Almond Joy Cookies

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Almond Joy Cookies 🍪

These Almond Joy Cookies are the ultimate treat for coconut and chocolate lovers. With a chewy texture, rich chocolate, and crunchy almonds, they’re reminiscent of the beloved Almond Joy candy bar but even better! Perfect for the holiday season or as an everyday indulgence, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just four ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

  • 1 (14 oz) bag shredded, sweetened coconut: The foundation for the chewy texture and tropical flavor.
  • 1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully and provides the rich chocolatey goodness.
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Acts as a sweet binder, holding everything together.

For the Crunch:

  • 3/4 cup roughly chopped, lightly salted almonds: Adds crunch and a salty balance to the sweetness.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

  1. No Mixer Needed: You only need a bowl and a spatula to bring these cookies together.
  2. Minimal Ingredients: Just four pantry staples!
  3. Perfect for Gifting: They’re sturdy, delicious, and a hit with everyone.
  4. Quick and Easy: Prep time is minimal, and the results are spectacular.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This lower temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly without scorching the coconut.
  2. Line the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

  1. Combine the Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped almonds.
    • Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the sweetened condensed milk. The mixture should be sticky and cohesive.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

  1. Scoop the Dough:
    • Using a cookie scoop or your hands, measure out small mounds of the mixture, about 1–2 tablespoons each.
    • Press each scoop tightly into a ball or mound to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
  2. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the cookie mounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one. These cookies don’t spread much, so they can be placed relatively close together.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake the Cookies:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
    • Avoid overbaking, as the coconut can burn quickly.
  2. Cool the Cookies:
    • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet. This step is essential to ensure the cookies firm up and hold together.

Tips for the Best Almond Joy Cookies

  1. Pack the Cookies Tightly: When forming the mounds, make sure to pack them tightly. This helps prevent them from falling apart after baking.
  2. Toast the Almonds (Optional): For extra flavor, toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet or the oven before chopping and adding them to the dough.
  3. Chill the Mixture (Optional): If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping the cookies.
  4. Add a Drizzle: For an extra decorative touch, melt additional chocolate and drizzle it over the baked cookies once cooled.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try

  1. Nut-Free Option: Skip the almonds and add extra chocolate chips or dried cranberries instead.
  2. Dark Chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
  3. White Chocolate Drizzle: Use melted white chocolate for a festive touch, especially for holiday gifting.
  4. Extra Almond Joy Twist: Place a whole almond on top of each cookie mound before baking for a nod to the candy bar.

Why These Are Perfect for the Holidays

The combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds creates a rich, indulgent cookie that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. They’re festive enough to serve at holiday parties and sturdy enough to include in cookie tins or gift baskets. Plus, their chewy texture and nutty crunch make them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

With this recipe, you can create a batch of Almond Joy Cookies that are simple, decadent, and impossible to resist. Happy baking! 🎄🍫

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