January 27, 2025

small batch almond joy cookies

Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies

Imagine you’ve had a long day, and all you want is a sweet treat without the guilt of overindulging. Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies offer a perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert in moderation. With just three cookies per batch, you can satisfy your cravings without leftovers tempting you later. Curious about how to make these delightful cookies and customize them to fit your dietary needs? Let’s explore the recipe together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try these Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies, you’ll quickly see why they’re a favorite. They’re convenient, making it easy to whip up a small batch without worrying about leftover cookies tempting you for days.

This recipe allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth while promoting healthier eating habits. Plus, the simple instructions and minimal ingredients mean you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. The recipe yields just three cookies to avoid excess, making it perfect for a quick treat.

You can customize the cookies to fit your dietary needs, choosing gluten-free or vegan options if required. The chewy texture, combined with crunchy almonds and rich chocolate, delivers a delightful flavor experience.

With quick baking times, these cookies are perfect for last-minute snacks or desserts, ensuring you’ll always have a tasty treat on hand.

History

Almond Joy cookies have a rich history that dates back to the founding of the Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company in 1919 by six Armenian immigrants.

In 1929, they acquired the Mounds bar candy line, which became popular during World War II, supplying 80% of its production to military rations.

In 1946, Almond Joy was introduced as a replacement for the Dreams Bar, with initial production occurring in Naugatuck, Connecticut. The original Peter Paul plant was instrumental in the early success of Almond Joy before its closure and subsequent production move to Virginia.

Over the years, the company merged with Cadbury-Schweppes in 1978, and Hershey’s acquired the U.S. rights in 1988.

Almond Joy’s marketing, including its famous jingle from the 1970s, helped establish it as a recognizable brand, maintaining its popularity through various product variations and innovative marketing strategies.

Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup roasted and salted almonds, chopped
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional)
1/4 tsp baking soda (if using flour)
1/4 tsp salt (if using flour)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt if you’re using flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Notably, sweetened shredded coconut is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this will help create a light and airy texture.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate types or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.

These cookies store well in an airtight container, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!

Final Thoughts

Making small batch Almond Joy cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you consider the balance of flavors and textures involved. These cookies combine sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate, creating a treat that satisfies your cravings. With about 270 calories per cookie, it’s easy to manage portions when you make only a few at a time. Additionally, the high calorie density of these cookies makes it important to enjoy them in moderation. You can also adapt the recipe for dietary needs by using gluten-free flours or sugar substitutes. Remember to store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. Overall, these cookies offer a quick, customizable way to enjoy a favorite flavor while controlling what goes into your treats.

FAQ

Have questions about small batch Almond Joy cookies? You’re not alone! Many people wonder about recipe variations.

You can use ingredients like sweetened shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds, often mixed with sweetened condensed milk for a delicious treat. Additionally, the recipe yields approximately 3 to 4 dozen cookies, allowing you to share or keep them all for yourself.

Batch sizes can vary, with some recipes making as few as three cookies and others making up to 24. Baking times typically range from 10-12 minutes, depending on your oven.

If you’re looking for dietary options, gluten-free and vegan alternatives are available. To avoid dry cookies, don’t over-measure flour. For sticky dough, add a bit of milk or water.

Finally, store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh!