Almond Joy Cookies
One of my all time favorite candies growing up were Almond Joys. There was always something about the combination of sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate shell that spoke to my soul.
Then this whole health conscious thing took over my brain and the ingredient label acted as some sort of supernatural repellent that shielded me from putting one in my shopping cart. Really, it burns my hand when I try, it’s the weirdest thing.
So after that happened, my only option was to figure out how to recreate as many desserts as possible that mimic such combinations in a healthier form. The problem is, since my blog is geared toward healthy recipes, creating desserts has started to become a real pain in the arse. Desserts that are loaded with sugar, white flour, butter and heavy cream are so much easier to make attractive but to create something that is actually healthy and still tastes good is damn near impossible.
I’ve dealt with more failure than I care to admit but it turns out that cookies are a little easier to make healthy because the first time I tried, they turned out perfect. #score
Instead of using grains, I used almond meal from Trader Joes {which you could easily make at home by grounding up raw almonds with a food processor} and coconut flour. I also used almond butter and a touch of coconut oil in place of regular butter.
Dare I say this recipe is even Paleo friendly?
Regardless of classification, you would never know they are made without grains, dairy or refined sugar. The texture is thick and chewy, and they are full of chocolate, almond and coconut flavor.
Just what the doctor ordered!
Almond Joy Cookies {gluten-free, dairy-free}
Ingredients
Makes 16 medium-size cookies Directions In a medium size bowl, combine almond meal, coconut flour, salt and baking soda and sift together. ![]() Next, add the dry mixture to the wet by stirring in about a quarter of the mix at a time until all of it has been incorporated and a dough has formed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
![]() Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips and then scoop out approximately tablespoon size portions of the dough and roll into a ball with your hands. Set each ball on the baking sheet with a few inches between.
![]() Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (you can also refrigerate the dough before rolling into balls) and then remove and preheat to oven to 350°F.
Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown on the edges. Allow to cool and then serve. Total time: 30 minutes (+30 minutes to refrigerate dough)
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months and defrosted for twenty minutes before baking as directed above.
|
Side note: Although these were inspired by Almond Joys, they don’t have the artificial almond/coconut flavor that is characteristic to the candy. Adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract in place of the vanilla would probably imitate that flavor if that’s what you prefer.
Yum! These look/sound amazing. I have sooo many things on my “to-make” list ahhh
Tell me about it! With all of the blogs I read (including yours- fig pizza!)- I’m overwhelmed too! :)
I’ve never had an Almond Joy before – I don’t think we have them in Canada! Or if we do, I’ve never seen them here.
These cookies look amazing though! Definitely pinning them to try. :D
It’s probably better you don’t have them in Canada. They’re dangerous. ;)
I want to try to recreate the actual candy but I need to get a candy mold. If I get around to it then you’ll get a better idea of what they’re really like.
Chelsea, they are similar to the Bounty chocolate bar you can get here in Canada.
Sarah, these look amazing! And the healthy ingredients make them sound even better! Definitely Pinning these guys for the next time the cookie craving hits :D
Hi, Sarah! So excited to have found your blog, and REALLY super-extra-excited that the first recipe I saw here was this one! I love Almond Joys, too, and totally feel your pain as a healthy food blogger when it comes to 1) not constantly devouring Almond Joys and 2) healthifying dessert recipes. This one is genius! I wish I was eating one (no … ummmmm … actually, several) of these cookies right now!
Hi Shelley! I’m so happy you found me. Thank you so much! I’ll be checking out your blog too! :)
These look fantastic! I would definitely make these. Pinning for later, thanks for the recipe!
Girl, you work a lot! These cookies look fabulous! I only wish I was a better baker! I appreciate your healthy approach to desserts! :)
I always loved almond joy candies as well, and now in cookie form and with health ingredients!?! OMG…amazing! I already pinned them and will be trying them out asap! :-)
Thanks Holly! :)
So, you have me craving cookies at 9:30 am ;-) But considering that these are healthified, that’s totally acceptable! I love almond joy, but never really had them too often because they’re really hard to find in Canada. They’re my dad’s favourite though, so I always make sure to find some for him for Christmas!
I make a VERY similar cookie — minus the almond butter. I really like that idea though. Chocolate/coconut/almond is the best combo!!
I’m drooling. It still blows my mind that you were able to make these without grains or dairy or refined sugar and they still look absolutely FANTASTIC.
I totally know what you mean about failed dessert recipes! I have cried one too many times after a failed healthy dessert. But occasionally they work and when they do there is no better feeling! Plus you get to eat them ;) I am definitely going to make these!
I’m so glad I have you to share in all of my food blogging woes. :)
Hi there. I just found your blog and wanted to say that the first thing I noticed was your photography–it’s really wonderful. The second thing I noticed was this recipe. These look amazing! Chocolate and coconut is my favorite flavor combination—I will definitely be making these in the near future.
Thank you so much Erin! I’ll have to check out your blog as well!
Ah, all your recipes always look so dang amazing. I’m not even a huge cookie lover and these look great to me. Especially since you made these without grains. Yum.
These look so fluffy and delicious! I would love to make this but not the biggest fan of honey. What would you use to substitute it?
Also, I’m going to Berkeley this weekend and I’m going to try Cinnaholic because of all your pictures! Excited!!
You could try maple syrup or agave nectar. And they are fluffy because I refrigerate the dough before baking them; you can’t skip that step!
