If you are searching for a delightful treat that brings together rustic charm and a sweet, nutty flavor, look no further than the Oat Hazelnut YoYos: A Perfect Biscuit for Tea-Time or Gifting Recipe. These little sandwiches combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and ground hazelnuts with a luscious buttery filling, creating biscuits that are crisp, tender, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re settling down with a warm cup of tea or wrapping up a batch to share with friends, these yo-yos never fail to impress with their comforting taste and delightful texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using everyday pantry staples that come together to form something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the oats add a gentle chew and a rustic feel, the hazelnut meal delivers depth and warmth, and the butter lends richness that melts in your mouth.
- Unsalted butter: Softened, it creates the base for both dough and filling, adding creaminess and richness.
- Icing (powdered) sugar: Provides sweetness and a delicate texture to the biscuits and filling.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that complements the nuttiness perfectly.
- Hazelnut meal (ground hazelnuts): Gives a toasty flavor and luscious texture that’s key to these biscuits’ personality.
- All-purpose flour: The structure builder for the dough ensuring the right balance of crispness.
- Rolled oats: Introduce a subtle chew and rustic charm to the biscuit base.
- Milk: A splash to smooth out the filling and make it luscious.
How to Make Oat Hazelnut YoYos: A Perfect Biscuit for Tea-Time or Gifting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Tray
Start by setting your oven to 320°F (160°C) to get it ready for baking. Lining your baking tray with parchment paper is a simple step that guarantees the biscuits won’t stick, helping keep their perfect shape and easing cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aerates the dough, resulting in buttery, tender biscuits. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the hazelnut meal, flour, and rolled oats. Gently mix until you have a soft, cohesive dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 3: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls about the size of two teaspoons each, then place them spaced apart on your prepared tray to allow spreading. Use a fork dusted with flour to flatten each ball and create gentle imprints—this step not only helps bake the biscuits evenly but adds a charming rustic look.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. The edges should be firm but still tender in the center. After baking, let them cool completely on a wire rack so they hold their shape perfectly when filled.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the biscuits cool, whip up the filling by beating together softened butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what turns simple oat and hazelnut biscuits into an irresistible sandwich treat.
Step 6: Assemble the YoYos
Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of the filling on one biscuit and sandwich it with another. Press gently but firmly to secure the filling without squeezing it out. Now, your Oat Hazelnut YoYos: A Perfect Biscuit for Tea-Time or Gifting Recipe is ready to enjoy or package up for sharing.
How to Serve Oat Hazelnut YoYos: A Perfect Biscuit for Tea-Time or Gifting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the tops lightly with icing sugar or sprinkle with finely chopped hazelnuts. These simple additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle crunchy texture with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these biscuits with a fresh pot of black tea, chai, or even a creamy latte. Their sweet, nutty flavor complements a variety of warm beverages, making teatime feel like a little elegant escape any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, wrap your Oat Hazelnut YoYos in parchment paper tied with twine, or arrange them in a pretty tin with tissue paper lining. They also look stunning when served on a wooden board accompanied by fresh berries and edible flowers—perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your biscuits fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a homemade treat anytime without hassle.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these Oat Hazelnut YoYos freeze beautifully. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them gently at room temperature for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, briefly toast or microwave the yo-yos for about 10 seconds. This brings the filling softness back to life and revives the buttery aroma that makes them so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Almond meal or pecan meal makes a lovely alternative, offering a similar texture and complementary flavor profile. Just keep in mind that hazelnuts have a unique sweetness that is signature to this recipe.
Is it necessary to soften the butter beforehand?
Yes, softened butter is key to achieving the right texture for both the dough and filling. It blends smoothly with sugar, resulting in tender biscuits and creamy filling.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
With a few tweaks, yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that suits baking. Be sure to check your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How long do Oat Hazelnut YoYos keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these biscuits stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
What texture should I expect from these biscuits?
Expect a delightful contrast between slightly crisp edges and a tender, chewy center with a buttery, smooth filling that ties all the flavors together.
Final Thoughts
These Oat Hazelnut YoYos: A Perfect Biscuit for Tea-Time or Gifting Recipe have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and I’m sure they will find a special place in yours too. With their humble ingredients and simple steps, they deliver a truly comforting, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Try baking a batch, and watch how these biscuits brighten any tea party around the table or bring joy when gifted to loved ones.
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Oat Hazelnut YoYos: A Perfect Biscuit for Tea-Time or Gifting Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Oat Hazelnut YoYos are delicate, buttery biscuits infused with the nutty flavor of hazelnut meal and rolled oats, perfect for enjoying with tea or gifting to loved ones. These cookies feature a smooth, sweet buttercream filling, making each bite satisfyingly rich yet light. Easy to bake with simple ingredients, these yo-yos offer a delightful combination of texture and flavor in a charming sandwich cookie form.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 150g (1 ÂĽ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup icing (powdered) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup hazelnut meal (ground hazelnuts)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup rolled oats
For the Filling:
- 75g (â…” stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup icing (powdered) sugar
- 2 tsp milk
- ÂĽ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract, then gradually stir in the hazelnut meal, all-purpose flour, and rolled oats until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Flatten the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls approximately the size of 2 teaspoons each. Place these evenly spaced on the prepared baking tray. Using a floured fork, gently flatten each dough ball and create an imprint on the surface.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the tray in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the cookies turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the YoYos: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of the filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press gently to secure the filling in place, creating the classic yo-yo sandwich cookie.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- You can substitute hazelnut meal with finely ground almonds if desired, but it will slightly change the flavor.
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too sticky to handle for easier shaping.
- Store assembled YoYos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a decorative touch, dust the finished YoYos lightly with powdered sugar before serving or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
