Almond Joy Cookies

These cookies put a little spin on your traditional chocolate chip variety -- taking flavors from an Almond Joy.  If you love coconut as much as I do, you will love these.  The moisture from the shredded coconut creates a soft and chewy texture.  I'm already thinking of other chocolate chip "candy bar" cookies that I can make -- next up, I think a Snicker's cookie is in order.

Almond Joy Cookies
Source:  Sweet Pea's Kitchen
Yields:  approximately 42 cookies

Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups shredded coconut
2 cups chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups lightly salted, dry roasted almonds, finely chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Fold in the coconut, chocolate chips and almonds and stir until just incorporated.

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until set.