Chocolate Lace Sandwich Cookies
Photo: Erin Kunkel; Styling: Kelly Allen
"I call these the 'backache' cookies because I always make a double batch, sitting hunched over at the table," says Fran Pepoon of Roseville, California. She has been baking these chocolate cookies, which have a subtle hit of orange and vanilla, every Christmas for 30 years, adapting them over time from a recipe given to her by a friend. Two tips: The cookies tend to stick and spread, so be sure to use a nonstick baking-sheet liner or parchment, and don't bake more than 12 cookies on each sheet.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Preheat oven to 325° with racks in upper and lower thirds.
Step 2
2
In a medium bowl, mix oats, sugar, and butter together with a wooden spoon. Stir in egg until well blended, then vanilla and orange juice. Add flour and salt and stir to mix. Batter will be somewhat thick.
Step 3
3
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking liners. Drop batter by half-teaspoonfuls onto sheets, at least 2 in. apart (cookies will spread), up to 12 per sheet. Bake until golden brown, switching positions of sheets halfway through, 8 to 10 minutes total.
Step 4
4
Cool cookies on baking sheets until just holding their shape, about 2 minutes (don't wait until they're completely cool, as they will be harder to remove). With a thin metal spatula, gently transfer to cooling racks and let cool completely.
Step 5
5
Put chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts until almost melted. Stir to melt completely.
Step 6
6
Thinly spread chocolate on flat side of half of cookies. Sandwich with another cookie and let harden on racks, about 2 hours at room temperature.
Step 7
7
Make ahead: Up to 1 week, airtight at room temperature.
Ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten with a fork
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons orange juice
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1
1
Preheat oven to 325° with racks in upper and lower thirds.
Step 2
2
In a medium bowl, mix oats, sugar, and butter together with a wooden spoon. Stir in egg until well blended, then vanilla and orange juice. Add flour and salt and stir to mix. Batter will be somewhat thick.
Step 3
3
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking liners. Drop batter by half-teaspoonfuls onto sheets, at least 2 in. apart (cookies will spread), up to 12 per sheet. Bake until golden brown, switching positions of sheets halfway through, 8 to 10 minutes total.
Step 4
4
Cool cookies on baking sheets until just holding their shape, about 2 minutes (don't wait until they're completely cool, as they will be harder to remove). With a thin metal spatula, gently transfer to cooling racks and let cool completely.
Step 5
5
Put chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts until almost melted. Stir to melt completely.
Step 6
6
Thinly spread chocolate on flat side of half of cookies. Sandwich with another cookie and let harden on racks, about 2 hours at room temperature.
Step 7
7
Make ahead: Up to 1 week, airtight at room temperature.
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