If you are looking for a charming treat that combines wholesome oats, nutty hazelnuts, and a luscious buttery filling, you have to try this delightful Oat Hazelnut YoYos: Tea-Time Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These sandwich cookies are crisp yet tender, with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea. Perfect for afternoon snacking or thoughtful gifting, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special that feels both homey and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the texture and flavor of these cookies. From the rich hazelnut meal that adds nuttiness to rolled oats delivering a chewy contrast, every component balances perfectly for an inviting bite.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, softened for easy creaming.
- Icing (powdered) sugar: Provides smooth sweetness and a delicate crumb texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a comforting aroma that enhances every bite.
- Hazelnut meal: Finely ground hazelnuts offer that signature nutty flavor and richness.
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the dough without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Rolled oats: Introduces a pleasant chew and heartiness, balancing crispiness with softness.
- Milk (for filling): Helps create a creamy, spreadable texture in the buttery filling.
How to Make Oat Hazelnut YoYos: Tea-Time Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Tray
First things first, preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making removal effortless once golden and ready.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and icing sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the perfect cookie texture, as it incorporates air to give a tender crumb. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that inviting fragrance.
Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in the hazelnut meal, all-purpose flour, and rolled oats gently until a soft dough comes together. The hazelnut meal infuses a deep, nutty character, while the oats add delightful chewiness and a rustic appeal that sets these cookies apart.
Step 4: Forming and Baking the Cookies
Shape the dough into small balls about 2 teaspoons each and arrange them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Using a lightly floured fork, gently flatten each ball and create an attractive imprint that will bake into a charming pattern. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cookies turn a lovely golden color, then transfer them to cool completely.
Step 5: Crafting the Filling
While the cookies cool, whip up the luscious filling by beating together softened butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency that will spread easily yet hold its shape once sandwiched between the cookies.
Step 6: Assembling Your Oat Hazelnut YoYos: Tea-Time Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Finally, spread a generous dollop of the filling on the underside of one cookie, then gently press with another to create the classic sandwich cookie look. This step is where your cookies transform into irresistible Oat Hazelnut YoYos ready to delight anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
How to Serve Oat Hazelnut YoYos: Tea-Time Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the sandwich cookies can elevate their presentation and introduce extra flavor notes that complement the rich filling and nutty cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of black or green tea, balancing sweetness with a refreshing beverage. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit slices or a dollop of whipped cream for a well-rounded tea-time experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, stack the cookies with a thin ribbon tied around the bundle or arrange them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. Personalizing with handwritten tags sharing the recipe name adds a heartfelt touch sure to charm friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Oat Hazelnut YoYos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps them retain their crisp edges and the luscious filling stays creamy and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freezing them is a great option. Place the fully assembled sandwich cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To revive frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the filling unevenly. A gentle warm-up in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for a few minutes can bring back that fresh-baked aroma and softened texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I substitute hazelnut meal with another nut meal?
Absolutely. Almond meal or pecan meal make excellent alternatives and will provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Just be sure the nuts are finely ground for the best texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well to avoid any cross-contamination issues.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but I recommend reducing or skipping any added salt in the recipe if you do. Using unsalted butter allows full control over the saltiness, ensuring the perfect balance.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay fresh for about one week. The filling helps keep them moist, but for best taste, enjoy them within this time frame.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before shaping and baking. Using parchment paper and spacing the cookies adequately on the tray also helps maintain their shape and beautiful imprint pattern.
Final Thoughts
I warmly encourage you to try the Oat Hazelnut YoYos: Tea-Time Sandwich Cookies Recipe because it truly delivers a comforting bite of sweetness that feels like a moment of pure joy. Whether for a quiet afternoon treat or a gift that speaks from the heart, these cookies are sure to become one of your favorites. Happy baking!
