Almond Joy Cookies

These Almond Joy cookies deliver everything you love about the classic candy bar—toasted almonds, sweet coconut and rich chocolate. The sweetened condensed milk serves as both a binder and a sweetener, resulting in cookies that bake up with crisp, caramelized edges and chewy, coconut macaroon-like centers. As they turn golden in the oven, the kitchen fills with the scent of toasting coconut and nuts, a combination that’s hard to resist even before the chocolate starts to melt.

The best part? You need just four ingredients and one bowl, making these cookies as practical as they are craveable—no creaming butter, no chilling dough, no rolling and no cutting required. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, slide them into the oven and, 25 minutes later, you’ve got a batch of cookies that taste like you put in far more effort than you actually did. They’re sturdy enough to pack for picnics or potlucks, yet fancy enough to serve at a dinner party when you want dessert to feel special without the stress.

Ingredients for Almond Joy Cookies

• Sweetened shredded coconut: Because of the added sugar, sweetened shredded coconut has more moisture than unsweetened, which helps give these cookies their signature chewy texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Thick, syrupy condensed milk acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and giving the cookies their characteristic golden brown color as they bake. None in your pantry? Make sweetened condensed milk in the microwave, or use a substitute for sweetened condensed milk.
• Chopped toasted almonds: Toasted almonds contribute a nutty crunch and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the coconut and chocolate. If you buy them unroasted, toast the nuts before using them.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: These chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of rich chocolate throughout the cookies.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, almonds and chocolate chips.

Step 2: Bake the cookies

Drop the cookies by the tablespoonful onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake them until they’re golden brown, 23 to 25 minutes.

Almond Joy Cookies Variations

• Try different nuts: Swap the almonds for chopped toasted macadamia nuts, cashews or pecans to give the cookies a new flavor profile while maintaining that satisfying crunch.
• Add a drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled completely, melt additional chocolate chips and drizzle them over the tops for an extra decadent presentation.
• Mix up the chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter or more intense chocolate flavor.
• Add dried fruit: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a pop of tartness that balances the sweetness. Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped dried pineapple or mango for an extra layer of tropical flavor.

How to Store Almond Joy Cookies

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy. Make sure the cookies have cooled completely before storing them to prevent condensation from building up inside the container, which can make them soggy. Layer parchment paper between the cookies if you’re stacking them to prevent them from sticking together.

How long do Almond Joy cookies last?

Almond Joy cookies can last one to two weeks at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Since these cookies contain sweetened condensed milk, which adds moisture, they’ll stay fresh and chewy throughout that time.

Can you freeze Almond Joy cookies?

Yes, you can freeze Almond Joy cookies. Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between them to prevent them from sticking. They’ll maintain their best quality in the freezer for 8 to 12 months, though they’ll be safe to eat beyond that timeframe. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Almond Joy Cookies Tips

Do you need parchment paper to make Almond Joy cookies?

While we recommend parchment paper for making Almond Joy cookies, it’s not absolutely necessary. The parchment prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier. This is especially helpful since these cookies contain sweetened condensed milk, which can caramelize and stick. If you don’t have parchment paper on hand, you can grease your baking sheets with butter or cooking spray, or use a silicone baking mat.

What should you serve with Almond Joy cookies?

Serve Almond Joy cookies with a cold glass of milk, or a cup of coffee or hot cocoa to complement their rich, sweet flavor. These cookies also pair well with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, and can be enjoyed with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.