Name: Yo Yo Biscuits with Vanilla Buttercream Filling Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 226 g unsalted butter, softened (1 cup / 2 sticks / 8oz); 70 g icing sugar (powdered sugar) (½ cup / 2 ½oz); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 195 g plain flour (all purpose flour) (1 ½ cups / 7oz); 70 g custard powder (½ cup / 2 ½oz); 57 g unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup / ½ stick); 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) (140 g); 2-3 teaspoons water; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 30 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a delightful and nostalgic treat, the Yo Yo Biscuits with Vanilla Buttercream Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, buttery cookies with a gentle custard flavor hugging a luxuriously smooth vanilla buttercream—this combo offers a perfect balance of rich sweetness and soft texture, making every bite feel like a warm hug. These charming little sandwiches are perfect for sharing with friends, elevating afternoon tea, or gifting as homemade goodies that showcase both simplicity and elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. At the top center is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour, showing a slightly grainy texture. To its right sits a plain white plate heaped with powdered sugar, looking soft and fluffy. Below the plate is another clear glass bowl holding light-colored cornstarch, which appears fine and powdery. To the left of these bowls is a block of pale yellow butter with smooth edges, resting directly on the surface. Below the butter is a small clear glass bowl containing golden vanilla extract, smooth and shiny. The simple setup highlights each ingredient’s texture and color clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture and delightful flavor. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy butter to the fragrant vanilla and custard powder that gives these biscuits their unique character.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 8oz): Using softened butter ensures your biscuits turn out tender and rich, with just the right crumb.
Icing sugar (½ cup / 2 ½oz): Powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness and a delicate texture to the biscuit dough.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma that complements the custard perfectly.
Plain flour (1 ½ cups / 7oz): The base of the dough, plain flour provides structure without overpowering softness.
Custard powder (½ cup / 2 ½oz): This secret ingredient lends a subtle custard flavor and a lovely golden hue to your biscuits.
For the filling – Unsalted butter (¼ cup / ½ stick): Softened butter creates a creamy richness in the buttercream filling.
For the filling – Icing sugar (1 cup / 140g): Sweetens and lightens the buttercream, making it smooth and luscious.
For the filling – Water (2-3 teaspoons): Just enough to soften the buttercream to the perfect spreadable consistency.
For the filling – Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the buttery sweetness with a lovely vanilla note.

How to Make Yo Yo Biscuits with Vanilla Buttercream Filling Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C fan forced) / 350°F, and line two large baking trays with baking paper. This simple setup ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, giving them that perfect golden edge.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and icing sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy—this step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully light biscuit texture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine those lovely fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift the plain flour and custard powder into your butter mixture to avoid clumps and gently mix on low speed until just combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get every bit of dough well mixed, as pockets of butter can affect the consistency.

Step 4: Shape the Biscuits

Dust your hands lightly with flour and roll the dough into small balls around 2 teaspoons worth. Place them about 4cm (1 ½ inches) apart on the prepared trays so they have room to bake without merging. This careful spacing is what keeps each biscuit perfectly round.

Step 5: Flatten and Create a Pattern

Dip a fork in flour and gently press down on each ball until it’s about half their height and roughly 4cm wide. Re-flour the fork before each press to create an even, decorative pattern on top of every biscuit.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your biscuits for 14 to 15 minutes until their edges begin to turn golden. This marks that perfect balance between tender and slightly crisp. Let them rest on the tray for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential before filling.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Filling

In a clean bowl, combine the softened butter, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and start with 2 teaspoons of water. Beat the mixture for 3-4 minutes until light and creamy, scraping the bowl edges as needed. Add more water carefully until the frosting is soft and spreadable to avoid breaking the biscuits when assembling.

Step 8: Assemble the Yo Yo Biscuits

Spread or pipe a generous layer of buttercream onto the flat side of half of the cooled biscuits, then gently sandwich with the remaining biscuits. This creates the iconic Yo Yo shape that promises delightful bites every time.

How to Serve Yo Yo Biscuits with Vanilla Buttercream Filling Recipe

The image shows several small sandwich cookies arranged closely together in a white bowl lined with parchment paper. Each cookie has two soft, yellow halves with faint horizontal ridges on top. Between the cookie halves is a thick layer of white cream filling, making the cookies look soft and creamy inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, with smooth creamy filling contrasting with the slightly textured cookie shells. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a charming touch, dust your filled Yo Yo biscuits with a light sprinkle of icing sugar or even a hint of edible glitter. Adding a small fresh berry, like a raspberry or strawberry slice, on the side brightens the presentation and melts beautifully into the creamy filling.

Side Dishes

Pair these biscuits with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk to balance the sweetness. They also work brilliantly alongside fresh fruit platters or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the Yo Yo biscuits on a rustic wooden board with colorful parchment or in a decorative tin for gifting. For parties, stack them tiered on a cake stand and add edible flowers for a whimsical look that invites guests to dig in happily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly made Yo Yo Biscuits with Vanilla Buttercream Filling Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies tender and the buttercream fresh without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these biscuits ahead of time, freeze the unfilled biscuits in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag or container for up to one month. For best results, freeze the vanilla buttercream separately and assemble after thawing.

Reheating

Yo Yo biscuits are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating. However, if you prefer a slightly warm bite, briefly microwave a biscuit sandwich for 5-7 seconds, being careful not to melt the buttercream too much.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of plain flour?

Absolutely! In many countries plain flour is the same as all-purpose flour, so feel free to use that without any issue. It works perfectly to give the biscuits their tender crumb.

What if I don’t have custard powder? Can I substitute?

Custard powder adds flavor and color, but if you don’t have it on hand, vanilla pudding powder or a bit of turmeric for color plus vanilla extract can work as alternatives to mimic that custard note.

How long will the biscuits stay fresh with the buttercream filling?

Once filled, the biscuits are best eaten within 2-3 days to enjoy the freshest flavor and texture. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep the buttercream smooth and the biscuits soft.

Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on the dough texture as gluten-free doughs sometimes require a bit more moisture.

Is it possible to use a different flavor for the buttercream?

Definitely! While vanilla buttercream is classic here, you can experiment with lemon zest, cocoa powder, or even a hint of coffee extract to create your own signature Yo Yo biscuit filling.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Yo Yo Biscuits with Vanilla Buttercream Filling Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a beautiful treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. So why not gather your ingredients today and whip up a batch? Trust me, once you share these delicious biscuits with loved ones, they’ll keep coming back for more!