Name: Homemade Vanilla Wafers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/4 cup (30g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons whole milk

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making your own vanilla wafers at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, skip the preservatives, and enjoy a fresher, more flavorful result. This recipe is easy to follow, comes together quickly, and produces irresistibly crisp cookies with a soft bite in the center. Whether you’re baking for a dessert, a special occasion, or just to stock your pantry with homemade treats, these vanilla wafers are the perfect go-to.

Homemade Vanilla Wafers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
Kosher salt
unsalted butter, room temperature
confectioners’ sugar
granulated sugar
large egg, room temperature
vanilla extract
whole milk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for at least 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Blend until smooth and fluffy, about 30 seconds.
Gradually add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
Chill the batter in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
Using a 1/2 teaspoon, scoop small dollops of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cookies are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 50 small cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Lemon Vanilla Wafers: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
Cinnamon Vanilla Wafers: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled vanilla wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To refresh slightly stale cookies, bake them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes until crisp.

FAQs

1. How do I keep vanilla wafers crispy?

Ensure they are completely cooled before storing and keep them in an airtight container in a dry place.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt by half to avoid over-salting.

4. Are these cookies good for banana pudding?

Absolutely. These homemade wafers are perfect for layering in banana pudding or any dessert that calls for vanilla wafers.

5. Can I make larger cookies?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly—check them around the 16–18 minute mark.

6. What can I substitute for whole milk?

You can use any type of milk, including 2%, skim, or plant-based options like almond or oat milk.

7. Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or if the dough isn’t chilled properly. Be sure to chill the batter as directed.

8. Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer or even mixing by hand with a sturdy spoon will work, though it may take a bit more time.

9. Can I add sprinkles or colored sugar?

Definitely. Add them just before baking for a festive touch.

10. Do these freeze well?

Yes. Freeze in a single layer and transfer to a bag once solid. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Homemade Vanilla Wafers are a charming, versatile treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a recipe, preparing a homemade snack, or just indulging in a little nostalgic flavor, these cookies are a perfect fit. Once you try them, you might never go back to the boxed kind again.

Lily