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    Home » Recipes » Cookies and Bars

    Gluten Free Almond Joy Cookie Bars {Dairy-Free Too!}

    Published: Nov 8, 2016 · Modified: Jan 22, 2021 by Sandi Gaertner · 27 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    a pinterest collage pin of the almond joy bars photo

    If you love Almond Joy candy bars, my new gluten free almond joy cookies recipe will become your favorite. It is also dairy-free so anyone can enjoy them!

    Moist chewy coconut on top of a chocolate cookie or brownie...one bite and you will be hooked! Browse dozens of delicious gluten free cookie recipes on the blog and enjoy!

    a stack of three almond joy bars on a wooden cutting board
    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe is so great:
    • What you need to make these:
    • Recipe step by step directions:
    • Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
    • More Delicious Gluten Free Cookies:
    • Recipe
    • Community

    (*This post is sponsored by Immaculate Baking Company, but all delicious sweet opinions are my own.)

    You are in for a treat with these chocolaty gluten free chocolate almond joy cookie bars.

    They are not only are these almond joy cookies gluten free, but they are also dairy-free. The hero of this dessert is the Immaculate Baking Double Chocolate Cookie Mix. This gluten free cookie mix is easy to use, it mixes up super fast, and it can be used by itself for cookies, or as a part of a fabulous dessert recipe!

    *Note that not all Immaculate Baking Mixes are gluten free. The good news is the mixes that are gluten free are made in a dedicated gluten free facility, so you can be assured these baking mixes are both safe and delicious!

    Can you believe this delicious almond joy flavored dessert is also dairy-free? I was lucky enough to find coconut condensed milk in my local market. Almond joy cookies sweetened by condensed milk give that gooey coconut texture you love in the candy bar!

    Why this recipe is so great:

    The number one reason I think you will love this recipe? These delicious almond joy cookies bars are full of chocolate coconut flavors, just like the candy bar. You can make these regular or dairy-free, and make them on a cookie or a brownie. You can enjoy them in about 30 minutes!

    If you are dairy-free as well as gluten free, here are two more delicious dairy-free recipes to try. Gluten Free Banana Bars and Gluten Free Chocolate Orange Donuts.

    What you need to make these:

    almond joy cookies ingredients
    • Chocolate Cookie or Brownie Baking Mix. You can use my gluten free brownie recipe for a tasty base!
    • Condensed coconut milk - If you are not dairy-free, you can use regular condensed milk.
    • Shredded coconut - You will want to use unsweetened coconut because these cookie bars are already pretty sweet from the condensed milk.
    • Slivered toasted almonds - Raw almond slivers are also okay as they will toast while baking.

    Are you ready to give this recipe a try? Gather your ingredients.

    Recipe step by step directions:

    Whisking dry ingredients

    Step 1: Add the cookie or brownie mix to a bowl and make the dough according to package directions.

    Step 2: Spread the cookie dough batter into the bottom of a greased 8x8 pan.

    a small pile of shredded coconut on a counter

    Step 3: In a bowl, add the shredded coconut and pour the coconut condensed milk over the top. Use a spoon to mix it. Pour the mixture over the cookie mix and spread it out evenly.

    Step 4: Sprinkle the top with slivered or sliced almonds.

    Step 5: Bake at 350º F for 30 minutes until it is done. The coconut topping should have a slightly golden color and be bubbling. It is VERY hot so do not touch the topping until it is cool.

    Step 6: Let cool completely before slicing!

    An 8x8 baking pan filled with almond joy bars

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:

    Can you use a different cookie mix in this recipe?

    You can use any cookie mix for this recipe. Note that Immaculate Foods also has a yummy gluten free chocolate chip cookies and brownie mixes.

    Can you make this recipe nut-free?

    Although it will change the recipe, you can definitely omit the nuts to make this dessert nut-free

    How do you know when the recipe is done baking?

    This recipe is done baking when the top is golden. Be careful though because the topping is very hot when it comes out of the oven!

    How long will these keep?

    These cookie bars will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

    top view of an almond joy cookie bar on a white plate

    More Delicious Gluten Free Cookies:

    • Gluten Free Chocolate Dipped Macaroons
    • Gluten Free Brookies
    • Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    • Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (a delicious classic!)

    Recipe

    Easy Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Joy Cookie Bars

    Sandi Gaertner
    Gluten free chocolate brownie almond joy bars.
    4.89 from 9 votes
    gluten free allergy icon
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    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 cookie bars
    Calories 414 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Chocolate Baking Mix Make according to directions
    • 1 can condensed coconut milk * see note
    • 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
    • 1 cup slivered toasted almonds

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350º F.
    • Make the cookie mix according to package directions.
    • In a medium sized bowl, add coconut, almond, and condensed milk.
    • Mix well.
    • Spray an 8x8 baking dish with coconut oil.
    • Add cookie dough to the bottom. Spread to cover the whole bottom and press down. Bake 10 minutes.
    • Remove the pan from the oven. Spread the coconut mixture on top.
    • Bake an additional 15 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
    • Slice and enjoy!

    Notes

    1. To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use coconut condensed milk instead of regular.
    2. You can use a dry gluten free chocolate cookie mix and make it, or use refrigerated gluten free cookie dough.
    3. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars If the toothpick comes out clean, it is done baking. If you see batter or crumbs, the bars need to bake longer.
    4. These cookies will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.
    5. Be careful when you take this out of the oven. Allow cooling completely because the coconut topping will be very hot.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 8gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 4gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 88IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 176mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara R

      August 25, 2019 at 2:44 pm

      These are delicious! I had an Aldi Live G Free chocolate baking mix, so I used that. It worked great! How many ounces are in your condensed coconut milk?

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        August 25, 2019 at 8:39 pm

        I am so glad you liked this recipe Sara. The condensed coconut milk is 11.25 ounces.

        Reply
    2. wilhelmina

      February 14, 2019 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      My husband loves almond joy bars, he is going to be in heaven when he comes home to a batch of these bars!

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        February 14, 2019 at 8:14 am

        You are so sweet to make these for him, let me know how he likes them 🙂

        Reply
    3. Jillian Wade

      February 13, 2019 at 6:19 pm

      5 stars
      My GF friend LOVED these and so did my entire family! I will definitely make them again!

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        February 13, 2019 at 9:57 pm

        I am so glad Jillian 🙂

        Reply
    4. Brandy | Nutmeg Nanny

      November 27, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      One of my best friends was just diagnosed as gluten intolerant. I'll be sharing this with her.

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        November 27, 2016 at 8:54 pm

        I hope she likes these Brandy. Please let her know she can drop me a line if she has any questions. Figuring out the next steps after being diagnosed can be pretty confusing. Take care, Sandi

        Reply
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