Name: Almond Joy Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon salt 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut 1 cup whole almonds; 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

These Almond Joy Cookie Bars are a dream come true for coconut lovers. Imagine the chewy sweetness of coconut flakes mingling with luscious layers of gooey chocolate and the satisfying crunch of almonds—all nestled on a soft, buttery cookie base. Every bite is reminiscent of the iconic candy bar but with the cozy comfort of a homemade dessert.

Whether you need an impressive treat for a bake sale, a crowd-pleasing party tray, or just a sweet escape on a quiet evening, these bars deliver. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and freezer-friendly. You’ll love how they combine familiar flavors in a rich and chewy cookie bar format.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the go-to choice for this recipe—they balance the sweetness of the coconut without overpowering it. However, you can also experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for extra indulgence. Want a fancier twist? Try layering different types of chocolate chips!

Butter: Forms the base for the cookie crust, adding rich flavor and tenderness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and enhances the golden color.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookie base.
Salt: A small amount brings balance to the sweetness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creaminess and binds the layers together.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: The star of the show for that classic Almond Joy flavor.
Whole Almonds: Provide texture and that nutty contrast.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty, chocolatey richness in every bite.

Step 1: Create the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut until fully combined. Spread this mixture over the baked crust.

Step 3: Add Almonds and Chocolate

Evenly distribute whole almonds across the top of the coconut layer. Sprinkle generously with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 4: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Serve these bars at room temperature for the best texture—chewy, crunchy, and melty all at once. If you’re hosting, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of extra coconut for flair.

For storing, place bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They keep well at room temp for up to 4 days, refrigerated for a week, and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Coffee or Espresso

The rich notes of coffee complement the coconut and chocolate beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Add a scoop on the side for a decadent dessert experience.

Hot Chocolate

Perfect for winter months—this combo is sweet, cozy, and comforting.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Almond Milk Latte

Stay on theme and double down on that almond flavor.

Whipped Cream Topping

Top your bars with a swirl of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Fruit Salad

A light, citrusy salad offsets the richness perfectly.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle some over the top for an elevated presentation and flavor.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these chewy, chocolatey bars, explore more creative sweets:

Twix Cookie Cups for a bite-sized take on the candy bar.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes for seasonal flavor with a caffeine kick.
Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake for elegant celebrations.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you crave fruit and chocolate together.
The Irresistible Charm of Mackinac Island Fudge when you’re in the mood for a rich nostalgic treat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use dark chocolate or stay classic? Try any tweaks? I’m always excited to hear your take!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Almond Joy Cookie Bars

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re a fan of the classic Almond Joy candy, you’re in for a real treat. These Almond Joy Cookie Bars layer everything you love—chewy sweet coconut, melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy whole almonds—on top of a soft, buttery cookie crust. This easy recipe is a must-try for coconut lovers, a go-to for bake sales, and a favorite for dessert trays. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, easy snack idea, or crowd-pleasing cookie bar recipe, this one delivers rich flavor and cozy texture every time.