How do I keep my Crispy Homemade Vanilla Wafers from getting soft?

Ensure they cool completely on a wire rack right out of the oven, as they crisp up during cooling. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to protect them from humidity.

Can I make the dough for homemade vanilla wafers ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely chill the dough for up to 2 days. Just let it warm slightly on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before you scoop or pipe it onto your baking sheets.

Why are my vanilla wafers spreading too much?

This often happens if the dough is too warm, has too much butter, or has been over-mixed. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can often help remedy spreading issues.

What’s the best way to get uniform crispy vanilla wafers?

For consistent sizing, which leads to uniform baking and crispness, I suggest using a small cookie scoop or a piping bag with a round tip. This makes all the difference!

Can I freeze homemade vanilla wafers?

Yes, you can! Once baked and cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

What is the secret to making Crispy Homemade Vanilla Wafers?

The secret lies in proper baking time—look for those golden edges—and allowing them to cool thoroughly and completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial for developing their signature crispness.

How long do Crispy Homemade Vanilla Wafers last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your homemade wafers will typically stay fresh and crispy for about 1 week.

Crispy Homemade Vanilla Wafers: Easy Recipe For Sweet Treats

Description

Bake your own truly Crispy Homemade Vanilla Wafers! These simple, satisfying cookies are perfect for home bakers and families, using common pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (180g) – Provides the essential structure for our wafers.
Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100g) – Sweetens the wafers and contributes to their signature crispness.
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g), softened – Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb.
Large egg: 1 – Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: 1 ½ teaspoons – The star flavor for these delightful vanilla wafers.
Baking powder: ½ teaspoon – Acts as a leavening agent, contributing to the crisp texture.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prep Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and consistent baking.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color.
Add Egg & Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make your vanilla wafers tough.
Scoop & Space Dough: Drop small, uniform spoonfuls of dough – about 1-inch in diameter – onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 1.5 inches of space between each dough mound to allow for spreading. You can also use a piping bag with a round tip for perfectly uniform small discs, if you prefer.
Bake Wafers: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Keep in mind that the wafers will still be slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven.
Cool & Crisp: Cool the baked wafers on the baking sheets for 2 minutes. This brief resting period helps them firm up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up beautifully as they cool.

Notes

Quality & Ingredient Tips: Use good quality pure vanilla extract. Always use room temperature butter for best creaming results. Fresh eggs and unbleached all-purpose flour also yield optimal texture and flavor.

Variations: For thinner, extra crispy wafers, gently flatten each dough mound slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips before baking. For a nuanced flavor, add ¼ teaspoon almond extract.

Substitutions: You can substitute ¼ cup (50g) of brown sugar for some granulated sugar for subtle depth, but it may slightly alter crispness. For dairy-free needs, use ½ cup (113g) softened dairy-free stick butter alternative (1:1).

Troubleshooting: If wafers spread too much, dough might be too warm; chill briefly (10-15 minutes). If not crispy enough, they may be undercooked (bake 1-2 minutes longer) or not cooled properly on a wire rack.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wafer
Calories: 75
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 30mg
Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.8g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 18mg

Keywords: Vanilla Wafers