Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vanilla Wafers are wonderfully easy to make and require minimal ingredients, but the result is a delicious, buttery treat with a satisfying crunch. The vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting flavor, making them perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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

Directions

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will give your wafers a light, airy texture.
Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Combine flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shape the cookies: Using a spoon, drop small amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the wafers are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Cool: Once baked, remove the wafers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 24 wafers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Wafers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist on this classic cookie.
Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to customize the flavor.
Lemon Flavor: Replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract or add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store these wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay crisp and fresh if stored properly.
Freezing: These wafers can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: If you prefer your wafers warm, place them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can, but keep in mind that using salted butter may slightly alter the flavor of the wafers. If using salted butter, omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.

Can I make these wafers without an egg?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or another egg replacement for a vegan version.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the wafers may be slightly denser and have a more rustic texture.

Can I make these cookies into larger cookies or a cookie cake?

Yes! You can use the dough to make larger cookies or even spread it into a baking dish to make a cookie cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How can I make the wafers crunchier?

For extra crispiness, bake the wafers a little longer, keeping a close eye on them so they don’t burn. You can also flatten the dough balls slightly before baking to make thinner, crunchier cookies.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Wafers are simple, sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy with just five basic ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying them as an everyday treat, serving them at a gathering, or using them in desserts like banana pudding, they are sure to impress. The best part? You can make them in under 30 minutes with minimal effort. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe today!

Vanilla Wafers: An Amazing Ultimate Treat with 5 Ingredients

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These Vanilla Wafers are simple, buttery, and satisfyingly crunchy. Made with just five ingredients, they’re perfect for an everyday treat, an addition to desserts, or a delightful snack with tea or coffee.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 24 wafers
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Drop small spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.