Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious? Look no further! This Nilla Wafer Cookie recipe is a delightful journey into homemade goodness, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. These cookies are wonderfully simple, making them ideal for beginner bakers while still offering a delightful, nostalgic flavor that will impress even the most seasoned cooks. Get ready to experience the joy of creating these crispy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Nilla Wafers, finely crushed
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works wonders, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do just fine!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Crushed Wafers: Gently fold in the crushed Nilla Wafers. This is where the magic happens! The subtle vanilla flavor of the wafers blends perfectly with the cookie dough.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – ovens vary, so it's best to start checking at the 10-minute mark.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these delightful homemade Nilla Wafer cookies!
Tips for the Best Nilla Wafer Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened – this helps create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Evenly Crushed Wafers: For optimal texture, make sure your Nilla Wafers are finely crushed before adding them to the dough. A food processor works great for this.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Nilla Wafers: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey kick.
- Spiced Nilla Wafers: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Mini Nilla Wafers: Use mini Nilla Wafers for a fun, textural twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator online, inputting your specific ingredients and portion size. Expect a moderate amount of calories, fat, and sugar, typical of a cookie.
These Nilla Wafer cookies are a simple pleasure, perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the classic taste of Nilla Wafers with the comforting warmth of homemade cookies. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!