Vanilla Wafers Recipe

If you’re searching for a classic treat that’s both irresistibly buttery and wonderfully crisp, these Vanilla Wafers are exactly what you need to bake up some joy. With a rich vanilla aroma and a delicate crunch, these little cookies melt in your mouth and bring a nostalgic comfort to any snack time. Whether you are enjoying them with tea, adding them to a creamy dessert, or simply nibbling them by the handful, Vanilla Wafers are a timeless favorite that never fail to brighten up your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, essential ingredients is the first step towards crafting perfect Vanilla Wafers. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy texture contributed by the butter to the subtle sweetness and warm vanilla notes that define these cookies.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, 113 g): Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures your wafers are tender.
• Granulated sugar (⅔ cup, 133 g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that crisp cookie texture.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding a slight lift for a delicate crumb.
• Vanilla extract (4 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with the unmistakable, warm vanilla flavor that defines these wafers.
• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups, 190 g): Forms the sturdy yet tender structure of each cookie.
• Baking powder (¾ teaspoons): A subtle leavening agent that gives your wafers a light touch of puffiness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• Milk (1 tablespoon): Adds just the right moisture to bring the dough together smoothly.

How to Make Vanilla Wafers

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your wafers will bake evenly and won’t stick, making for easy removal once they’re golden perfection.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture turns creamy and well-combined. This step is essential as it incorporates air, giving your wafers their delicate texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg along with the vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium-low speed until everything is fully blended, creating a rich and fragrant base for your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and seasoning to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout your wafers.

Step 5: Mix Flour and Milk into Dough

Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring on low speed until combined. Then pour in the tablespoon of milk and stir again. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or the wafers may become tough.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Use a two-teaspoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough into even mounds on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Lightly flatten each scoop with damp fingertips to encourage that classic wafer shape. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate light golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your Vanilla Wafers to cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set and maintain their crispness, making each bite simply irresistible.

How to Serve Vanilla Wafers

Garnishes

Enhance your Vanilla Wafers by pairing them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh berries or thin slices of ripe peaches also make delightful garnishes that balance the sweetness with a touch of natural freshness.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Wafers are a dream accomplice to creamy desserts like banana pudding, chocolate mousse, or ice cream sundaes. Their crunch creates a satisfying contrast to smooth textures and adds layers of flavor when layered in trifles or parfaits.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by stacking Vanilla Wafers with whipped cream and fruit to form small towers or use them as a base for bite-sized cheesecake cups. Another fun idea is to sandwich them with jam or lemon curd for a delightful handheld treat that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Vanilla Wafers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite desserts later on.

Freezing

You can freeze Vanilla Wafers by placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container. When properly wrapped, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy freshly baked wafers anytime you like.

Reheating

To enjoy your wafers warm, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their crispiness and brings back that lovely fresh-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt levels, using salted butter is fine if that’s what you have—just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the wafers too salty.

How do Vanilla Wafers differ from sugar cookies?

Vanilla Wafers have a crisper texture and a stronger vanilla flavor. They are smaller and thinner than typical sugar cookies, which are usually softer and chewier.

Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely! Almond, soy, or oat milk work nicely as dairy-free alternatives and will not alter the cookie’s texture significantly.

What’s the best way to flatten the cookie dough?

Using damp fingers to gently press each dough mound helps prevent sticking and shapes the wafers evenly without cracking the dough.

Are Vanilla Wafers suitable for decorating?

Yes, their firm structure holds up well to light decoration like icing or edible glitter, making them perfect for festive occasions or personalized gifts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Vanilla Wafers—their buttery, vanilla-filled simplicity feels like a warm hug wrapped in a cookie. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in baking and savoring them as I do. Once you taste these, you’ll never want store-bought wafers again!

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