Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Texture – The combination of crisp edges and tender centers makes each bite a delightful experience.
Nutty and Sweet – Hazelnuts and oats bring a comforting nuttiness, balanced by the sweetness of the creamy vanilla filling.
Elegant and Simple – These cookies have a homemade, bakery-style elegance, perfect for any occasion.
Customizable – You can add a dash of cinnamon or replace the hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different twist.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

150g (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup icing (powdered) sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hazelnut meal (ground hazelnuts)
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup rolled oats

For the Filling:

75g (⅔ stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup icing (powdered) sugar
2 tsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Tray

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract. Then, add the hazelnut meal, flour, and oats to the bowl. Combine everything to form a soft dough.

Step 3: Shape and Flatten the Cookies

Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 2 teaspoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared tray, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Flatten the Balls: Use a fork lightly dipped in flour to gently flatten each ball slightly and create a light imprint on the tops of the cookies.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the cookies are pale golden. Let them cool completely on the tray before filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Make the Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the YoYos

Sandwich the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a dollop of the filling on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press gently to secure the filling.

Servings and Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 16 sandwich cookies

Variations

Different Nuts: If you don’t have hazelnut meal, try using almond meal or finely chopped walnuts for a different flavor.
Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for extra warmth.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the finished YoYos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: For a firmer filling, refrigerate the assembled YoYos for an hour before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll it into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store them in a ziplock bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the YoYos.

3. Can I use a different sweetener in place of powdered sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this may change the texture of the filling.

4. What can I serve these with?

These cookies are delicious on their own or served with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. You could also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

Conclusion

The Oat Hazelnut YoYos are the perfect blend of nutty and sweet, with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a creamy filling. Whether you’re baking them for tea-time, gifting them to a friend, or simply treating yourself, these delightful cookies are sure to become a favorite. Their elegance and flavor make them perfect for any occasion!