Almond Joy Cookies

I grew up loving Almond Joy candy bars because they always reminded me of movie nights with my mom and sister so naturally when I started experimenting with baking my own cookies I wanted to capture that nostalgic flavor in a homemade treat. These Almond Joy Cookies were the perfect result with crunchy almonds rich chocolate and sweet coconut all in one chewy bite that makes me smile every time I take one from the cookie jar.

The first time I baked them I had friends over for coffee and I wanted to impress them with something a little different yet familiar so these cookies stole the show with their gooey centers and golden edges and now they’re a staple whenever I want a treat that feels both cozy and indulgent.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a chewy texture
• Brown sugar – Gives the cookies depth of flavor and soft moisture
• Granulated sugar – Helps balance the flavor and crisp the edges
• Eggs – Bind everything together and give structure
• Vanilla extract – Brings out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them tender
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the ingredients
• Shredded coconut – Adds texture and that tropical flair
• Chocolate chunks – Bring creaminess and bold chocolate flavor
• Whole almonds and sliced almonds – Offer crunch and nutty richness

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before blending
• Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars quick and easy
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate amounts for consistent results
• Spatula – Perfect for scraping down the sides and folding in ingredients
• Baking sheet – Used to evenly bake the cookies
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple
• Cooling rack – Helps the cookies cool properly after baking

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by preheating my oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready once my dough is done.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl I cream together the softened butter brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3:

Next I add in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition then I stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl I whisk together the flour baking soda and salt and then slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture blending just until it all comes together and being careful not to overmix.

Step 5:

I gently fold in the shredded coconut most of the chocolate chunks and a generous handful of chopped almonds leaving some whole and sliced almonds for topping.

Step 6:

Using a cookie scoop I portion out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart and I press a few chocolate pieces and almonds on top of each for a beautiful finish.

Step 7:

I bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look a little soft because they’ll finish baking on the tray.

Step 8:

Once out of the oven I let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips

If you want a gooier center I recommend taking them out of the oven closer to the 10-minute mark and letting them rest. I also sometimes toast the coconut lightly before adding it to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. And if you love dark chocolate feel free to swap it in for a more grown-up taste!

Ways to Serve

I love serving these cookies with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of almond milk. They also make a fun dessert alongside a scoop of coconut ice cream or packed into gift boxes for holidays and special occasions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Almond Joy Cookies ahead of time?

Yes you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Do I have to use whole almonds?

No you can use chopped or sliced almonds depending on the texture you prefer in your cookies.

Can I make these Almond Joy Cookies gluten free?

Yes just substitute with your favorite gluten free flour blend and be sure your other ingredients are gluten free as well.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you get the chance to bake these Almond Joy Cookies and bring a little candy-bar magic to your kitchen! Let me know how they turn out and feel free to tag me if you share your batch online. And don’t forget to save or pin the recipe so you can bake them again and again.

Happy Cooking!

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