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Orange Vanilla Sandwich Cookies

Delightful sandwich cookies with a zesty orange and sweet vanilla filling, made gluten-free with wholesome ingredients for a flavorful treat.
Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Orange Cookies
  • 1 cup almond flour Keeps the dough gluten-free while still providing a nutty flavor.
  • 1/4 cup oat flour Adds a touch of sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca starch Helps bind the dough and gives it a chewy texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda For leavening.
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt Enhances the sweetness.
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted A healthier fat alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup Adds natural sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract Intensifies the orange flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds warmth.
  • 1 small organic orange, zest Freshens up the flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon organic cane sugar For sprinkling on top of the cookies.
  • optional food coloring For fun color!
For the Matcha Cookies
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons oat flour
  • 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder, sifted A hint of earthy flavor that's perfect when paired with orange.
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
For the Vanilla Filling
  • 1 cup icing sugar, sifted Essential for that sweet creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, room temperature Acts as the base of the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Bolsters the vanilla flavor.
  • 1-2 teaspoons almond milk Adjust for desired thickness.

Method
 

Prepare the Orange Cookie Dough
  1. In a medium bowl, mix one cup almond flour, 1/4 cup oat flour, 2 tablespoons tapioca starch, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Whisk until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, combine 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons agave syrup, 1/2 teaspoon orange extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the zest of one small organic orange. If desired, add a couple of drops of food coloring.
  3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If it seems crumbly, don’t hesitate to add a touch more coconut oil. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Matcha Cookie Dough
  1. Follow the same steps as above for the matcha cookies using the matcha powder, adjusting the additional flour and other ingredients as listed.
Preheat and Roll Out Dough
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After chilling, take the orange and matcha dough out of the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough out to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and arrange them on lined baking sheets.
Baking
  1. Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—they should still be soft when you take them out!
Make the Vanilla Filling
  1. In a large bowl, whip together the room temperature vegan butter and 1 cup icing sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and almond milk, mixing until the filling reaches a smooth consistency.
Assemble the Cookies
  1. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the creamy vanilla filling between two cookies to create delightful little sandwiches.
  2. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of organic cane sugar on top of the cookies before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality extracts for the best flavor—choose organic if possible. For a nut-free version, consider substituting the almond flour with sunflower seed flour.