Almond Joy Pudding Cookies

If you’re a fan of the classic Almond Joy candy bar, then get ready to fall in love with these Almond Joy Pudding Cookies. They’re a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and crunchy almonds, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. With the addition of instant coconut cream pudding mix, these cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth or sharing with friends, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These Almond Joy Pudding Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun dessert to bring to a potluck, or just want to indulge yourself, these cookies deliver on flavor and texture. The pudding mix ensures they stay soft and moist, while the chunks of mini Almond Joy bars add a delightful surprise in every bite. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps, making them an easy go-to recipe that you’ll want to keep on hand.

Ingredient Rundown

To create these dreamy Almond Joy Pudding Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened – This is the base of your cookie dough, providing richness and moisture.
• 1 cup (150g) packed brown sugar – For a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (50g) granulated sugar – This adds a little extra sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• 13.4 oz package instant coconut cream pudding mix – This is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies soft and adds a wonderful coconut flavor.
• 2 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a warm, comforting flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and gives them a chewy texture.
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies.
• 18 mini Almond Joy candy bars, chopped – The star of the show, adding flavor and texture.

Tools of the Trade

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients efficiently.
• Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to great cookies.
• Baking sheets – To spread out your cookies for baking.
• Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
• Spatula – For mixing and transferring your cookie dough.

From Start to Finish: Almond Joy Pudding Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a nice texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut cream pudding mix, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Almond Joy Bars

Gently fold in the chopped mini Almond Joy candy bars, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious Almond Joy Pudding Cookies warm or at room temperature!

Make It Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to tweak this recipe to fit different dietary needs, here are some options:

• Butter substitute: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Reduced sugar: You can decrease the sugar by using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
• Nut-free option: Omit the Almond Joy bars and replace them with a nut-free candy alternative or add more chocolate chips.

Notes on Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a vital role in the success of your Almond Joy Pudding Cookies:

• Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Using packed brown sugar gives a richer flavor and moisture to your cookies.
• Instant pudding mix is essential; do not use cook-and-serve pudding, as it won’t provide the same texture.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chopped candy bars according to your preference for a more or less intense flavor.

Storage & Reheat Guide

To keep your Almond Joy Pudding Cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until just warm.

Reader Q&A

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of coconut cream pudding mix?

While you can use regular pudding mix, the unique coconut flavor will be missing. The coconut cream pudding is what gives these cookies their distinct taste.

What if I don’t have mini Almond Joy bars?

If you can’t find mini Almond Joy bars, feel free to substitute with another chocolate-coconut candy bar, like Mounds, or use chocolate chips for a simpler version.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Cook This Next

If you love these Almond Joy Pudding Cookies, you might also want to try your hand at these delicious treats:

• Chocolate Mousse Cups – A light and airy dessert that’s sure to impress.
• Nutella Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies – Indulge in the gooey goodness of Nutella in every bite.
• Milky Way Cheesecake Brownies – A decadent twist on traditional brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer.

Before You Go

Baking these Almond Joy Pudding Cookies is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating something special that you can share with family and friends. With their rich flavors and chewy texture, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful cookies. You won’t regret it!