Gluten-Free Almond Joy Cookies

$- 1 cup almond flour - 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free option) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 cup chopped almonds Yes, you can make changes for different diets. Here are some easy swaps: - Dairy-free alternatives: Use dairy-free chocolate chips. They work well in this recipe. - Nut-free options: Replace almond flour with oat flour or sunflower seed flour. This keeps your cookies nut-free. These substitutions help everyone enjoy these tasty cookies, no matter their diet! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking cookies. While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This helps stop the cookies from sticking. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of almond flour, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients well. Even mixing is key for a good cookie. Next, melt 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Make sure it cools slightly before using. In a separate bowl, whisk this melted oil with 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth and well-blended mixture. Now, slowly pour the wet mix into the dry bowl. Stir gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped almonds. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough. Place these scoops on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each one. This space lets the cookies spread. Gently press down the tops with your fingers to shape them into discs. This helps them bake evenly. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown on the edges. Once done, take them out and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. For serving, arrange them on a wooden platter. A light sprinkle of shredded coconut on top adds a nice touch! To make your cookies chewy, use fresh almond flour. This flour adds moisture and keeps cookies soft. Don't skip the coconut oil; it gives a rich taste and texture. Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or using less if you prefer less sugar. This balance keeps the flavor just right. If your cookies are crumbly, try adding a bit more coconut oil. This will help bind the ingredients. If they spread too much, make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better. You can add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or a splash of almond extract for extra flavor. If you want to change the chocolate, use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for variety. Each type adds a unique twist to your cookies. Pro Tips Use Fresh Almonds: Ensure your chopped almonds are fresh for the best flavor. Stale almonds can dull the taste of your cookies. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as ovens can vary. Baking them until the edges are golden brown ensures a perfect texture. Experiment with Sweeteners: If you want to adjust the sweetness, feel free to try other natural sweeteners like agave syrup or honey (if not strict on being vegan). Chill the Dough: For even better texture, consider chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your cookies easily. Adding nut butters like almond or peanut butter is a great option. It will give your cookies a creamy texture and rich taste. You can also try adding dried fruits or seeds. Chopped dates or cranberries can add a sweet twist. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can give a nice crunch. Feel free to experiment! Make your cookies special for different times of the year. For summer, add coconut flakes to give a tropical vibe. In fall, try mixing in some pumpkin spice. You can also swap ingredients based on the season. Fresh berries in the summer or chopped apples in the fall can bring fresh flavors. Themed variations make baking fun! You might want to change the nutrition of your cookies. Lowering sugar is easy. You can use less maple syrup or switch to a sugar substitute. If you want more protein, adding protein powder works well. A scoop of protein powder will not change the taste much. You can also add fiber by including ground flaxseed or chia seeds. These small changes can make your cookies healthier! To keep your cookies fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store your cookies at room temperature away from sunlight. This helps maintain their taste and texture. If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge. Just remember to seal them tightly to avoid moisture. To freeze your cookies, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method keeps cookies fresh for up to three months. These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they last for up to two weeks. Watch for signs of spoilage. If they become hard or dry, it’s time to toss them. Fresh cookies should be soft and chewy, so enjoy them while they last! Yes, you can make these cookies vegan easily. Replace the chocolate chips with dairy-free ones. Use maple syrup to sweeten. Instead of eggs, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water. It will bind the ingredients well. You can tell when your cookies are done by looking at the edges. They should turn a nice golden brown. Gently press the tops with your fingers. If they feel firm, they are ready to come out. If you have nut allergies, you can use oat flour or rice flour. Both options work well in this recipe. You can also mix in some gluten-free all-purpose flour for a different texture. Chilling the dough is not required, but it helps with texture. Chilled dough makes the cookies thicker and less likely to spread. If you skip this step, your cookies may be thinner. Yes, you can store the dough in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to three days. Just scoop and bake when you are ready! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Almond Joy Cookies. We discussed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect your cookies. Easy substitutions made this recipe friendly for various diets. Remember, the key lies in mixing well and experimenting with flavors. You can store your cookies or even freeze them for later. Enjoy baking these treats and share them with your friends and family. Happy cookie-making!$

Gluten-Free Almond Joy Cookies

Delicious gluten-free cookies inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar, featuring almond flour, coconut, and chocolate.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
0.5 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
0.5 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if preferred)
0.25 cup pure maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
0.25 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, shredded coconut, and fine sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and well-blended mixture.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is fully incorporated and a cohesive dough forms.
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and chopped almonds, ensuring an even distribution throughout the cookie dough for optimal flavor in every bite.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space (about 2 inches) between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Gently press down on the tops of the cookies with your fingers to shape them into a disc, giving them a pleasing appearance and helping them bake evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies warm on a rustic wooden platter, and add a light garnish of shredded coconut on top to enhance the beachy vibe. For an extra touch, consider placing a few whole almonds beside them for a delightful visual presentation!

Keyword almond, chocolate, coconut, cookies, gluten-free