The moment the scent of orange and vanilla fills your kitchen, it’s almost impossible to resist the urge to bake. These Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies are a delightful blend of citrusy brightness and sweet creaminess, perfectly crafted for those who believe desserts should be a celebration, not a chore. Imagine the joy of biting into soft, chewy cookies, their vibrant hues and delicate flavor combinations transporting you far from the monotony of fast food.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to bring such a gourmet treat to life in your own home. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create something that impresses family and friends while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for the perfect treat for a casual get-together or a cozy weekend in, these cookies will undoubtedly make your heart—and your taste buds—sing. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the magic of homemade cookies!
Why are Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The perfect blend of orange and vanilla creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appearance: Their vibrant colors make them a feast for the eyes, ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.
Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies in no time!
Versatile Delight: These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to fancy dessert platters.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will adore these soft, chewy treats, making them a guaranteed hit at any event.
Give them a try, and you might find yourself craving these delightful cookies as a new favorite alongside options like Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
For the Orange Cookies
- 1 cup almond flour – a gluten-free option that adds nutty flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup oat flour – provides a lovely softness while enhancing the wholesome appeal.
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch – helps bind the cookies and gives them that delightful chew.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just right.
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted – adds moisture and a subtle coconut note.
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup – a natural sweetener that melds well with the citrusy notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract – intensifies the orange flavor for a delightful zest.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s overall flavor.
- zest of 1 small organic orange – packs a punch of fresh orange aroma and taste.
- food colouring – adds a fun pop of color to your cookies for visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon organic cane sugar, to sprinkle on top of cookies – adds a hint of crunch and sweetness on top.
For the Matcha Dough
- 1/2 cup almond flour – keeps it gluten-free while maintaining a light texture.
- 2 tablespoons oat flour – complements the almond flour for a smooth consistency.
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch – maintains the chewy goodness and helps with binding.
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder, sifted – gives a rich, earthy flavor and beautiful green hue.
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda – helps the matcha cookies rise perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons agave or maple syrup – adds a gentle sweetness to balance the matcha’s earthy tones.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted – keeps the dough moist and adds flavor depth.
For the Vanilla Filling
- 1 cup icing sugar, sifted – provides sweetness and a smooth texture for the filling.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, room temperature – creates a creamy, spreadable filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – infuses the filling with a sweet, warm essence.
- 1-2 teaspoons almond milk, as needed to thin – adjusts the consistency for perfect spreadability.
Whether it’s a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies are sure to impress with their delightful flavors and charming aesthetics!
How to Make Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and sea salt until no clumps remain. This ensures a smooth and well-blended cookie base.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, agave syrup, orange extract, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add a few drops of food coloring for a fun touch!
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Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Use your hands to shape the dough into a ball, cover the bowl, and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
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Prepare Matcha Dough: While the orange dough chills, mix almond flour, oat flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, sea salt, and matcha powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
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Blend Matcha Ingredients: Add melted coconut oil and agave syrup to the dry mix for the matcha dough. Stir well to create a cohesive dough.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Roll and Cut Orange Dough: Roll out the chilled orange dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/4″ thick. Use a circle cookie cutter to create cookies and place them on the baking sheet, making sure to leave 1/2″ space.
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Shape Matcha Leaves: Roll out the matcha dough to 1/8-1/4″ thick and cut out small leaf shapes. Press these leaves onto half of the orange cookies and sprinkle with organic cane sugar for a sweet crunch.
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Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Make the Vanilla Filling: In a medium bowl, whip the room temperature vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until thick and smooth. Add almond milk to achieve your desired consistency.
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Assemble Cookies: Spread or pipe the vanilla buttercream filling onto the bottom side of half of the cookies. Gently press the top cookies on, creating wonderful sandwich cookies ready to delight!
Optional: Dust with extra icing sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately and storing them in the fridge. To maintain quality, be sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Additionally, you can make the vanilla filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before using. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough, cut your cookies, bake, and assemble with the filling for delightful, fresh cookies with minimal fuss. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of having these delicious treats ready to go for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
Tips for the Best Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 20-30 minutes solidifies the texture, making it easier to work with and enhancing the final result.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of delightfully soft Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies.
Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
Bake in Batches: If you’re doubling the recipe, bake the cookies in batches. This prevents overcrowding in the oven, giving each cookie space to rise beautifully.
Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel encouraged to take your baking creativity to the next level by customizing these delightful cookies with your own twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the oat flour with more almond flour or use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a fully gluten-free treat.
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Citrus Burst: Add lemon or lime zest along with the orange for a tangy twist that brightens up the flavors even more. The combination will dance on your palate.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts into the dough for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate vegan chocolate chips or chunks into the orange dough for a deliciously rich contrast to the citrusy notes.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a cozy, warm flavor that makes these cookies perfect for any season. This will warm your home and heart.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use maple syrup instead of agave and ensure your food coloring is vegan to keep these cookies completely plant-based.
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Matcha Magic: Increase the matcha powder by another teaspoon to deepen the earthy flavor and create a more vibrant color in the leaf shapes.
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Fruity Fillings: Swap the vanilla buttercream filling for a fruity jam or lemon curd for a refreshing and zingy alternative that will surprise your guests.
Let your imagination run wild with these variations, ensuring each batch you make is uniquely delightful!
How to Store and Freeze Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just ensure they are well-covered to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies layered with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying!
Reheating: If you’d like warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This refreshes the texture beautifully.
What to Serve with Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies?
These delightful cookies are perfect for elevating any occasion with a touch of sweetness and citrus flair.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of color and tartness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. They make an easy yet stunning presentation on a dessert platter.
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Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea, particularly with a hint of lemon, complements the citrus notes of the cookies while providing a soothing sip between bites. Consider herbal flavors like chamomile for a calming effect.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream enhances the cookies’ rich filling. A dollop on the side or even atop a cookie transforms it into a fancy dessert in a flash.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate for dipping brings a decadent contrast to the citrus flavors, creating a delightful fusion of tastes. It’s a fun interactive element for kids and adults alike!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, cooling down those warm cookies and adding an indulgent twist. It’s a classic dessert combo that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola offers a delightful textural contrast, making for a fun snack alongside a couple of cookies. Look for varieties that include almonds or pecans to resonate with the cookie’s flavors.
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Sparkling Water: An effervescent drink such as sparkling water with a slice of orange or a bit of mint refreshes the palate between bites, enhancing the cookies’ bright flavors without overwhelming them.
Enjoy these pairings as you celebrate the joy of homemade treats!
Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe oranges for the cookies?
Absolutely! Choose organic oranges that are firm and have a vibrant color. Look for oranges that feel heavy for their size, as this usually indicates juiciness. Avoid those with dark spots or imperfections, as they might be overripe or dry.
How should I store leftover Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies?
To maintain their soft and chewy texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them for up to one week. Just ensure they are well-covered to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze these delightful cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
No worries! If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the dough was too warm. Chill the dough for another 10-15 minutes before rolling and cutting the cookies. Also, ensure you’re using the right quantities of dry ingredients and not overmixing the dough to keep them fluffy!
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Very! Since the primary ingredients include almond and oat flour, those with nut allergies should be cautious. You can substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour or a nut-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the recipe nut-free while maintaining a delightful flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the agave syrup by a tablespoon or two. Alternatively, you can add a touch of extra citrus zest to enhance the overall flavor without adding sugar. Just remember to keep the balance right for the best results!
Delicious Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies for Your Next Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and sea salt until no clumps remain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, agave syrup, orange extract, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add a few drops of food coloring for a fun touch!
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Shape the dough into a ball, cover the bowl, and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
- While the orange dough chills, mix almond flour, oat flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, sea salt, and matcha powder in a small bowl.
- Add melted coconut oil and agave syrup to the dry mix for the matcha dough. Stir well to create a cohesive dough.
- Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled orange dough and use a cookie cutter to create cookies, placing them on the baking sheet.
- Roll out the matcha dough and cut out small leaf shapes to press onto half of the orange cookies.
- Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.
- Whip the vegan butter until creamy, then add icing sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until thick and smooth. Adjust with almond milk as needed.
- Spread or pipe the vanilla buttercream filling onto the bottom side of half of the cookies, pressing the top cookies on to create sandwich cookies.