Christmas Joy Cookies
EatingWell

 

Christmas Joy Cookies

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Joy Cookies, because sometimes you feel like a nut

When Christmas baking season rolls around, it can be a challenge to come up with new ideas. These coconut-chocolate-almond-topped shortbread cookies are reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars.

 

Christmas Joy Cookies Recipe

Makes 4 dozen cookies.

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 3/4 hours

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (see tips)

1/3 cup canola oil

1 large egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup whole-wheat flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons melted semisweet chocolate chips (see tips)

3 tablespoons toasted coconut (see tips)

48 sliced almonds

Recipe Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a 15-by-10-inch baking sheet with 1-inch sides with cooking spray.

Beat sugar, butter, oil, egg, milk and almond extract in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder and salt until well blended. (It will be a soft dough.) Spread the dough into the prepared baking pan in a thin layer.

Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut into 48 bars.

Decorate each bar with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of toasted coconut and an almond slice.

To Make Ahead: Store airtight, in a single layer, for up to 1 day or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before decorating.

Recipe tips: To soften butter, let stand at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Or cut into small pieces and let stand for about 15 minutes. (Do not soften in a microwave -- the uneven heat may melt the butter in spots.)

To melt chocolate, microwave on Medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving on Medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted. Or place chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir until melted.

Toast coconut in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, until golden, about 5 minutes.

Recipe Nutrition:

Per bar: 53 calories; 3 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbohydrate; 3 g added sugars; 1 g protein; 0 g fiber; 32 mg sodium; 16 mg potassium

1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1 fat

Christmas Cookie Recipe, American Cuisine

 

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Christmas Joy Cookies

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