Best Vegan Vanilla Wafers Recipe for Crisp, Sweet Treats

Updated On: October 7, 2025

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about vanilla wafers – those delicate, crisp cookies that melt in your mouth with a sweet, buttery vanilla flavor. But what if you could enjoy this classic treat without any animal products?

Welcome to the world of vegan vanilla wafers, where simplicity meets compassion without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to eggs and dairy, or simply looking for a healthier homemade alternative to store-bought wafers, this recipe promises a delightful experience.

These wafers are perfectly light, subtly sweet, and packed with pure vanilla goodness. They’re fantastic on their own, or as a crunchy base for desserts like vegan banana pudding or layered parfaits.

Plus, making them from scratch means you control exactly what goes in, avoiding preservatives and unwanted additives. Get ready to impress friends and family with these irresistibly tasty, easy-to-make vegan vanilla wafers that will quickly become your go-to cookie recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, these vegan vanilla wafers are incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in under an hour.

No special vegan substitutes or complicated steps are needed, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Secondly, the texture is spot-on: crispy on the edges, tender in the center. Achieving this balance is often tricky in vegan baking, but the combination of coconut oil and unsweetened plant milk does the trick beautifully.

Lastly, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can easily tweak the sweetness, add a hint of spice, or incorporate mix-ins like chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips.

It’s a blank canvas for your creativity while staying true to the classic vanilla wafer flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly combined for a uniform dough.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: pour in the melted coconut oil, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. The texture should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon of flour; if too dry, add a splash more almond milk.
  4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave some room between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
  5. Flatten each dough ball gently with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to form thin discs approximately 1/4 inch thick. This step is crucial for getting that classic wafer thinness and crisp texture.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they harden as they cool.
  7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Cooling completely is essential for that perfect crisp snap.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, try using vegan butter instead of coconut oil, or add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice twist.”

Experiment with different plant milks; oat milk adds a mild sweetness, while soy milk offers a creamier texture. If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping in mind that texture may vary slightly.

To make these wafers extra special, consider dipping half of each cookie in melted vegan dark chocolate and letting them set on parchment paper. These chocolate-dipped vanilla wafers make an elegant treat for parties or gifts.

For a nutty variation, fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the dough before scooping. This adds a delightful crunch and complements the vanilla beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories 65 kcal
Fat 3.5 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 0.3 g
Sugar 4 g
Protein 0.5 g
Sodium 45 mg

Serving Suggestions

Vegan vanilla wafers are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them straight from the cooling rack as a simple snack or pair them with your favorite plant-based milk for a comforting treat.

They’re also perfect for layering in desserts.

Try using them as a base in vegan banana pudding or crumble them over dairy-free yogurt topped with fresh fruit. For a fun twist, stack wafers with vegan whipped cream and berries for an easy mini parfait.

If you love experimenting with desserts, check out our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe or the creamy Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to complement your homemade wafers perfectly.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan vanilla wafers is a rewarding way to enjoy a timeless cookie with a compassionate twist. This recipe balances simplicity, flavor, and texture beautifully, making it ideal for anyone seeking a wholesome, plant-based treat.

The crisp, lightly sweet wafers are perfect for snacking, baking, or dessert layering — and knowing exactly what’s in them adds extra satisfaction.

With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal fuss, these wafers invite you to bake confidently, whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro. Plus, you can customize them endlessly to suit your taste and dietary needs.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore other delicious options like our Chicken Bruschetta Recipe Stove Top Stuffing or the flavorful Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for more culinary inspiration.

Happy baking and enjoy your vegan vanilla wafers!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Vanilla Wafers Recipe

Description: Deliciously crispy and buttery vegan vanilla wafers perfect for snacking or baking. Easy to make with simple plant-based ingredients.

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

Servings: 24 wafers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix ground flaxseed and water; let sit for 5 minutes to form flax egg.
  3. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and flax egg; stir until combined.
  5. Roll dough into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
  8. Cool wafers on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 12g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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