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Easy Homemade Bare Vanilla Wafer Cookies Recipe

Bare Vanilla Wafers

Sara Coleman
Crisp, delicate vanilla wafers made with real vanilla bean paste for an intense, aromatic flavor. These buttery cookies are perfect for snacking, layering in desserts, or pairing with tea or coffee.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings 32 wafers
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream optional for brushing

Notes

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked wafers in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Make-ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; let soften slightly before shaping. Variations: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom to dough, or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking. Serving suggestion: Use in banana pudding, as a base for cheesecake, or dipped in melted chocolate.