Ultimate Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies: A Decadent Crumbl Copycat Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these incredible **Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies**, a true Crumbl copycat that tastes just like your favorite candy bar! Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, ultra-chewy chocolate cookie base, perfectly balanced with a rich, creamy coconut topping, then generously drizzled with luscious chocolate and studded with crunchy roasted almonds. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a gourmet bakery.
These oversized Almond Joy cookies are a show-stopper, boasting a deeply satisfying flavor profile that mirrors the beloved candy bar. Each rich chocolate cookie serves as the perfect canvas for a sweet, decadent coconut mixture, which is then crowned with a layer of semi-sweet chocolate and finished with perfectly roasted almonds. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most intense cravings. Get ready to bake a batch of pure bliss!
Why You’ll Adore These Decadent Almond Joy Cookies
These Almond Joy Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful combination of ease, indulgence, and sheer joy. Here are several reasons why they will quickly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire:
- The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion: Homemade cookies are a gift from the heart, and these over-the-top treats are especially well-received. Their impressive size and gourmet appearance make them ideal for birthdays, housewarming gestures, or as a thoughtful present for new parents. Hand-delivering a box of these bakery-style cookies shows a level of care and effort that truly stands out, making anyone feel special.
- Surprisingly Simple to Prepare: Don’t let their elaborate look fool you—these cookies are remarkably straightforward to make. The process involves crafting a classic chocolate cookie base and then adding a fun, easy-to-assemble coconut and chocolate topping. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you can whip up a batch whenever an Almond Joy craving strikes without a special trip to the store.
- Ultimate Almond Joy Craving Satisfier: If you’re a fan of the iconic Almond Joy candy bar, this recipe is your dream come true. It perfectly captures the magical trifecta of flavors: rich chocolate, sweet, creamy coconut, and crunchy almonds. Each bite delivers that familiar, harmonious blend, ensuring your cravings are not just met, but exceeded. It’s like having a giant, warm, chewy version of your favorite candy!
- Irresistible Texture Contrast: Beyond the flavor, these cookies offer an incredible textural experience. You get the soft, chewy bite of the chocolate cookie, the moist and creamy consistency of the coconut topping, and the satisfying crunch of the roasted almonds. This delightful interplay of textures elevates the cookie from good to truly extraordinary.
- An Impressive Bakery Presentation: These jumbo cookies look like they came straight from a high-end bakery. Their substantial size and beautifully layered topping make them visually stunning. Serving these cookies will undoubtedly elicit “wows” from your guests, proving that homemade can easily rival professional baking.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While the classic Almond Joy combination is divine, this recipe also offers room for personal touches. You can experiment with different types of chocolate for the drizzle, vary the amount of salt on your almonds, or even incorporate other mix-ins into the cookie dough.
Essential Ingredients for Your Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies
Crafting these delectable cookies begins with gathering high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the signature bakery-style texture and intense flavor:
- Butter: You’ll need ½ cup of unsalted butter for the cookie dough. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars, which creates a light and airy base for your cookies.
- Sugars: A combination of ¾ cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons white sugar is used. Brown sugar contributes to the cookies’ moistness and chewy texture, thanks to its molasses content, while white sugar helps with spreading and gives the cookies a delicate crispness around the edges.
- Egg: Just 1 large egg acts as a binder, bringing all the ingredients together and adding richness to the cookie dough. Make sure your egg is also at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Vanilla: Two teaspoons of high-quality vanilla extract are essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chocolate cookies. A good vanilla can truly elevate your baked goods.
- Dry Ingredients: The foundation of our chewy chocolate cookies consists of 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for that deep chocolatey goodness), ½ teaspoon baking soda (for lift and tenderness), and ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness and deepen the chocolate flavor).
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Adding ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips directly into the dough not only boosts the chocolate flavor but also contributes to the cookie’s moisture and creates delightful little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- Almond Joy Topping: This is where the magic happens!
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut: 1 ½ cups of sweetened shredded coconut forms the creamy, iconic base of the topping.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: ⅓ cup of sweetened condensed milk binds the coconut together, adding a luscious sweetness and creamy texture that mimics the candy bar.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 6 ounces of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips will be used for the final chocolate drizzle, providing a rich, smooth finish.
