Almond Joy Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Absolutely Irresistible
Almond Joy Cookies transform the iconic candy bar into a soft, chewy, bakery-style cookie that delivers everything you love — rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy almonds — in every single bite. These cookies are indulgent yet comforting, festive yet simple, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, gifting, or everyday dessert cravings, this recipe creates thick, tender cookies with golden edges, melty chocolate centers, and just the right amount of coconut chew and almond crunch.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Joy Cookies
- ✔ Soft and chewy centers with lightly crisp edges
- ✔ Perfect balance of chocolate, coconut, and almonds
- ✔ Easy one-bowl recipe with simple ingredients
- ✔ Freezer-friendly and great for gifting
- ✔ Inspired by the beloved Almond Joy candy bar
Ingredients and Why They Matter
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup | Creates richness and a soft crumb |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Adds moisture and caramel notes |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Helps with structure and golden edges |
| Large egg | 1 | Binds the dough and adds chewiness |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Enhances sweetness and aroma |
| All-purpose flour | 1¾ cups | Forms the cookie structure |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Gives light lift and softness |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Shredded sweetened coconut | 1 cup | Chewy texture and tropical sweetness |
| Chocolate chips | ¾ cup | Rich chocolate flavor |
| Chopped almonds | ¾ cup | Crunch and nutty contrast |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
5. Fold in Coconut, Chocolate, and Almonds
Gently fold in shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds using a spatula.
6. Scoop and Shape
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
8. Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Almond Joy Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overbake — cookies firm up as they cool.
- Toast almonds lightly for deeper nutty flavor.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes if cookies spread too much.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence
- Sandwich two cookies with vanilla ice cream
- Add to holiday cookie trays and dessert boards
Storage and Freezing
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.
- Freeze raw dough balls and bake straight from frozen (+1 minute bake time).
Final Thoughts
Almond Joy Cookies deliver the perfect harmony of chewy coconut, melty chocolate, and crunchy almonds wrapped in a soft, buttery cookie base. They’re nostalgic, indulgent, easy to make, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a quiet evening treat, these cookies promise bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Once you make them, they’ll become a permanent favorite in your kitchen — guaranteed.
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