Ready in: 2 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 16 · Technique: No-Bake · Storage: Refrigerate for up to a week.
Quick Answer
These Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars combine the classic flavors of the beloved candy bar into a delightful no-bake treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings.
As the crisp autumn air settles in New York City and the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg waft from nearby cafés, my cravings for something sweet kick into high gear. With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, I find myself gathering in my cozy kitchen, dreaming up desserts that are not just delicious but also festive. That's how I first stumbled upon these delightful Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars. They evoke the classic flavors of the beloved candy bar, transforming them into a no-bake dessert that promises to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious no-bake dessert that's quick and easy to prepare.
- Combines the classic flavors of Almond Joy candy bars for a festive treat.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a sweet gift.
- Customizable ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- Can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars.
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 cup (240 ml) almond butter
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) oat flour
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (75 g) shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup (70 g) chopped almonds
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
How to Make Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars, a delightful treat that requires no baking at all.
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix together until velvety and smooth, letting the rich aroma fill your kitchen. Gradually add in the oat flour while stirring until everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Fold in the Goodies
With a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds. You'll be greeted with a delightful texture that feels both soft and chunky-a true treat for the senses.
Step 3: Press into the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring each corner is filled. Use a spatula or your clean hands to make it level and compact.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is silky smooth and glossy. The smell of melting chocolate is simply intoxicating!
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly. As you do this, let the aroma of sweet chocolate and nutty almond waft through the air, igniting those festive feelings.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has set and the bars are firm.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into squares. The satisfying crunch of the chocolate and the soft dough underneath create a heavenly bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unsweetened almond butter, which can result in a dry and less flavorful cookie dough.
- Not pressing firmly enough; if you don't compact the dough mixture sufficiently, it may crumble when you cut it.
- Skipping the cooling step; this will lead to less cohesive bars and potential melty chocolate toppings.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a vegan twist, choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Experiment with different nuts or nut butters based on your preferences; cashew butter or peanut butter can work beautifully too!
- These bars make wonderful gifts; package them in a festive tin with a pretty ribbon!
Variations
- Substitute almond butter with cashew butter or peanut butter for different flavor profiles.
- Use different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, for the topping.
- Add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a chewy texture.
How to Serve
- Slice into squares and serve as a delightful dessert after a meal.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Serve at holiday gatherings or parties for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and chocolate topping in advance, and assemble a day before serving.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: No need to reheat; these bars are best served cold.
- Freezing: Freeze for longer storage; ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing these bars reminded me of the joy of creating no-bake desserts, especially as the holiday season approaches. The process was not only easy but also satisfying-with each chop, stir, and press, I could envision myself sharing these delightful treats with friends and family during our holiday celebrations.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 16 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~200 calories · 4g protein · 20g carbs · 12g fat
Recipe by:
Irresistible Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix together until velvety and smooth.
- With a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds.
- Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is silky smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has set and the bars are firm.
- Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into squares.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter with other nut butters like cashew butter or peanut butter for a different flavor.
How long do the Almond Joy Cookie Dough Bars last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen.
Do I need to bake these bars?
No, this recipe is a no-bake dessert. After preparing the layers, simply refrigerate until set.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Just use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan.
What happens if I skip the chilling step?
Skipping the chilling process can lead to less cohesive bars, and the chocolate topping may not set properly, making the bars difficult to cut.