You are going to love Cinnaholic! It will be the hardest decision you’ll ever have to make when you see all of the options. You have to Instagram it so I can see what you got ! :)
wow you really have a gift for making healthy foods look mouth-wateringly delicious! confession- we have almond joys at work, and i usually try to stay away but i just had one the other day. i sometimes say to myself “they’re not so bad! coconut is good for you!” yeah im the queen of self-delusion at times :)
Thanks Charlotte!
They actually wouldn’t be so bad if there weren’t chemicals and preservatives. I want to make the candy too but I need a candy mold!
Ok, so here’s the deal about Paleo cookies in mine and Rebekah’s household: it never works. We always laugh at what she makes (I don’t even bother) because it comes out tasting as awfully as it looks.
But, you are a real person in your own kitchen making these and they turned out like this so we might be willing to try one more time to make Paleo cookies with this recipe. They look great – did they crumble up when you picked them up?
Enjoy your day at work on Sunday – that’s a bummer. :(
But really, these look amazing and I’m going to make my roomie try to recreate! We shall let you know how it goes!
Gluten free baking is so finicky. I’ve had a on of failures with it! But these turned out good and they did not crumble at all. They don’t have that “real sugar” flavor but we still thought they were satisfying. You could always use sugar in place of the honey too.
I hope you like them if you decide to make them! Have a great weekend girl!
Wow do these look good! Chocolate + coconut is my weakness. I’ll have to try these out- I keep forgetting that I have a bag of coconut flour I need to use up.
NEED. These cookies look like everything I want in a cookie and I always appreciate GF foods, because then I can share them with my sister. Maybe. If I don’t eat them all first.
oh definitely have to try these. I have such a sweet tooth, so recreating healthy desserts is the toughest for me too.
It happens to me too. I pick up a candy bar, look over the ingredients (even though I already know they’re bad) and after the reminder, put it back down and long for something just as yummy but far more healthy.
These are going to be made this weekend. I literally just had an Almond Joy bar in my hand at the gas station this morning. I’m glad I passed it up so I can make these :)
These look great! Good job on creating them.
Almond Joys are one of my favorites! Boooo for working on Sunday! At least you get a month of free fall weekends though woohoo!
I’ve been trying to experiment with almond flour more so I’m really happy to find this recipe! I’ve been having phantom cinnamon bun smells after seeing those pictures of those ones you posted this week! I’m not kidding, it’s the weirdest thing! Guess that means I should give into the craving right? :)
Haha…yes, just give in. It really doesn’t get better than a soft, warm cinnamon bun! :)
These sound amazing! I love almond joy candy bars too!
I really wanna make these!! I need to stop reading blogs because its ruining my bank account and diet!!
They look so delicious and don’t look ‘healthified’ at all :)
You are a genius! I love almond joys! This is a great use of almond flour too. I’m looking forward to making these.
These sound delicious and your pictures are beautiful!
Thank you Kim! :)
Ok lady…you have outdone yourself! I’ve seriously been oooing and ahhhing over these cookies ever since you posted them. I mean what’s not to love about almonds, coconut and chocolate all smooshed together in a fab paleo cookie? These are a DREAM. Pinning!
Pingback: 25 Gluten Free Healthy(ish) Recipes - Life's Little Detours
Pingback: . link love 9/8 . | . running with spoons .
Pingback: Marvelous in My Monday #25
Wow these cookies sound amazing! I haven’t tried making gluten free cookies, but it looks like I wouldn’t miss it with these delicious baked treats! :)
Ummm are you kidding!!! Almond Joys were my FAVORITE and I still sneak one every now and then. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thanks Kristen! I hope you like them. :)
Hi am really excited to try your recipe for almond Joy cookies. I am not able to find coconut flour is that a hard to find item?
Thank you for your help
Hi Jennifer! I don’t usually have a difficult time finding it but you could try oat flour in place of the coconut flour. It only lends a subtle coconut flavor so it isn’t absolutely necessary. Let me know how they turn out if you end up making them! :)
I made them and they were wonderful. Today I made another batch that is just about to go into the oven. Thank you for this great recipe.
You’re so welcome Jennifer! Thanks for letting me know how they turned out. Enjoy! :)
Love these! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
You’re so welcome Meela! Thank you for letting me know, I always appreciate feedback. :)
Pingback: Milk is most definitely a good choice | Wait...are those...cookies?!
Can’t wait to make this! But I’m on anti candida diet and canst have honey :/ what do you reccomend with liquid stevia to replace the weight and still be chewy? Thanks!
I’ve never used liquid stevia so it’s hard for me to advise on that. However, I’m sure maple syrup or agave nectar would work in place of the honey.
Pingback: 50 Coconut Flour Recipes
I’ve made these twice in the past week, my family is eating them faster than I can make them! They are delicious and not dry unlike almost every other g-free cookie I’ve tried.
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for the feedback Natasha. :)
Pingback: Superfood Almond Joy Smoothie – Making Thyme for Health
Pingback: 30 Clean Eating Coconut Flour Recipes - My Natural Family
Pingback: 50 Gluten Free Coconut Flour Recipes - My Natural Family
I just made these and they were absolutely amazing. I had no almond flour or almonds so I used oat flour instead and they were delicious and fluffy. Perfect cookies with healthy ingredients!!! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy that they worked out for you, Casey! And it’s good to know that oat flour can be substituted. Thanks for the feedback! :)