Vanilla Cream Wafers are a delightful treat that hit all the right notes—light, crispy, and irresistibly sweet. These little sandwiches boast a delicate crunch on the outside, with a creamy, dreamy filling that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply want a tasty nibble with your afternoon tea, these homemade wafers are sure to please. I’ve made them countless times, and they never fail to bring smiles to faces young and old.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Vanilla Cream Wafers
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Vanilla Cream Wafers

What makes this recipe particularly special is how simple it is to whip up a batch of Vanilla Cream Wafers at home. With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create something that surpasses any store-bought version. Plus, these tantalizing treats are better fresh, easy to customize, and a wholesome alternative that you can take pride in. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have these cookies ready in about 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery wafers and sweet vanilla filling is simply heavenly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their dainty size and perfectly sandwiched presentation make these cookies perfect for parties.
Flexible Serving: Great for tea time, dessert, or simply as a snack any time of the day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to make gluten-free or with dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (124g) all-purpose flour: This provides the foundation for our wafers. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
½ cup (113g) cold butter: Cold butter helps achieve that flaky texture. If using salted butter, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors, balancing the sweetness. You can reduce or omit if you’re using salted butter.
3-4 tablespoons half and half or light cream: This adds moisture to the dough, creating just the right consistency. Heavy cream can also work well.
1 cup (113g) powdered sugar: This sweetens the filling to perfection. Brown sugar could offer a different flavor profile, but it won’t be as smooth.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Makes the filling creamy and rich. Again, ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Pinch salt: To bring out the flavor in the filling.
½ teaspoon vanilla: The star flavor! Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
1 tablespoon cream or half and half: For adjusting the filling’s consistency to make it spreadable.

How to Make Vanilla Cream Wafers

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This simple step will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in ½ cup cold butter until the mixture resembles small peas. To moisten the dough, drizzle 1 tablespoon of half and half over part of the mixture. Toss gently with a fork and gradually add more half and half, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Form it into a ball.

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to just under 1/8 inch thick. Using a 1½ to 1¾ inch cookie cutter, cut out rounds and place them about 1 inch apart on your prepared cookie sheets. This is where the magic begins!

Bake Until Golden: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the kitchen fills with a comforting aroma. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before moving on to the filling.

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Then, blend in 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter and ½ teaspoon vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add enough cream or half and half to achieve a spreadable consistency. If you like, get creative and tint the filling with food coloring!

Assemble the Cookies: Spread the frosting on the bottom of each cooled cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. The gooey center is what makes these Vanilla Cream Wafers irresistible!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Vanilla Cream Wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer them chilled, pop them in the fridge for a refreshing treat. For longer storage, these wafers can be frozen for up to one month. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature. While they may lose a hint of crunch after freezing, a quick 5-minute stay in a warm oven (around 300°F) will help revive them!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch the Baking Time: Overbaking can lead to dry wafers, so keep an eye on them; slight underbaking can make a chewier texture.
Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is cold for the dough but softened for the filling to mix smoothly.
Dough Consistency: If you find it too crumbly, additional half and half can be added sparingly. The dough should hold together without being sticky.
Flavor Variations: For a fun twist, consider adding lemon or almond extract to the filling.
Storage Suggestions: To keep flavors fresh, store frosting and wafers separately if you plan to make them in advance.

It’s hard to resist the allure of homemade cookies. These Vanilla Cream Wafers promise not just to satisfy a sweet craving, but to bring feelings of nostalgia and warmth with each bite. With their light, crispy exterior and creamy center, these delightful morsels are bound to become a favorite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it soften for a few minutes before rolling it out.

What can I substitute for powdered sugar?

If you find yourself out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until finely powdered. Just ensure you measure it out correctly!

How can I make them gluten-free?

To make Vanilla Cream Wafers gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for the best results.

Can I add fillings to the wafer?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or flavored buttercreams for a delightful twist on the classic flavor.

These little wafers are not just cookies; they’re bites of joy that bring warmth and sweet moments into your life. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!

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Vanilla Cream Wafers

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 24 wafers 1x
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the delightful taste of Vanilla Cream Wafers, a simple treat made with fresh ingredients. These cookies offer a creamy filling between crisp wafers, making them the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (124g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (113g) cold butter
¼ teaspoon salt
3–4 tablespoons half and half or light cream
1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pinch salt
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cream or half and half

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Use a pastry cutter to mix in butter until it resembles pea-sized pieces. Gradually drizzle 1 tablespoon of half and half over the mixture, tossing gently with a fork. Repeat until the mixture is moist and forms a ball of dough.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it's just under 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circular shapes, placing them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden. Allow them to cool completely before filling.
To prepare the filling, whisk together powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix in softened butter and vanilla, then add enough half and half to achieve a spreadable consistency. If you like, you can tint the filling for a fun twist.
Spread the filling on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie to complete.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze them for up to a month for future enjoyment.

Notes

For a richer taste, use salted butter for the cookies.
These wafers taste great chilled, enhancing their flavor.
You can customize the filling with food coloring or flavors if desired.