Decadent Almond Joy Cookie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible delight of Almond Joy Cookie Bars! These bars are not just any ordinary dessert; they are a harmonious blend of chewy cookie goodness, sweet coconut flakes, crunchy almond slivers, and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress, these bars strike the ideal balance of textures and flavors. The best part? They require just about 30 minutes to whip up, bake, and have ready to share, making them a convenient go-to treat that always steals the show.

I stumbled upon this Almond Joy Cookie Bars recipe a few years back while attempting to capture the essence of my favorite candy bar in a more substantial and homemade form. Since then, these bars have become a crowd favorite wherever they go. From neighborhood block parties to cozy gatherings, these bars have a knack for disappearing off the dessert table in no time. With a soft, chewy base and a delightful mix of coconut, almond, and chocolate in every bite, it’s no wonder they leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries them. So, get ready to bake up a batch of these Almond Joy Cookie Bars and watch them work their magic as the star of the show at your next get-together!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy to make, ready in about 30 minutes
• Perfect balance of textures with chewy cookie base, sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and melty chocolate
• Adaptable recipe with optional variations like adding toffee bits or dark chocolate chips
• Can be stored for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Almond Joy Cookie Bars Recipe Recipe

• Easy and Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, including baking time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving a sweet treat.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The chewy cookie base, sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and melty chocolate create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make people think you spent hours baking.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These Almond Joy cookie bars are a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and neighborhood parties. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly from the dessert table.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding toffee bits for extra crunch, using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or adding coconut extract for a more pronounced coconut taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these bars at room temperature or slightly warmed, cut them into small squares for a party platter or larger bars for a substantial dessert, and enjoy them with coffee, milk, or even topped with ice cream.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: These bars can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months. They thaw quickly and can be heated in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue, a holiday cookie exchange, or a morning coffee treat, these Almond Joy cookie bars are a delightful and versatile addition to any gathering.

Ingredients for Decadent Almond Joy Cookie Bars Recipe

• 1/2 cup almond slivers
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup chocolate chips (half a 12 oz bag)
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut

How to Make Decadent Almond Joy Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep baking dish

Prepare a 9×9″ baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.

Step 4: Add wet ingredients

Combine egg and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until well blended.

Step 5: Combine mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add mix-ins

Combine chocolate chips, half of the coconut flakes, and half of the almond slivers, stirring until mixed.

Step 7: Prepare for baking

Evenly spread cookie batter in baking pan using a spatula. Top with additional chocolate chips, coconut, and almonds.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden and cooked to your preferred crispiness. Note that the dish will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 9: Cool and cut

After cooling, transfer from the baking dish and cut into 16 (or 9) pieces.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve baked and cooled your Almond Joy cookie bars, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness and flavor. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. If you plan to stack the bars, placing parchment paper between the layers will prevent sticking and preserve their appearance. These cookie bars will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored this way, though they are often enjoyed so much that they disappear quickly!

For longer storage, you can freeze the Almond Joy cookie bars for up to 3 months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If you prefer a warm and gooey treat, you can also microwave a frozen bar for 15-20 seconds to recapture that fresh-baked taste. Whether for a quick snack, a special dessert, or a delightful gift, these delicious cookie bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone who indulges in their delightful flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, consider incorporating different mix-ins to customize these Almond Joy cookie bars. For a delightful variation, try adding a quarter cup of toffee bits to the batter to introduce a sweet crunch alongside the coconut, almond, and chocolate flavors. Additionally, dark chocolate lovers can opt to use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer and more intense cocoa taste.

For those who adore the taste of coconut, enhancing the coconut flavor is simple. During the holiday season or whenever you’re craving an extra burst of coconut goodness, consider mixing in a quarter teaspoon of coconut extract along with the vanilla extract. This addition will elevate the coconut essence in the bars, providing a more pronounced tropical flavor profile that coconut enthusiasts will surely enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

For an indulgent dessert experience, serve these Almond Joy cookie bars warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the melty chocolate, chewy cookie base, and cold ice cream is sure to delight your taste buds. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter for a party, alongside a selection of other cookies for a delicious cookie spread that will disappear quickly. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of beverages, from coffee to milk or even a glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated treat.

For a festive twist, consider drizzling the cooled bars with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. The added richness and beautiful presentation will elevate these already delicious bars to a whole new level. You can also experiment with different variations, such as adding toffee bits for a sweet crunch or using dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor profile. These Almond Joy cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests coming back for more, so be sure to make a double batch if you want any leftovers for yourself!

FAQs for Decadent Almond Joy Cookie Bars Recipe

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter in this recipe. Just make sure to add an extra pinch of salt to compensate for the salt that would have been in the salted butter.

Can I omit the almond slivers and just make these with coconut?

Yes, you can omit the almond slivers if you prefer. You can increase the amount of flaked coconut to make up for the omitted almonds, or simply leave them out altogether for a nut-free version of the bars.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make these cookie bars ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

Yes, you can customize these bars by substituting the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or chunks if you prefer. You can also experiment with white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Almond Joy Cookie Bars are truly a crowd-pleaser and a delightful treat for any occasion. The balance of flavors and textures in each bite will have your friends and family coming back for more, just like my neighbor Ted! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe by adding your own twist, like toffee bits or dark chocolate chips, to make these bars your own. And remember, the joy of baking is in sharing, so whip up a batch of these Almond Joy Cookie Bars and spread the love and deliciousness with those around you. Happy baking!

Decadent Almond Joy Cookie Bars Recipe

Chewy almond joy cookie bars with a perfect balance of coconut, almonds, and chocolate, a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings16 Servings (16 bars)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond slivers
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup chocolate chips (half a 12 oz bag)
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut

Instructions

1. Prep baking dish: Prepare a 9×9″ baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Combine egg and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until well blended.
5. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add mix-ins: Combine chocolate chips, half of the coconut flakes, and half of the almond slivers, stirring until mixed.
7. Prepare for baking: Evenly spread cookie batter in baking pan using a spatula. Top with additional chocolate chips, coconut, and almonds.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden and cooked to your preferred crispiness. Note that the dish will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
9. Cool and cut: After cooling, transfer from the baking dish and cut into 16 (or 9) pieces.