Ingredients
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c. (100 g.) granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp. almond extract
2 c. (240 g.) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. finely chopped roasted almonds
1 c. (60 g.) unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 c. sweetened condensed milk
1 large egg white
Pinch of kosher salt
21 almonds
1 c. milk chocolate (about 6 oz.), melted
Preparation
Step 1In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on medium-high speed, beat butter and granulated sugar until combined and creamy, about 1 minute. Add egg yolks and almond extract and continue to beat until incorporated, about 1 minute.Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add to butter mixture and beat on low speed just until evenly combined. Step 3Scoop out dough using a 1-ounce scoop (#40) and roll (dough will be sticky) into rounds, then roll in almonds to coat. Using your thumb, create a thumbprint in the center of each round.Step 4 Arrange rounds on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and freeze until frozen, at least 20 minutes.Step 5Make Ahead: Dough can be made 2 weeks ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and keep frozen.
Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, combine coconut, milk, egg white, and salt.Step 2Fill each thumb imprint with coconut mixture. Place an almond in the center of coconut filling. Arrange 1" to 2" apart on a parchment-lined sheet tray. Step 3Bake until cookies are lightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes, then drizzle with melted chocolate.
Where do Almond Joys come from?The Armenian immigrant behind the candy bar, Peter Halajian or Peter Paul (he changed his last name to make it easier for people to remember), started his business in Connecticut. At first his daughters helped him sell candy and fruit in public locations like train stations. Then he was finally able to open a brick and mortar in Naugatuck. And as the story goes, his business was named the Peter Paul Manufacturing Company, employing people from his home country and producing candy for the United States Army. In 1948, the Almond Joy bar, once known as The Dreams Bar (coconut and chopped almonds covered in dark chocolate), made its debut. When should I make these cookies?Great cookies don’t need a certain time of year to be made. Make these from January right through December. Package them into little cookie tins, make them for a spring fling, or gift to a friend. How to melt chocolate Melting chocolate is a pretty easy task. Place the chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof metal or glass bowl that fits comfortably in a pot. The water in the pot should not touch the bowl. The steam from the water will melt the chocolate. If you have a microwave, this is even better for efficiency. Place the chocolate in a glass bowl—do not use metal—and heat in 10-second increments until just melted. Can I make the dough and freeze?The butter cookie portion of the dough is supposed to freeze before baking. You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure it’s properly sealed in an airtight container. Once these cookies are baked, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best quality.
