by EatingWell

Christmas Joy Cookies Recipe
Christmas Joy Cookies

Christmas 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 Christmas Joy cookies are reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars.

Christmas Joy Cookies Recipe

    Prep Time: 30 minutes

    Cook time: 20 minutes

    Yield: Makes 4 dozen cookies

Christmas Joy Cookies Recipe Ingredients

    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

Christmas Joy Cookies 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.

Christmas Joy Cookies 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.

Christmas Joy Cookies 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

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Christmas Joy Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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