Christmas Joy Cookies

by EatingWell

Christmas Joy Cookies Recipe

These Christmas Joy Cookies are everything their name promises—cheerful, festive, and absolutely irresistible. With a soft, buttery base and a delicious blend of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and holiday sprinkles, these cookies are a joyful addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you're baking for a cookie exchange, holiday gifting, or a cozy night by the fire, this easy and crowd-pleasing recipe delivers sweet seasonal magic in every bite.

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

Bring a little extra magic to your holiday baking with these festive Christmas Joy Cookies. Soft, buttery, and studded with chocolate chips, sweetened coconut, and optional holiday sprinkles, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or cozy nights by the tree. Easy to make and bursting with seasonal cheer, they're sure to become a new holiday tradition in your kitchen