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1950s Crispy Homemade Vanilla Wafers Recipe

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This authentic 1950s vanilla wafers recipe creates perfectly crispy cookies with tender centers using real butter and vanilla. Ready in under 30 minutes of hands-on time, these homemade wafers taste infinitely better than store-bought versions and are perfect for banana pudding, snacking, or gifting. The roll-and-slice method ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly every time.

  • Total Time: 3 Hours 25 Minutes
  • Yield: 7 Dozen 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, unbeaten
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Measure flour, baking powder, and salt into a sifter. Sift together into a medium bowl and set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream butter (or margarine) until soft and smooth. Add sugar gradually, creaming after each addition until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until completely combined and mixture looks smooth.
  4. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and blend well until no dry flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a roll about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each roll tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator until firm, about 3 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  7. Place chilled rolls on a cutting board covered with waxed paper. Using a sharp knife, cut dough into ⅛-inch thick slices. Place slices on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake in preheated 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
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