If you’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in an Almond Joy candy bar, you know just how irresistible that combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds can be. Now, imagine transforming that beloved treat into a chewy, cookie bar that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). These Almond Joy Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Easy to whip up and absolutely scrumptious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
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Why It’s My Go-To
When it comes to baking, I’m all about recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. These Almond Joy Cookie Bars fit the bill perfectly. The soft and chewy texture paired with the crunchy almonds and the sweet coconut creates a heavenly bite that’s hard to resist. Plus, they come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a sweet treat for lunchboxes, or simply craving something delicious, these bars are my go-to recipe!
What You’ll Gather
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of your cookie bars, giving them structure.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly for a chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Adds a bit of lift while balancing the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – Provides richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- 1 ½ cups (330g) light brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars and contributes to their chewy texture.
- 2 eggs – Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive bar.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Infuses the bars with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (135g) sweetened shredded coconut – The star ingredient that brings the Almond Joy flavor.
- 1 cup (180g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips – Adds melty chocolate goodness.
- 1 cup (143g) coarsely chopped almonds – Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Equipment Breakdown
- Mixing Bowl – A large bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Perfect for mixing the batter without overworking it.
- Baking Pan (9×13 inch) – Provides the right size for evenly baked bars.
- Parchment Paper – Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to perfect bars.
Mastering Almond Joy Cookie Bars: How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your bars soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and coarsely chopped almonds. This is where the magic happens – you’ll see the beautiful chunks of chocolate and almonds throughout the batter.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spread the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Variations for Dietary Needs
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the almonds and use sunflower seeds instead for crunch.
- For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a sugar alternative that measures like sugar.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t skip the parchment paper! It makes removing the bars from the pan so much easier.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results.
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep your bars tender.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to overbake.
Storing Tips & Timelines
The Almond Joy Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to 2 weeks. For even longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Questions People Ask
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
While you can use unsweetened coconut, keep in mind that it will alter the taste and sweetness of the bars. You may want to add a bit of extra sugar to compensate.
Can I substitute the butter for oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil for the butter, but it will change the texture slightly. The bars may turn out a bit more cake-like.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Chopped dried fruit, different types of nuts, or even peanut butter chips can be delicious additions to these cookie bars.
Let’s Eat
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Almond Joy Cookie Bars! Rich, chewy, and packed with all the flavors you love, these bars are perfect for any occasion or simply as a sweet treat during the week. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a slice (or two) of cookie bar heaven. Happy baking!
Almond Joy Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Step 6: Gently fold in coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds.
- Step 7: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
- Step 8: Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use parchment to lift out and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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