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–+ servings

Homemade Vanilla Wafers Recipe

These buttery and vanilla-infused wafers are light, crisp, and perfect for desserts or snacking.
This dessert recipe yields a hundred bite-sized wafers, ideal for banana pudding, hot tea accompaniments, or enjoying on their own.
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Active Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 100 1-inch wafers

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Piping bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip
  • Baking sheets lined with parchment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter softened to about 65°F
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg at about 70°F
  • ¼ cup heavy cream at about 70°F

Variations:

  • Double Vanilla: Add the seeds from 1 vanilla bean in addition to the vanilla extract.
  • Egg White: Replace the egg with ¼ cup egg whites.
  • Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with 2 cups tapioca flour or arrowroot ⅔ cup white rice flour, and ¼ cup coconut flour.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is set in the middle position. Sift the flour into a bowl to remove lumps.
  • In a stand mixer bowl, combine sugar, butter, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium and beat until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  • Whisk together the egg and cream. Gradually add the egg mixture to the batter in 5–6 additions, allowing each to incorporate fully.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low and sprinkle in the sifted flour. Mix until a stiff, smooth batter forms.
  • Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip.
  • Pipe 1-inch-wide discs, spaced evenly, onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Each disc should be about ⅜-inch thick.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until the wafers are golden brown at the edges. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheets.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • Use a gentle hand while piping to maintain uniformity.
  • For best results, ensure all ingredients are at their specified temperatures.
  • Wafers can be used in layered desserts like trifles or as a crunchy snack on their own.
Keyword classic dessert recipe, crispy dessert snacks, dessert recipes, DIY dessert ideas, homemade wafer cookies, vanilla wafer recipe
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