Almond Joy Cookies

         Sometimes I feel like a nut, well anyway. I do like almonds. If I had to choose a candy bar, it would be the Almond Joy. The taste of the Almond with coconut and chocolate is just about the perfect taste ever!

Would you believe that I have finally come up with a cookie that actually tastes like one of my favorite candy bars?!!! It is amazingly similar, yet different in the best of ways.

            Even better than the flavor is the fact that this recipe only has some very simple ingredients. So very easy  to make!

This cookie actually soothes any sweet craving you have. You can switch up the almonds for pecans if you prefer. But, for the most part, follow the recipe as closely as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            How do I store these cookies?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container, wrapped in plastic or kept in gallon size ziploc bags. They will be good for up to five days, sitting at room temperature.

            Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can keep these cookies in an airtight container and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

            Can I use chocolate dipping on these?

You could definitely dip these in melted chocolate or just drizzle the chocolate across the cookies.

            Can I add dried fruit?

You could add dried fruit such as cherries, raisins or even apples. This will give you a nutty fruit taste.

What do you need to make Almond Joy Cookies

            2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

            2 cups chopped almonds

            5  cups chocolate chips

            4 ½ cups flour

            2 tsp baking soda

            1 tsp salt

            1 tbsp vanilla extract

            4 eggs

            1 ripe banana

            1 ½ cups brown sugar

            1 ½ cups granulated sugar

How to make Almond Joy Cookies

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 375*

Lightly spray the cookie trays with non stick spray

SECOND STEP:

Combine the flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl

In a separate bowl beat the banana with the brown sugar and white sugar until it is smooth and creamy

THIRD STEP:

Add the eggs in one at a time mixing well, then stir in the vanilla

a)

b)

Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture until it is well combined

a)

b)

c)

FOURTH STEP:

Fold in the coconut, chocolate chips and the almonds

Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie trays

FIFTH STEP:

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are beginning to crisp

Let cool on the cookie trays for five minutes before removing to a cooling rack

Enjoy!

Notes

When cooled, you can drizzle with chocolate, you could also dip these into melted chocolate and let dry on parchment paper.

If adding the dried fruit, mix it in at the same time you add the chocolate chips, coconut and almonds.

            I have tried these dipped in the melted chocolate, they taste so close to an actual Almond Joy candy bar it is ridiculous! I used some almond bark for dipping too, those did not taste quite as close. But, both were very delicious! If you come up with other ideas, please let me know!