Name: Almond Joy Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 14 oz shredded sweetened coconut; 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for optional topping); 3/4 cup chopped almonds (toast for extra flavor); 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

I’ve been making these Almond Joy Cookies for years when I want a fast, no-fuss treat that still feels indulgent. Chewy coconut, melty chocolate, and crunchy almonds all come together in a handful of minutes—perfect for last-minute guests, bake sales, or a simple after-school snack.

Why you’ll love this dish

These cookies hit the jackpot: four pantry staples, no eggs or flour, and a texture that’s chewy on the inside with just enough golden edge. They’re ideal when you want dessert without turning on every oven rack, and they’re easy for kids to help assemble. Make them for holiday cookie swaps, quick hostess gifts, or when you want a nostalgic Almond Joy flavor in cookie form.

"My family declared these the best no-bake-ish cookies—chewy, chocolatey, and impossibly simple." — a satisfied baker

If you like other easy, crowd-pleasing cookies, you might also enjoy this take on 3-ingredient sugar cookies for a different, simple treat.

Step-by-step overview

Before you dive in, here’s what to expect: you’ll mix shredded coconut, chocolate chips, toasted or raw almonds, and sweetened condensed milk into a sticky dough, portion it into small mounds, and bake briefly until the edges are lightly browned. No chill time, no mixer—just combine, scoop, and bake. Total hands-on time is about 10 minutes and bake time is 12 minutes.

For an easy contrast in texture, toast the almonds and coconut briefly before mixing. If you want other quick cookie ideas to rotate in your baking routine, check this brown sugar pop tart cookie recipe for inspiration.

What you’ll need

14 oz bag shredded sweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for optional topping)
3/4 cup chopped almonds (toast for extra flavor)
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

Notes/substitutions:

Use unsweetened coconut and a little extra condensed milk if you prefer less sweetness.
Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a deeper chocolate note.
Replace almonds with pecans or walnuts if desired, or omit for a nut-free version (see Variations).

Directions to follow

Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape each mound into a round cookie about 1½ inches across, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Press an extra chocolate chip on top of each cookie if you like.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Watch carefully in the final minute to avoid overbrowning.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–4 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a classic pairing. For gatherings, arrange them on a platter paired with dark chocolate squares and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. Crumble a cookie over vanilla ice cream for an instant Almond Joy sundae.

Storage and reheating tips

Room temperature: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: Store up to 2 weeks in the fridge, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best chew.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; store up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in a 275°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Food safety: Because these cookies contain sweetened condensed milk that’s been baked, they’re safe to store as described. Always discard if you see mold or an off smell.

Helpful cooking tips

Toast the almonds and coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant—this adds a deeper, nutty flavor.
Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing so cookies bake evenly.
If the mixture feels too loose (rare), chill briefly for 10–15 minutes to firm up before scooping.
For fewer crumbs and neater cookies, line the baking sheet with silicone or parchment and avoid overcrowding.
For an alternative seasonal cookie idea, try the texture swap in this chocolate chip gluten-free pumpkin cookies recipe.

Creative twists

Double chocolate: Fold in extra chocolate chips and sprinkle cocoa powder on top before baking.
Nut-free: Omit almonds and add sunflower seeds or extra coconut for crunch.
Coconut-forward: Use toasted coconut flakes instead of shredded for larger coconut bites.
Mini cookies: Make tiny 1-inch cookies to yield bite-size treats perfect for platters.
Drizzle finish: Melt extra chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a polished look.

Your questions answered

Q: How long do these cookies take to make from start to finish?
A: Active prep is about 8–12 minutes. With a 12-minute bake and a few minutes cooling, expect roughly 25–30 minutes total.

Q: Can I make these without sweetened condensed milk?
A: Sweetened condensed milk is the binder and sweetener here. A close substitute is a mixture of heavy cream reduced with sugar—however, it changes the texture and requires cooking down, so it’s simplest to use the canned product.

Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes—none of the listed ingredients contain gluten. Always check labels (especially chocolate chips) if you need certified gluten-free ingredients.

Q: Will they spread a lot in the oven?
A: Minimal spread. The coconut and condensed milk hold structure well, so sticking to the recommended scoop size keeps results consistent.

Conclusion

These Almond Joy Cookies are a reliable, fast way to satisfy a coconut-chocolate craving with minimal effort. If you want another straightforward four-ingredient version, see how other home bakers simplify this treat at Almond Joy Cookies – Just 4 Ingredients! – Mom On Timeout. For a small-batch variation and extra tips, check the recipe notes at Almond Joy Cookies Recipe.