Soft, chewy, and loaded with coconut, almonds, and melty chocolate chips—these Almond Joy Cookies are the perfect solution when you want a sweet treat without making a huge batch. Inspired by the nostalgic candy bar, this small-batch recipe delivers all the flavor in a delightfully easy cookie form.
They come together quickly with no need for chill time or a mixer. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack, prepping for a cozy movie night, or just want a homemade bite of joy, these cookies hit the spot every time. Plus, they freeze beautifully if you manage not to eat them all at once.
Can I Use Sweetened or Unsweetened Coconut?
Both will technically work, but sweetened shredded coconut adds a chewy texture and a caramelized edge that pairs wonderfully with the melty chocolate. If you prefer your cookies less sweet, opt for unsweetened—but expect a bit more crispiness.


Ingredients for the Almond Joy Cookies
Shredded Coconut: This is the heart of the cookie, creating that iconic chewy texture and sweet, tropical flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the richness and add that gooey bite we all love in a warm cookie.
Sliced Almonds: Lightly toasted or raw, almonds add a necessary crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that rounds out the cookie.
Oats: Quick oats help bind everything together while keeping the cookie moist and hearty.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch of flour is needed to provide some structure so the cookies don’t fall apart.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture with its molasses undertones.
Butter: Brings richness and helps create crisp edges and soft centers.
Egg Yolk: Just one yolk is enough for this small batch—it enriches the dough without making it too cakey.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla ties all the ingredients together with warmth and sweetness.
Baking Powder & Salt: These small additions help the cookies rise slightly and enhance all the flavors.
How To Make the Almond Joy Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined and creamy. You can use a fork or small whisk—no mixer needed!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and silky.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in the shredded coconut, oats, chocolate chips, and almonds. The dough will be thick and chunky—just how we want it.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
How to Serve and Store Almond Joy Cookies
These cookies are at their best slightly warm, when the chocolate is still a little gooey and the coconut edges are crispy. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.
To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Just pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This is a small batch recipe and will make about 6–8 cookies, depending on your scoop size.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double each ingredient, and you’re good to go. You may need to bake in two batches depending on your oven size.
Can I use whole almonds instead of sliced?
Yes, but chop them up so they distribute better through the dough and don’t make the cookies too chunky.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, but you could try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
What if I don’t have oats?
You can leave them out, but the texture will be slightly different—a bit less hearty and more soft overall.
Can I add extra chocolate or coconut?
Of course! Just don’t overload the dough, or the cookies might not hold their shape well.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Almond Joy Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Try these Lemon Oatmeal No Bake Cookies for a zingy, effortless treat.
- Get playful with Cotton Candy Cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Dive into indulgence with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for a fruity twist.
- These Cheesecake Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies taste like fall in cookie form.
- Or, whip up Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes when you want cookies that flirt with cupcakes.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chopped almonds instead of sliced? Maybe drizzle with extra chocolate?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Need more small-batch sweets in your life? Come follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration: Life with Nina Recipes


Almond Joy Cookies for a Small Batch Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Joy Cookies are the perfect small-batch treat, packed with chewy coconut, gooey chocolate chips, and crunchy sliced almonds. Inspired by the classic candy bar, they’re simple to make, require no mixer, and deliver big flavor in a compact cookie. Great for satisfying cravings or freezing for later!
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet and stir until combined.
6. Fold in the oats, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and sliced almonds.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.
Notes
Toasting the almonds beforehand adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Don’t overbake—pull them once the edges are golden for the perfect chewy center.
These cookies freeze well. Let them cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe bag.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Almond Joy, small batch cookies, coconut chocolate cookies
