Almond Joy Cookies: A Delicious Twist on Your Favorite Candy Bar
If you’ve ever savored the delightful combination of coconut, chocolate, and almonds in an Almond Joy candy bar, you’ll be head over heels for these Almond Joy Cookies. Perfectly chewy, rich, and packed with flavor, these cookies are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic treat in homemade form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or a cozy weekend treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or slivered almonds
Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer for convenience.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in the Good Stuff
Using a spatula, gently fold in the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoons of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat at any time of the day!
FAQ
1. How do I store Almond Joy Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking. If the dough becomes too firm to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut for a less sweet version. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness will be reduced.
4. What are some good nut substitutes?
If you’re not a fan of almonds, try using pecans or walnuts for a different but equally delicious taste.
These Almond Joy Cookies are everything you love about the classic candy bar, now in a warm, chewy, and homemade cookie form. They’re perfect for sharing—or not! Be sure to snap a photo and share your baking creations with your friends and family on Facebook and Pinterest. Happy baking!
Almond Joy Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or slivered almonds
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer for convenience.
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Fold in the Good Stuff
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out tablespoons of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat at any time of the day!
Notes
FAQ
1. How do I store Almond Joy Cookies?Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before serving. 2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking. If the dough becomes too firm to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. 3. Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut for a less sweet version. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness will be reduced. 4. What are some good nut substitutes?
If you’re not a fan of almonds, try using pecans or walnuts for a different but equally delicious taste. These Almond Joy Cookies are everything you love about the classic candy bar, now in a warm, chewy, and homemade cookie form. They’re perfect for sharing—or not! Be sure to snap a photo and share your baking creations with your friends and family on Facebook and Pinterest. Happy baking!