Best Vegan Vanilla Wafer Cookie Recipe for Easy Baking

Updated On: October 7, 2025

There’s something truly nostalgic about vanilla wafer cookies—those delicate, buttery morsels that melt in your mouth and pair perfectly with so many desserts. But what if you want to enjoy that classic flavor while sticking to a vegan lifestyle?

That’s where this best vegan vanilla wafer cookie recipe comes in. Crafted with plant-based ingredients and free from any animal products, these cookies retain that signature crispness and sweet vanilla aroma we all love.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply seeking a healthier alternative, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for anytime snacking or dessert accompaniment.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through every step to make these irresistible vegan vanilla wafers, share tips for perfecting the texture, and suggest some creative ways to enjoy them beyond the cookie jar.

Let’s dive into the world of vegan baking and create some cookie magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan vanilla wafer recipe is a game-changer for cookie lovers looking to avoid eggs, dairy, and other animal products without compromising on flavor or texture. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry—no need for specialty items.
  • Perfectly crisp: Achieves that classic vanilla wafer crunch with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
  • Versatile: Ideal for snacking, ice cream sandwiches, or as a base for other desserts.
  • Quick and easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite flavors or mix-ins to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) melted coconut oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (helps with texture)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet(s)
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar (if using) until smooth.
  4. Bring it together: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Shape the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop small balls of dough onto the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each ball as cookies will spread slightly.
  6. Flatten gently: Vanilla wafers are traditionally thin, so lightly press each dough ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
  8. Cool completely: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps them crisp up perfectly.
  9. Store well: Once completely cooled, store your vanilla wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.”

Tip: If you want your cookies thinner and crisper, gently roll or pat the dough thinner before baking, but be cautious as thinner cookies bake faster.

Variation Ideas:

  • Chocolate-Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted vegan dark chocolate and let set for an indulgent treat.
  • Lemon Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend; you may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly.
  • Spiced Wafers: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ginger for warm spice notes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Cookie (approx.)
Calories 70 kcal
Fat 4.5 g
Saturated Fat 3.5 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 0.3 g
Sugar 4 g
Protein 0.5 g
Sodium 35 mg

Serving Suggestions

These vegan vanilla wafer cookies are delightfully versatile. Here are some ideas to enjoy them:

  • Classic snack: Pair with a cup of tea or your favorite plant-based milk for a simple treat.
  • Ice cream sandwiches: Layer vegan ice cream between two wafers for a refreshing dessert.
  • Pie crust base: Crush the cookies and mix with vegan butter to form a quick pie or cheesecake crust.
  • Trifle layers: Use broken wafers as a crunchy layer in vegan trifles or parfaits, like the Christmas Parfait Dessert Recipes.
  • Dipping: Dip in melted vegan chocolate or nut butters for added indulgence.

Conclusion

Making the best vegan vanilla wafer cookies from scratch is easier than you think, and the results are nothing short of delicious. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved classic cookie while sticking to a plant-based diet.

The balance of crisp texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and simple ingredients makes these wafers perfect for everyday snacking or as a special treat during holidays and celebrations.

Plus, with options to customize the flavors and serving ideas, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy them. If you’re looking to expand your vegan baking repertoire, don’t miss other delightful recipes such as the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the rich and decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

For savory inspiration, check out the Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes (vegan-friendly versions available!).

Happy baking, and enjoy your vegan vanilla wafer cookies!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Vanilla Wafer Cookie Recipe

Description: Delightfully crisp and buttery vegan vanilla wafer cookies perfect for snacking or dessert bases. Easy to make with simple plant-based ingredients.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch.
  3. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, almond milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
  5. Roll dough into small balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment.
  6. Flatten each ball gently with a fork or fingers.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Cool completely before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal per cookie | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 11 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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