The Oat Hazelnut YoYos are a tribute to old-fashioned biscuits with a modern twist. Crisp on the outside and meltingly tender within, they bring the toasty nuttiness of hazelnuts together with the comforting texture of oats. Sandwiched with a creamy vanilla butter filling, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Ideal for tea-time, gifting, or just treating yourself, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Let them cool before filling, and you’ll be rewarded with a bakery-style treat at home.
Full Recipe:
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
Directions:
-
Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy.
-
Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the hazelnut meal, flour, and oats. Combine to form a soft dough.
-
Roll the dough into 2 teaspoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared tray, leaving room to spread.
-
Use a fork lightly dipped in flour to gently flatten each ball slightly and imprint the tops.
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until pale golden. Let them cool completely on the tray.
-
For the filling, beat together the butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
-
Sandwich pairs of cookies together with a dollop of the filling.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 16 sandwich cookies
Oat Hazelnut YoYos – A Nostalgic Treat with a Nutty Twist
When it comes to timeless baked treats, few are as delightfully indulgent as the classic YoYo biscuit. Often associated with Australian afternoon tea culture, these dainty sandwich cookies are known for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet creamy filling. The Oat Hazelnut YoYos are a charming variation of the original, incorporating the rustic goodness of rolled oats and the warm, toasty flavor of hazelnuts into every bite. They blend the nostalgic essence of traditional baking with the nutty depth and wholesome bite of modern ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore homemade treats, this recipe offers simplicity, elegance, and a stunning payoff. More than just cookies, these YoYos are a cozy embrace in biscuit form buttery, slightly crisp at the edges, and sandwiched with a cloud of vanilla buttercream that brings everything together in harmony.
A Bite of Baking History: The Origins of the YoYo
The YoYo biscuit is a staple in many Australian homes and bakeries. Historically, these biscuits are believed to be inspired by the melting moments or Viennese sandwich cookies that found popularity in European baking traditions. Named for their round, symmetrical shape reminiscent of the classic toy YoYos are often baked to a buttery softness that crumbles delicately on the tongue.
What makes a YoYo so recognizable is its signature texture: soft yet structured enough to hold a filling. Traditional versions typically use custard powder or cornstarch to create that classic tender bite, but the Oat Hazelnut version reimagines this texture by incorporating oat and hazelnut meal, giving a heartier, more rustic profile without losing the melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Why Oats and Hazelnuts?
Incorporating oats and hazelnuts into this classic cookie isn’t just a stylistic or flavor upgrade it’s also a celebration of texture and natural nuttiness. Rolled oats bring a touch of chew and a homey, familiar feel to baked goods. They’re nutritious, minimally processed, and create a slightly rustic edge that pairs beautifully with sweet fillings.
Hazelnuts, meanwhile, are the elegant stars of the nut world. Toasted, ground hazelnuts impart an aromatic richness and buttery smoothness that elevate this cookie to new heights. Their natural oil content means they blend seamlessly into the dough, and when baked, they offer a toasty depth that balances the sweetness of the buttercream perfectly.
Together, oats and hazelnuts provide a contrast to the delicate vanilla cream creating a multi-layered taste experience that delights with every bite.
The Perfect Tea-Time Treat
These sandwich cookies are ideal for special occasions, family gatherings, or even as part of a refined afternoon tea spread. But don’t let their delicate appearance fool you they’re also perfect for quiet moments of indulgence with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Because the cookies hold up well at room temperature, they also make a thoughtful gift wrapped in parchment and twine, or stored in a beautiful tin. With their soft crumb, creamy filling, and balanced sweetness, they appeal to all age groups and dietary preferences making them versatile for hosting or snacking.
Texture, Taste, and Aroma – What Makes These Biscuits Irresistible
The first bite into an Oat Hazelnut YoYo offers a medley of sensations: a gentle crispness from the baked edges, a buttery interior that almost dissolves on your tongue, and a creamy, smooth center that adds a luxurious finish.
The oats give just enough chew to remind you of homemade comfort, while the hazelnuts lend their warm, toasty, almost chocolate-like aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. This richness is beautifully offset by the light sweetness of the filling not overpowering, but just enough to satisfy.
Each cookie is small enough to be enjoyed in two or three bites, making them a delightful choice when you want something sweet without committing to a heavy dessert.
A Baker’s Dream: Easy, Customizable, and Beautiful
Another beautiful aspect of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any complex equipment or rare ingredients just a bowl, a mixer, and some pantry staples. It’s a perfect entry-point recipe for beginners and a joyfully reliable one for seasoned bakers.
And like all great base recipes, this one is also highly adaptable. Here are a few ways you can make the Oat Hazelnut YoYos your own:
-
Add Citrus Zest: Orange or lemon zest added to the dough or filling can provide a zingy contrast to the nutty richness.
-
Swap the Filling: Try chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a coffee-infused buttercream.
-
Experiment with Nuts: Not a fan of hazelnuts? Substitute with almond meal or finely ground pecans for different flavor notes.
-
Dip in Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, half-dip the assembled cookies in melted dark or milk chocolate.
Whether you’re dressing them up for a celebration or enjoying them plain with a book and a brew, these YoYos hold their own.
Storage, oLife, and Gifting Tips
One of the best things about these cookies is how well they store. If you’re planning ahead for a party or holiday event, you can make the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble them the day of serving to ensure the filling stays fluffy and the cookies retain their soft bite.
Unfilled cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature, while filled YoYos are best eaten within 2–3 days. If you live in a warm climate, a refrigerator is recommended to keep the filling from becoming too soft just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving for the perfect texture.
As gifts, these cookies are incredibly well-received. Tied in clear cellophane with ribbon or placed in a cute tin with parchment paper between layers, they make charming handmade treats that feel personal and luxurious.
Healthier But Still a Treat
While cookies are indulgent by nature, the inclusion of oats and nuts adds a dose of nutrition. Oats are known for their fiber and slow-releasing carbs, helping you feel satisfied longer. Hazelnuts are a good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. That said, this is still a treat but it’s one you can feel good about sharing and savoring.
For a slightly healthier version, consider reducing the sugar in the dough or filling, or using a plant-based butter alternative to suit dietary needs.
Conclusion:
Oat Hazelnut YoYos are a beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern flavor sensibilities. They’re easy to make, deeply satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable to suit any palate or occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing cookie for your next event, a heartfelt edible gift, or just a reason to fill your kitchen with the smell of baking and the promise of a sweet treat, these YoYos deliver.
