Imagine sinking your teeth into a bar that perfectly balances the rich flavors of chocolate, the crunch of almonds, and the sweet, chewy texture of coconut. Enter the Almond Joy Cookie Bars—a delightful treat that brings the nostalgic taste of your favorite candy bar right into your kitchen. These cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a festive gathering. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are sure to impress everyone who tries them. So, let’s get baking!
The Upside of Almond Joy Cookie Bars
Why should you make Almond Joy Cookie Bars? Well, for starters, they combine the best elements of a cookie and a candy bar into one delicious snack. The buttery cookie base is soft and chewy, providing a perfect backdrop for the flavorful toppings. Plus, they’re versatile! You can enjoy them as a dessert, a snack, or even as a sweet breakfast treat (who’s judging?). With a delightful combination of textures and flavors, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home.
What You’ll Gather
To whip up these Almond Joy Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 0.75 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1.5 cups (330g) light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (135g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (180g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (143g) coarsely chopped almonds
Appliances & Accessories
Before we get started, make sure you have the following appliances and accessories handy:
- Mixing bowl – for combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – to ensure your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly.
- Baking pan (9×13 inch) – the ideal size for these cookie bars.
- Parchment paper – for easy removal of the bars.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
Cook Almond Joy Cookie Bars Like This
Ready to make these mouthwatering Almond Joy Cookie Bars? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
If you’re looking to make your Almond Joy Cookie Bars a bit healthier, consider these options:
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber.
- Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Try using a natural sweetener like coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Reduce the amount of chocolate chips or replace them with dark chocolate for added antioxidants.
Insider Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture in your cookie bars.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on them as they can go from perfectly golden to overcooked quickly.
- Letting the bars cool completely before slicing is crucial for clean edges.
- For an added touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
The Almond Joy Cookie Bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Simply wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.
Almond Joy Cookie Bars Q&A
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the almonds with your favorite nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have shredded coconut?
If shredded coconut isn’t available, you can omit it or try using chopped dried fruits for added sweetness and texture.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these Almond Joy Cookie Bars gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I add more chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to add extra chocolate chips or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the cooled bars for a decadent finish.
If you’re craving more delightful treats, check out these recipes:
Bring It to the Table
Now that you have your delicious Almond Joy Cookie Bars ready, it’s time to enjoy them with friends and family. Whether you serve them at a party, give them as gifts, or savor them yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Their combination of sweet and nutty flavors will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Happy baking!
Almond Joy Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake; keep an eye on them as they can go from golden to overcooked quickly.
- Letting the bars cool completely before slicing is crucial for clean edges.
