Imagine biting into a vanilla wafer that’s crisp around the edges yet satisfyingly chewy in the center. Now picture making those very same cookies in your own kitchen, using seven baking staples you likely already have in your pantry. Our vanilla wafers recipe makes this a reality, offering a homemade twist on classic vanilla wafers that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Perfect for pairing with banana pudding or enjoying entirely on their own, these crispy-yet-chewy delights come together quickly, proving once again that the most satisfying treats can also be the easiest to make.
Ingredients for Vanilla Wafers
- Butter: Softened butter provides richness to the cookies and helps create their signature crisp texture.
- Sugar:Â Granulated sugar provides the necessary sweetness to these vanilla wafers and helps them achieve a perfect golden brown finish when baking.
- Egg: One large egg gives the dough structure, adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. For the best results, make sure to use room-temperature eggs.
- Vanilla extract: A tablespoon of vanilla extract gives these cookies their signature vanilla flavor. Here’s our breakdown of the best vanilla extract brands.
- Flour:Â All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness to these vanilla wafers.
- Baking powder:Â Baking powder helps the cookies slightly rise and achieve a light texture.
Directions
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Editor’s Tip: For the best results—and to save your arm the workout—use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
Step 3: Portion and bake
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Vanilla Wafer Variations
- Make them lemony: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. If you’re unsure, here’s how to zest a lemon.
- Use different extracts: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract or hazelnut for a nutty flavor.
- Add chocolate chips:Â Mix 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking. Alternatively, you can also dip half the batch of wafers in melted chocolate for a chocolate-dipped twist.
- Incorporate some spice:Â Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version of these cookies.
- Add sprinkles: Top the vanilla wafers with colored sugar before serving for a fun variation.
How to Store Vanilla Wafers
Store cooled vanilla wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to two months. If you’re decorating the cookies, make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Can you freeze vanilla wafers?
Yes, you can freeze vanilla wafers for up to eight months. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until they’re solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can you make vanilla wafers ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough for these vanilla wafers in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, simply drop the dough onto ungreased baking sheets and bake according to the instructions.
Vanilla Wafer Tips
What’s the best way to achieve a crispy edge?
To achieve crispy edges for these vanilla wafers, ensure your butter and sugar are properly mixed, and bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to crisp as they cool, so it’s okay if they seem a bit soft when you remove them from the oven.
How do you soften hard vanilla wafers?
If you end up baking cookies that are too crisp, you can easily soften them by adding a slice of bread to the storage container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, turning them soft and chewy.
Can you use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract?
Substituting vanilla bean paste for the vanilla extract in this recipe for vanilla wafers will give the cookies a more intense vanilla flavor.
Can you use vanilla wafers in other desserts?
These crushed vanilla wafers make an excellent base for cheesecakes or when used as crumb crusts. You can also crush the cookies and use them as a topping for your next batch of homemade vanilla ice cream. These vanilla wafers are also a classic component in our banana pudding cake recipe.
