Baking has always been a source of joy for me, but there’s something incredibly special about homemade vanilla wafers. I still remember the first time I made them; the sweet, buttery aroma filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel warm and inviting. The delicate crispness and subtle vanilla flavor reminded me of childhood treats, yet the satisfaction of making them from scratch added a comforting sense of accomplishment. Every batch feels like a little piece of happiness you can share with friends, family, or even enjoy quietly with a cup of tea.

You will love this recipe because it’s straightforward, requires only a handful of ingredients, and delivers a classic treat that never goes out of style. These vanilla wafers are perfect for snacking, dessert bases, or even as an ingredient in more elaborate recipes like icebox cakes or layered puddings. Their light, airy texture pairs beautifully with creamy fillings, fresh fruits, or chocolate, making them versatile in both taste and presentation.

Not only are these wafers delicious, but they are also highly versatile. You can shape them into traditional rounds, hearts, or any design you like. They keep well, so baking a batch ahead of time ensures you always have a sweet snack on hand. Their mild vanilla flavor allows them to complement a wide range of desserts, while the crispness provides a delightful contrast to softer textures in layered treats.

Another reason to love this recipe is its affordability. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the process doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Even novice bakers can achieve perfect results, making it an accessible treat for anyone who enjoys baking without needing to spend a fortune.

Ingredients for Vanilla Wafers:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk

These ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a light, buttery dough that bakes into golden, crisp vanilla wafers. The combination of simple flavors highlights the vanilla while keeping the texture just right. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: butter for richness, sugar for sweetness and crispness, eggs for structure, and flour for the delicate body of the wafers.

How to Prepare Vanilla Wafers

Preparing these vanilla wafers is a simple and rewarding process, perfect for bakers of all levels. By following each step carefully, you’ll achieve crisp, golden cookies with a delicate vanilla aroma. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust shapes, sizes, or even add a hint of extra flavor while keeping the classic taste intact.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using parchment ensures that the wafers bake evenly and prevents sticking, making cleanup easy and stress-free.
Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Creaming properly ensures a smooth texture and contributes to the crispness of the cookies.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The eggs provide structure while the vanilla gives the signature flavor.
Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients evenly before adding them to the wet mixture prevents clumps and ensures a uniform texture in the dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until fully combined. If the dough feels slightly stiff, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be soft enough to pipe but firm enough to hold its shape.
Shape the cookies. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip or use a small spoon to drop teaspoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake the wafers for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as the cookies are small and can overbake quickly. The centers should remain slightly soft but firm up as they cool.
Cool the cookies. Allow the wafers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely ensures they become crisp and maintain their delicate texture.

Quick and Easy Tips

For faster preparation, measure all ingredients before starting.
Use room-temperature butter and eggs to achieve a smoother dough.
If you prefer a slightly softer wafer, reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes.

Customizable Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice.
Mix in mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts for extra texture.
Shape the cookies into festive forms for holidays or special occasions.

These vanilla wafers are popular with everyone because of their simplicity and classic flavor. Whether served as a snack, used in layered desserts, or enjoyed with tea or coffee, they remain a crowd-pleaser every time.

Vanilla Wafers

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These vanilla wafers are a timeless classic, offering a delicate crispness and a sweet, buttery vanilla flavor. Perfect for snacking, dessert bases, or layered treats, they are simple to make, versatile, and enjoyed by all ages.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 12
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 36 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk if the dough feels too stiff.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip or use a spoon to drop teaspoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the wafers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

For extra crispness, cool completely before storing.

Optional variations include adding a pinch of cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, or nuts.

FAQs – Vanilla Wafers

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough slightly firms it, making it easier to shape the wafers.

2. How should I store the baked wafers?
Once completely cooled, store the wafers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crisp for up to one week.

3. Can I freeze the wafers?
Absolutely. You can freeze the baked wafers in an airtight container for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze the shaped dough on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

4. How do I prevent the wafers from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, leave enough space between the cookies on the baking sheet and avoid overmixing the dough.

5. Can I make the wafers gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

6. How do I get the wafers extra crisp?
Bake until the edges are lightly golden and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Storing them in an airtight container will preserve their crispness.

7. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can reduce sugar by up to 2 tablespoons without significantly affecting texture. Keep in mind that sugar also contributes to crispness.