Grandmas Best Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Grandmas Best vanilla wafer cookies Recipe Homemade Bliss

By Fia MartinezJuly 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Grandma's Best: Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies Intro

Fancy a trip down memory lane? I’m talking about proper comfort food. Let's dive into making vanilla wafer cookies that taste just like Grandma used to make.

These buttery biscuits are subtly sweet and perfect with a cuppa.

Vanilla Wafer Cookies : A Taste of Nostalgia

These simple biscuits have roots in early American baking. Originally mass-produced, we're making Homemade Vanilla Wafers Nilla from scratch! It takes about an hour, including chilling time, and this recipe yields around 48 cookies.

Easy peasy.

Why You'll Love Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Honestly, these Crispy Vanilla Wafer Cookies are just good for the soul. Vanilla is known to have a calming effect.

Plus, they're fantastic for making banana pudding or just enjoying as a simple snack. Homemade Wafers are special because you control the ingredients, making them that little bit better.

What You Need to Bake the Best Vanilla Wafers

Ready to get started? Before we begin, let's ensure we have all our ingredients at hand. Baking these vanilla wafer cookies from scratch is easier than you might think!

Grandmas Best Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies presentation

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, making homemade vanilla wafers Nilla style isn't hard. But using good stuff does make a difference.

Trust me. You wanna end up with crispy vanilla wafer cookies , right?

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's what you'll need, nice and simple:

Butter: 1 cup (227g) unsalted. Make sure it's softened but still cool. Softened butter, but still cool, or the dough will spread when cooking. Quality butter really shines here.
Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) granulated.
Egg: 1 large egg. About 50 grams.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (10ml) . Nielsen-Massey's Bourbon Vanilla Extract is my fave for a richer flavor.
Flour: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose, plus extra for dusting.
Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) .
Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters

Vanilla is the star, obviously. But don't underestimate the power of good quality vanilla extract. I've tried the cheap stuff, and honestly? It just doesn't compare.

Adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg could be awesome. Lemon zest is also amazing if you like lemon vanilla wafer dessert recipes .

Thinking about substitutes? Almond extract is a nice twist if you're feeling adventurous. But stick to vanilla if you want that classic taste.

For gluten free vanilla wafers substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up these vanilla wafer cookies from scratch .

Mixer: Stand mixer or hand mixer.
Baking sheets.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Small cookie scoop (optional).
Rolling pin (optional).
2-inch round cookie cutter (optional).

Honestly, a good bowl and a strong arm can do the trick if you don't have a mixer. I have done it a million times!

Now, about the cookie cutter. If you don't have one, just use a knife to cut out squares! The world will not end.

If you are looking for an easy vanilla wafer recipe , just remember all the basics! For the best vanilla wafer cookie recipe just follow this recipe.

Grandma’s Best: Let's Bake Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies!

These homemade vanilla wafer cookies are just like Grandma used to make. Honestly, I could eat the whole batch myself! They are perfect for snacking, adding to desserts, or having with a cuppa.

Prep Like a Pro for Your Vanilla Wafer Recipe

First, get everything ready. This is called mise en place , fancy, innit?. Soften 1 cup (227g) of butter. It should be soft, but still cool! Measure out ¾ cup (150g) of sugar.

Crack 1 egg and measure 2 teaspoons (10ml) of vanilla extract. I love Nielsen-Massey's Bourbon Vanilla extract. It gives these vanilla wafer cookies such a rich flavour.

Measure out 2 cups (250g) of flour. Add ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of salt to that flour, keep it safe!.

Lastly, pour 2 tablespoons (30ml) of milk into a bowl. This is the base for that perfect batch of crispy vanilla wafer cookies.

Now for the fun part! Making cookies!

Step-by-Step to Delicious Vanilla Wafers

Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Don’t rush this part!
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry stuff to the wet stuff. Mix on low. Don’t overmix!
Mix in the milk. The dough will be a bit sticky.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This helps stop them from spreading when you bake.
Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles or use a small cookie scoop.
Bake for 8- 10 minutes . Look for light golden edges. Don’t let them burn!
Cool on the baking sheets before moving to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Don't overbake. Overbaked wafers are hard, not delicate, like those amazing homemade vanilla wafers Nilla you adore. Chill the dough.

It really makes a difference!. You can make the dough ahead of time. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Just let it soften a bit before rolling it out.

I hope you like these vanilla wafer cookies from scratch! They're my family's favorite. They're so versatile. I use them in vanilla wafer dessert recipes all the time.

Let me know if you like this Easy vanilla wafer recipe ! These make a Best vanilla wafer cookie recipe.

Recipe Notes

So, you're about to whip up a batch of my Grandma’s Best: Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies . Fantastic! I always feel like I’m getting a warm hug from the past when I make these.

Honestly, I think these are the best vanilla wafer cookie recipe ever, they're just so damn good! Here are a few notes to make sure yours turn out perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key, innit? I love arranging these little beauties on a tiered cake stand. Think posh biscuits at a tea party! Or, for a more rustic vibe, pile them high in a cute little basket.

They look fab either way.

Vanilla wafer dessert recipes abound. Pair these crispy vanilla wafer cookies with a classic banana pudding for a real crowd-pleaser.

A simple glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of tea is also a winning combo. For the grown-ups, maybe a cheeky glass of dessert wine?

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store your homemade wafers in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh at room temperature for about 5-7 days. Keep them away from moisture or they'll go a bit soft.

Fancy freezing some? Go for it! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

They'll keep for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature. They still taste great!

To reheat, simply pop them in a 175° C ( 350° F) oven for a minute or two to crisp them up. Watch them like a hawk, though!

Variations

Fancy a twist? How about lemon Homemade Vanilla Wafers Nilla ? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a zingy kick.

Feeling chocolatey? Mix two tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. Instant chocolate vanilla wafer cookies from scratch !

If you need Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers , just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Works a treat!

Nutrition Basics

Alright, let's get real. Each cookie is around 50 calories. There is also about 1g of protein, 3g of fat and 6g of carbs each.

These numbers are estimates. These easy vanilla wafer recipe cookies are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation.

These cookies bring people together. They are the perfect taste of nostalgia.

I hope you have a blast making these! Honestly, don't stress too much if they aren't perfect on your first try.

How to make vanilla wafers is all about practice. Just enjoy the process! You will soon find that your vanilla wafer recipe will be the best.

Enjoy!

Delicious Vanilla Wafer Recipe Grandmas Secret REVEALED

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my vanilla wafer cookies spreading too thin while baking?

Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough hasn't been chilled long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and don't skip the chilling step – at least 30 minutes in the fridge should do the trick to firm up the dough. Also, avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to flatter cookies.

Can I make these vanilla wafer cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The vanilla wafer cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

What can I use vanilla wafer cookies for besides snacking?

Vanilla wafers are incredibly versatile! Everyone knows that they are a key ingredient in classic banana pudding, and they also make a great base for cheesecakes or pie crusts. Crumble them up and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or use them to make ice cream sandwiches. They are really quite delicious.

I don't have all-purpose flour. Can I substitute another type of flour when making vanilla wafer cookies?

While all-purpose flour is the best choice for achieving the right texture in vanilla wafer cookies, you can try using cake flour for a slightly more tender cookie. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be aware that the texture may be slightly different. Avoid using bread flour, as it will result in a tougher cookie.

How do I store my homemade vanilla wafer cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your homemade vanilla wafer cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help prevent them from drying out or becoming stale. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They should stay fresh for up to a week... if they last that long, that is!