30 Minute Homemade Vanilla Wafers

5 from 1 vote

Ready in half an hour, this Homemade Nilla Wafers recipe results in the perfect sweet snack or topping for your favorite desserts!

Prep Time18

Cook Time12

Total Time30

Servings: cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Sift together the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
1 ½ cups flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder
Using a stand mixer, mix the butter, confectioners' sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for at least 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk and blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
8 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature, ½ cup confectioners' sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, room temperature, 2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon milk
While mixing on low, gradually add the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate the resulting dough for 10-15 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a scoop to place ½ teaspoon-sized amounts of the batter about 1 inch apart onto the baking sheet lined.
Bake for 12 minutes or until the cookies turn a golden color.
Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

If you're short on time, you can skip the refrigeration step, though the cookies may spread more.
For a pretty presentation, you can drizzle the wafers with melted chocolate. You can use chocolate, white chocolate, or even colored melting wafers to match any occasion.
Make small sandwich cookies by spreading a bit of Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese frosting between two wafers.
Swap out the vanilla extract for other flavors like almond or lemon extract to create different varieties.
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serve with a bowl of vanilla pudding or banana pudding for a classic dessert combination.
Use the wafers as a crunchy topping for ice cream, yogurt, or fruit parfaits.
Enjoy the wafers with coffee or tea for a light, sweet snack during the day.