California Coconut Almond Delight Bites
Indulge in a burst of tropical flavors with these Coconut Almond Delight Bites. Perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth, these easier-than-ever cookie balls are a fusion of rich, unsweetened chocolate and creamy, sweetened flaked coconut, bringing together the iconic taste of the Almond Joy candy bar in a freshly made treat. Each bite features a whole blanched almond nestled on top, enhancing the delightful combination of soft coconut and chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have one!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsweetened chocolate squares
2 ounces (chopped)
sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
sweetened flaked coconut
3 cups (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
whole blanched almonds
36 (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
3
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsweetened chocolate squares and the sweetened condensed milk. Heat in the microwave, stirring every minute until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened flaked coconut with the melted chocolate mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly until all coconut is evenly coated.
5
Using a teaspoon, scoop out portions of the coconut-chocolate mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
6
Top each cookie ball with a whole blanched almond, pressing down gently to secure it in place.
7
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark to avoid burning the bottoms. If they appear doughy but the bottoms are becoming firm, consider double panning.
8
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are California Coconut Almond Delight Bites?
They are easy-to-make cookie balls that combine chocolate, coconut, and a whole almond to create a treat similar to an Almond Joy candy bar.
What are the main ingredients required?
The recipe requires unsweetened chocolate squares, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened flaked coconut, vanilla extract, and whole blanched almonds.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent the cookie balls from sticking.
How do I melt the chocolate for this recipe?
Combine the chopped chocolate squares and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat and stir every minute until smooth.
What type of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate squares.
Can I use any type of coconut?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sweetened flaked coconut to achieve the correct flavor and texture.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
You should add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the coconut and chocolate mixture.
How many almonds do I need for a full batch?
You will need 36 whole blanched almonds, one for each cookie ball.
What is the total baking time?
The bites should bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven.
Why should I check the cookies at the 8-minute mark?
Checking early helps prevent the bottoms of the cookies from burning while the centers are still setting.
What should I do if the bottoms are firm but the tops are doughy?
Consider double panning the cookies by placing the baking sheet on top of another baking sheet to insulate the bottoms.
How long should the cookies cool on the sheet?
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for exactly 1 minute before moving them.
Where should the cookies go after their initial cooling?
Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to allow them to cool completely.
Are these treats similar to a specific candy?
Yes, they are designed to taste like the iconic Almond Joy candy bar.
How do I add the almond to the bite?
Place a whole blanched almond on top of each scooped cookie ball and press down gently to secure it.
What is the best way to portion the mixture?
Use a teaspoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and drop them onto the baking sheet.
How far apart should the bites be spaced?
The cookie balls should be spaced about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
What provides the tropical flavor in this recipe?
The combination of sweetened flaked coconut and vanilla extract creates the tropical taste profile.
Is the chocolate preparation specific?
Yes, the 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate should be chopped before being melted with the condensed milk.
How many ounces of condensed milk are used?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
Should I use blanched or unblanched almonds?
The recipe specifies whole blanched almonds for the best visual and flavor result.
How should the coconut be mixed in?
In a large bowl, mix the coconut with the melted chocolate mixture until all coconut is evenly coated.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They feature a soft coconut and chocolate center with a slight crunch from the almond on top.
Are these good for hosting?
Yes, these bite-sized treats are excellent for gatherings, parties, or as a homemade dessert.
Is the chocolate mixture supposed to be smooth?
Yes, stir the chocolate and milk mixture until it is completely melted and smooth before adding the coconut.
Can I bake these on a regular cookie sheet?
Yes, but using parchment paper and greasing the sheet is essential to prevent sticking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: chocolate, condensed milk, coconut, vanilla, and almonds.
Can I use almond extract instead?
While the recipe calls for vanilla, almond extract could be used for a more intense nut flavor.
What is the primary flavor of these bites?
The primary flavors are rich chocolate and sweet, creamy coconut complemented by almond.