Almond Joy Cookies

Almond Joy Cookies are filled with chocolate, coconut, and nuts. Also, they are dairy-free. So, everyone can enjoy this sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• ¾ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
• ¼ cup plant milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup whole or chopped almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, coconut, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then, whisk until combined.
3. In another bowl, stir coconut oil, plant milk, and vanilla. Next, add wet ingredients to dry.
4. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. However, avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and almonds. Then, scoop dough onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Finally, cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Almond Joy Cookies

• Chill the dough briefly, so cookies stay thick.
• Also, toast almonds lightly for deeper flavor.
• Do not overbake, because cookies firm up as they cool.
• Store in an airtight container, while keeping them chewy.

Variations

1. Dark Chocolate Almond Joy: Use dark chocolate chips, so flavor feels richer.
2. Almond Butter Cookies: Add 2 tbsp almond butter, while reducing oil slightly.
3. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and add 1 tbsp extra plant milk.
4. Low Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly, but keep coconut for sweetness.

Health Benefits

• Almonds provide healthy fats, so they support heart health.
• Coconut adds fiber, while enhancing texture.
• Dairy-free ingredients reduce allergens, therefore more people can enjoy them.
• Homemade cookies avoid preservatives, so treats feel cleaner.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 195 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 135 mg

Kid-Friendly Version

• Use chopped almonds, so they are easier to chew.
• Add mini chocolate chips, because kids love them.
• Bake smaller cookies, while making portions fun.
• Serve with fruit or plant milk, so snacks stay balanced.