnut liqueur as an adult dessert pairing that intensifies the cookie's decadent chocolate and almond notes.
  • Enjoy Vanilla Bean Gelato: Scoop creamy vanilla bean gelato alongside the cookies, offering a cool, smooth texture that balances the cookies' rich and crunchy characteristics.

How to Keep Almond Joy Cookies Fresh

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate to restore their soft texture and bring back their delicious flavor.

Preheat oven to 275F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness and bring back their just-baked taste.

Print
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Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

Almond Joy Cookies


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent Almond Joy Cookies merge chocolate, coconut, and almonds in a delightful dessert inspired by classic candy bars. Sweet memories melt together, creating irresistible treats you can’t help but savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) bag shredded, sweetened coconut
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped lightly salted almonds
  • 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Baking Extras:

(None in this recipe)


Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure smooth cookie removal and easy cleanup.
  2. Compress the cookie mixture into uniform clusters using a precise cookie scoop, maintaining consistent size and shape.
  3. Arrange the cookie clusters on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps between each to allow for potential spreading during baking.
  4. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C), which provides gentle, even heat for optimal cookie texture.
  5. Monitor the cookies carefully during baking, removing them when the edges transform to a delicate golden-brown hue, typically requiring 12-14 minutes.
  6. After removing from the oven, allow the cookies to rest and stabilize on the baking sheet, which helps them firm up and prevents potential crumbling.
  7. Once completely cooled, transfer the cookies to an airtight container to preserve their freshness and maintain their delectable texture for several days.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and consistent texture.
  • Use a light hand when packing the cookie mixture to prevent dense, tough cookies.
  • Experiment with toasted coconut for deeper, nuttier flavor that complements the almond base.
  • Store cookies in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp edges and prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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