Homemade Almond Joy Cookies

If you loved the classic candy bar but wished for cleaner ingredients and more texture, these homemade almond joys deliver — whether you shape them into almond joy cookies or slice them into soft bars. This recipe, by Megan Mitchell, transforms the nostalgic flavors of coconut, almond and dark chocolate into a version that’s vegan, keto-friendly and gluten-free. The base is built from coconut butter, coconut chips, toasted raw almonds, melted coconut oil and a sugar alternative, then coated in dark chocolate.

By swapping refined sugar, dairy, and hidden additives, these almond joys feel elevated — designed for cookie trays, snack boxes or dessert slices. The almond joy cookies version gives you a chewy texture and cookie format, while the bar version offers a richer square that holds up on a plate.

Because the recipe skips wheat flour, uses alternative sweeteners and focuses on whole-food ingredients, these treats are naturally gluten-free, and ready for vegan or keto routines (with the right dark chocolate). Whether you’re baking for a gathering, meal-prepping for treats or simply craving an upgraded sweet, this almond joy cookies/bars recipe hits the spot.

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Homemade Almond Joy Cookies

Recipe Details

Yield: 9 bars
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Almond Joy Ingredients

For the coconut base:

• ½ cup coconut butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups coconut chips
• 3 tablespoons sugar replacement, plus more if needed
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 9 roasted almonds

For the chocolate coating:

• 2 (4-ounce) dark chocolate bars, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

How to Make Almond Joy Cookies

1. Make the coconut base: Add all ingredients except almonds to a food processor and pulse until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Scoop 2 teaspoons of the coconut mixture next to each other onto prepared tray; form into a 2-inch log. Repeat with remaining mixture, until you have 9 logs. (If mixture it too loose, freeze sheet tray for a few minutes to cool; remove and reshape as needed.)
3. Place 1 almond on top of each log, then refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes.
4. Make the chocolate coating: While the bars chill, warm chocolate and coconut oil in a small saucepan on low heat; stir until melted.
5. Remove tray from refrigerator and spoon chocolate over each log to cover the tops. Refrigerate until chocolate has hardened, about 10 minutes.
6. Gently remove bars from the tray and dip bottoms into remaining chocolate; place on the tray top-side down; refrigerate until hardened, about 10 minutes. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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Almond Joy Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per bar (recipe yields 9 bars). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 bar
Calories	≈ 320 kcal
Protein	≈ 4 g
Carbs	≈ 15 g
Sugar	≈ 1 g
Fiber	≈ 4 g
Fat	≈ 30 g

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Almond Joy Variations & Tips

• Cookie version: Shape the mixture into rounded cookie mounds (~2 Tbsp), press an almond on top, bake at 325 °F for 8-10 minutes just to brown the edges for almond joy cookies with a crisp exterior and chewy center.
• Bar version: Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8×8 inch pan, top with whole almonds pressed in rows, chill until set, then slice into bars and dip the bottoms in melted dark chocolate for a classic look (as in the original recipe). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Nut swap or addition: Use pecans or hazelnuts instead of almonds, or mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch if dietary needs allow.
• Sweetener adjust: Use monk-fruit or erythritol in place of the sugar alternative if you want lower net carbs; taste and adjust texture as needed.
• Chocolate coating tip: Use a high-quality dark chocolate (85%+ cocoa) that’s dairy-free to preserve the vegan/keto status; melt gently with a tablespoon of coconut oil for smooth coating.

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Best Almond Joy Pairings

• Nut-milk cappuccino or almond-milk latte: The nut and chocolate flavors in the almond joys pair beautifully with a creamy nut-milk coffee.
• Fresh berries or sliced fruit: A light fruit side balances the rich sweetness of the almond joy cookies or bars.
• Dark chocolate squares (70%+ cocoa): Serve alongside for chocolate-lover variety and to echo the coating on the almond joys.
• Unsweetened coconut-yogurt cups: A small scoop of coconut yogurt adds creamy texture and echoes the coconut base of the treats.
• Herbal tea (mint or cinnamon): A warm cup of tea complements the almond and coconut flavors without adding heaviness.

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When to Make Almond Joy Cookies

• Holiday cookie trays or dessert tables: Almond joy cookies or bars make a standout addition when you want gluten-free and vegan options.
• After-dinner sweet bites: Serve as dessert squares or cookies with coffee or tea for a nutrient-rich, thoughtfully sweet finish.
• Snack boxes or lunchbox treats: Pack a couple of almond joy bars for a portable, satisfying snack on-the-go.
• Gifting homemade treats: Wrap a batch of cookies or bars in parchment and ribbon for a clean-eating gift option.
• Clean-eating dessert nights: When you’re on a vegan, gluten-free or keto path but don’t want to sacrifice flavor—these almond joy treats fit right in.

Recipe by Megan Mitchell