Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

by

Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

Makes: About 4 dozen cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2–3 hours chilling time)
Cook Time: 10–14 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 3.5 hours

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 10 tablespoons butter, softened (1 stick + 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup Crisco (vegetable shortening)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 5 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

Mix-Ins:

  • 4 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 2 cups chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts work great)

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Sugars and Fats

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, softened butter, and Crisco.
  2. Use an electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 2: Add Flavors and Eggs

  1. Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs one at a time.
  2. Beat just until the ingredients are combined.
  3. Stir in the shredded coconut.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour.
  2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, a little at a time, mixing on low speed. Do not overmix — stop as soon as the flour is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

  1. Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight).
    • This step helps solidify the dough, making it easier to shape and ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

  1. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

  1. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
  2. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Crisco and Butter Balance: The combination ensures the cookies are soft yet slightly crispy on the edges.
  2. Chilling the Dough: This step is key for thick, chewy cookies with defined edges.
  3. Mix-Ins Flexibility: Customize the mix-ins! Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate or use macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.

These Almond Joy Cookies combine the best of chocolate, coconut, and nuts for a decadent treat reminiscent of the beloved candy bar. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk!

Leave a Comment