There’s something truly magical about homemade vanilla wafers. These Easy Vegan Vanilla Wafers are crisp, light, and perfect for snacking on their own or using in your favorite desserts like banana pudding. With a simple set of ingredients, you can have these tasty wafers ready in just 30 minutes. They’re vegan-friendly and sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Vanilla Wafers:
- Vegan-friendly: No eggs, dairy, or animal products, just light, buttery flavor.
- Perfectly crispy: With a crisp texture on the outside and a delicate, light inside.
- Quick and easy: Ready to bake in just 20 minutes with no chilling required.
- Versatile: Delicious as a snack or used in desserts like banana pudding, parfaits, or even cheesecake crusts.
What You’ll Need
These simple ingredients will come together to create the most delicious vanilla wafers.
For the Coating:
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cookies:
- 150 g (5.3 oz) vegan block butter, room temperature
- 100 g (½ cup) soft brown sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 30 g (2 tbsp) soft silken tofu
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Ingredient Notes:
- Vegan Butter: Use vegan block butter for the best texture-avoid spreadable margarine or butter from a tub.
- Sugar Combo: The blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the wafers their perfect texture—moist on the inside, crispy on the outside.
- Silken Tofu: Acts as a perfect egg replacement for this recipe, giving these wafers a soft texture. You can also swap it out for vegan yogurt or sour cream if preferred.
- Cream of Tartar: This gives the cookies their classic tangy flavor. It’s a key ingredient in making these wafers as perfect as possible.
- Leavening Agents: Baking soda and baking powder work together to provide the right texture-chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside.
How to Make Vegan Vanilla Wafers
1. Prepare the Sugar Coating
In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside to coat the dough balls later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the silken tofu and vanilla extract to the bowl and continue mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir with a spatula until fully combined. You should have a thick dough.
4. Shape the Wafers
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough into 30g portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
5. Bake the Wafers
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The wafers will be golden brown and firm to the touch when done. Let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips:
- Cookie Size: For uniformity, make sure each cookie is approximately 30g. This ensures even baking.
- Flatten the Dough: Don’t skip this step, as it helps the wafers bake evenly and get that perfect texture.
- Leave Space on the Sheet: Be sure to leave at least 2 inches between each cookie on the baking sheet, as they will spread slightly.
- Cooling: Let the wafers cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool.
FAQs
How long will vegan vanilla wafers stay fresh?
These wafers are best enjoyed within the first 5 days of baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze these vegan vanilla wafers?
Yes! You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. For the best results, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I make these without silken tofu?
Silken tofu helps provide moisture and the correct texture, but you can substitute it with vegan yogurt or vegan sour cream for similar results.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these wafers gluten-free. Make sure to use a blend with xanthan gum for structure.
More Vegan Dessert Recipes to Try:
Happy Baking!
These Vegan Vanilla Wafers are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, use them in desserts, or share them with friends and family, they’re sure to please! Simple, quick, and so delicious, they’ll soon be a favorite in your baking repertoire.