- Lightly Salted Almonds: Approximately 18 lightly salted almonds (3 per cookie) add the perfect crunch and a hint of savory contrast to the sweet coconut and chocolate. You can use unsalted if preferred, but the lightly salted variety enhances the overall flavor.
Crafting Your Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly thick, chewy, and irresistibly delicious Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies:
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set it aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, ensuring no streaks of egg yolk remain. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a cohesive dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form and Chill the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into 6 equal portions, rolling each into a large, uniform ball. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart as they will spread. Crucially, chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is vital for preventing excessive spreading during baking and developing deeper flavors.
Baking for Perfection
- Preheat and Bake: While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the chilled cookies for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven, but will continue to set as they cool.
- Initial Cooling: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the cookies to firm up enough to be safely transferred without breaking. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
The Signature Almond Joy Topping
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to create the irresistible Almond Joy topping:
- Prepare Coconut Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded sweetened coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Stir them together until the coconut is thoroughly coated and evenly mixed with the milk, forming a thick, sticky, and creamy mixture.
- Top the Cookies with Coconut: Evenly divide the coconut mixture among the 6 cooled cookies, gently shaping it on top of each cookie to form a generous, mounded layer.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for a more controlled melting process.
- Finish with Chocolate and Almonds: Spoon the melted chocolate over the coconut topping on each cookie, spreading it gently to cover the coconut layer. While the chocolate is still wet, carefully place 3 lightly salted almonds on top of each cookie.
- Allow to Set: Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set. Once set, your magnificent Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Optimal Cooling: The Key to Perfect Cookie Texture
The cooling process is often overlooked, but it’s a critical step to ensure your Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies achieve their ideal texture. When cookies first come out of the oven, they are quite delicate and soft, making them prone to falling apart if handled too soon. It’s best to allow them to cool on the hot baking sheet for 3-4 minutes initially. This allows the residual heat from the pan to continue cooking them slightly and helps them firm up enough to maintain their shape.
After this initial period, you can carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack. A cooling rack ensures air circulates around the entire cookie, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and helping them cool evenly. While they might still be warm and slightly soft after a few minutes on the rack, they will be firm enough to handle and enjoy. Remember, warm cookies are often the best, especially when the chocolate is still slightly gooey!
Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 TBSP white sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Almond Joy Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 18 lightly salted almonds (3 per cookie)
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
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Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Divide the dough into 6 equal balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers may still look slightly soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to allow them to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before topping.
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For the Coconut Topping: In a medium bowl, stir the shredded sweetened coconut and sweetened condensed milk together until well mixed and uniform. Divide the mixture evenly among the 6 cooled cookies, gently shaping it on top of each.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
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Spoon the melted chocolate over the coconut topping on each cookie, spreading gently to cover the surface. Immediately place 3 lightly salted almonds on top of the chocolate on each cookie. Allow the cookies to sit for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. Enjoy your homemade bakery treats!
Notes
For an extra chocolatey kick, consider adding chocolate chunks or even white chocolate chips to the cookie dough instead of, or in addition to, the mini chocolate chips.
While these are designed as large bakery-style cookies, you can easily make them half the size to yield a dozen smaller cookies. Adjust baking time accordingly.
I typically use regular unsweetened cocoa powder, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used for a darker color and a slightly milder chocolate flavor.
The lightly salted almonds provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness, but feel free to use unsalted almonds if you prefer.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 91g |
Protein: 11g |
Fat: 48g |
Saturated Fat: 32g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 77mg |
Sodium: 368mg |
Potassium: 562mg |
Fiber: 10g |
Sugar: 57g |
Vitamin A: 589IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 133mg |
Iron: 5mg
Storing and Freezing Your Decadent Almond Joy Cookies
Once you’ve baked a batch of these irresistible cookies, proper storage is key to maintaining their fresh taste and perfect texture. These Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, to preserve their wonderful chewiness and prevent the coconut topping from drying out, I highly recommend storing them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling them also helps the chocolate topping remain firm and less prone to smudging.
