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stacked vanilla wafers ready to eat on a cutting board with a white bowl and plaid napkin inside

Healthier Homemade Vanilla Wafers

These healthier homemade vanilla wafers are crispy, buttery, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Free from preservatives and artificial flavors, they’re the perfect from-scratch alternative to store-bought vanilla wafer cookies.
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 30 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup cane sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cane sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in pure vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Drop teaspoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. For extra crispy vanilla wafers, bake an additional 1–2 minutes.
  8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool fully to crisp.

Notes

  • For crispier vanilla wafers, bake slightly longer and allow to cool completely.
  • Cream the butter and sugar well.
  • Use a high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.