Description

If you're a fan of the iconic Almond Joy candy bar, you're in for a delightful surprise with these Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies. They capture the irresistible combination of sweetened coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate, all packed into a chewy, soft cookie. Whether you're baking for yourself or a small gathering, these cookies deliver big on flavor without overwhelming you with too many leftovers. Perfect for a midweek indulgence, a special treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, or to share with loved ones, this recipe is simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 ⅙ cups all-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes (shredded coconut)
• ¾ cup sliced almonds

Preparation Method

Preheat Oven:
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the leavening agents (baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed in the flour, creating a consistent texture in your cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a separate, larger bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process helps aerate the dough, leading to a soft and tender cookie.

Add Vanilla and Egg:
Once your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed, add the vanilla extract and the egg. Beat until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as too much mixing can lead to tougher cookies.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand to avoid overworking the dough. The goal is to combine everything until no streaks of flour remain.

Fold in Mix-ins:
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, and sliced almonds. These mix-ins are what give these cookies their Almond Joy-inspired flavor. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for a perfect bite every time.

Scoop Dough:
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop (or a rounded spoon), drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop to allow room for the cookies to spread as they bake.

Bake:
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you'll know they're done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. If you like your cookies on the chewier side, pull them out when the centers still appear slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies retain their shape and ensures a perfectly chewy texture.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip half of each cookie into the chocolate and sprinkle with a little sea salt. This will not only enhance the chocolate flavor but also add a beautiful presentation that makes them even more irresistible.

These Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies are a perfect homage to the classic candy bar, combining rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy almonds in every bite. With their small batch size, they’re perfect for when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to end up with a mountain of cookies. They are quick to prepare, require just a few pantry staples, and are versatile enough to enjoy as a snack or dessert. Once you’ve tried them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Not only are they delicious fresh from the oven, but these cookies also store well in an airtight container for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Serve them alongside a glass of milk, or sneak one for yourself as an afternoon pick-me-up. Whatever the occasion, these Almond Joy-inspired cookies are a decadent delight you won’t want to miss!