Can I freeze frosted cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing these cookies is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and have a delicious treat ready whenever a craving strikes. When stored correctly, they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To freeze them, first arrange your fully frosted and set cookies on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Flash freeze them for about 2 hours, or until the chocolate and coconut toppings are completely solid. This step prevents the toppings from sticking to each other.
Once frozen solid, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container. To prevent any sticking or damage, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cookies. For ultimate convenience, you can even individually wrap each flash-frozen cookie in plastic wrap or place them in separate small ziplock bags. This allows you to grab a single cookie whenever you want a quick, sweet indulgence without thawing the entire batch.
The Secret to Perfect Cookies: Why Chill Your Dough?
You might occasionally wonder why some cookie recipes, like this one, specifically instruct you to chill the cookie dough. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a crucial step that significantly impacts the final outcome of your cookies, both in terms of flavor and texture. There are two primary reasons why chilling your dough is highly recommended:
Firstly, chilling allows the flavors to deepen and meld together. As the dough rests, the flour fully hydrates, and the sugar has more time to dissolve, resulting in a more complex and cohesive flavor profile. This means your cookies will taste even more incredible than if you baked them immediately.
Secondly, and perhaps most importantly for “bakery style” cookies, chilling solidifies the fats in the dough (primarily the butter). When butter is soft or warm, it spreads rapidly in the oven. By chilling the dough, the butter becomes firm, which means it will melt much more slowly during baking. This slower melting process prevents your cookies from spreading out too much, ensuring they remain thick and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge – that coveted bakery-style texture. This is particularly vital on warmer days or if your butter was on the softer side when you started mixing. Skipping the chill can result in flat, crispy cookies instead of the thick, decadent ones you’re aiming for.
Elevating Flavor with the Right Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract might seem like a small detail, but its quality can profoundly impact the overall flavor of your baked goods. A few years ago, I conducted a taste test of 10 different vanilla extracts and discovered some truly exceptional favorites that I now swear by. For everyday baking, I wholeheartedly recommend using TOTONAC’s Mexican Vanilla. This pure vanilla extract contains no alcohol, which I personally prefer as I find that alcohol-based extracts can sometimes leave a subtle, undesirable aftertaste. Every time I try another brand, I quickly find myself returning to Totonac’s because its flavor is simply superior—rich, smooth, and genuinely aromatic.
Another absolute favorite for when I want to elevate my baking is Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste. This paste offers an intense, complex vanilla flavor with visible vanilla bean flecks, adding a gourmet touch and a truly unparalleled aroma to your cookies. It’s an investment, but the difference in flavor is undeniable and worth every penny for special recipes like these Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies.
Cooking is often about creating cherished memories, much like those I make with my own children. For instance, when it’s one of my kids’ birthdays, we have a special tradition: I prepare them a unique breakfast and serve it on our “You Are Special” plate. Crepes are often a top request, and it warms my heart to see my youngest savoring one, even if he’s adorably dressed in a giraffe costume. Because why not? These moments of joy, often centered around delicious food, are truly precious and remind me why sharing recipes like these cookies is so rewarding.
Explore More Decadent Chocolate Cookie Recipes You’ll Love:
If you’re a chocolate lover, these Almond Joy cookies are just the beginning! Dive into our collection of other incredible chocolate cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- CHOCOLATE JUNIOR MINT COOKIES
- ANDES MINT STUFFED CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- GERMAN CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE SPRINKLE COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE CHIP COCONUT OATMEAL COOKIES
- COCONUT MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES
- FLOURLESS DOUBLE CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- CHERRY CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- PEANUT BUTTER CHIP CHOCOLATE COOKIES
These Homemade Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies are truly a masterpiece, offering the rich, familiar flavors of your favorite candy bar in a delightful, jumbo cookie format. With their perfectly chewy chocolate base, luscious coconut topping, and satisfying crunch of almonds and chocolate drizzle, they’re sure to become a beloved treat for all ages. Don’t wait to bake these impressive Crumbl copycat cookies and bring a little bit of bakery magic into your home!
