Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Minimal Ingredients: Just four pantry staples.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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No Flour Needed: Gluten-free option for many diets.
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Chewy and Crunchy: Coconut and almonds create delightful texture.
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Candy Bar Flavor: Tastes just like Almond Joy candy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
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1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
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1 cup whole almonds (toasted or raw)
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1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well mixed.
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Add Almonds and Chocolate Chips: Fold in whole almonds and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden and cookies are set.
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Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: About 24 cookies
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Variations
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Nut Substitute: Use chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts instead of almonds.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk.
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Chocolate Variation: Use white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
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Add Flavors: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract.
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Crunchier Cookies: Toast coconut and almonds before mixing.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature.
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Reheating: Serve at room temperature; reheating not necessary.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but cookies will be less sweet; adjust condensed milk if desired.
Can I chop the almonds?
Yes, chopped almonds can be used for smaller nut pieces.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free with no flour added.
Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely, dark chocolate pairs well with coconut and almonds.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Use a thick coconut mixture and avoid flattening dough before baking.
Can I add dried fruit?
Yes, add chopped dried cherries or cranberries for extra flavor.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
They are chewy with a bit of crunch from the almonds.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all ingredients.
Can I use sweetened condensed milk substitutes?
Dairy-free condensed milk alternatives can be used.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature.
Conclusion
4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies are a quick, easy, and delicious treat that captures the essence of the beloved candy bar in cookie form. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these cookies are perfect for quick baking, gift-giving, or anytime indulgenc

4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies are an easy, no-fuss treat inspired by the classic candy bar. Made with shredded coconut, almonds, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk, these chewy, flavorful cookies deliver rich texture and sweetness with minimal effort—perfect for quick baking and satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
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3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
-
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
-
1 cup whole almonds (toasted or raw)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk; stir until well mixed.
-
Add Almonds and Chocolate Chips: Fold in whole almonds and chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture.
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Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden and cookies are set.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For smaller nut pieces, chop the almonds before mixing.Toast almonds and coconut beforehand for a crunchier texture and deeper flavor.Add 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor complexity.Use dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.