Pariserwafiers (Vanilla Cream Cookies) Recipe

If you have a soft spot for delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats, then the Pariserwafiers (Vanilla Cream Cookies) Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These charming, flaky cookies sandwich a smooth, vanilla buttercream that is simply irresistible. Each cookie delivers a perfect balance of buttery crispness and creamy sweetness, making them ideal for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive celebrations. Trust me, once you try these Pariserwafiers, you’ll find yourself coming back for more again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can come together to create such an elegant cookie. Each component plays a vital role—from the rich butter ensuring a tender crumb to the light cream creating a unique texture. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

• 1 cup butter (softened, 2 sticks): The star of the dough, providing richness and flakiness.
• 1/3 cup cream: Adds moisture and helps develop the perfect crumb texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure; spoon and level for accuracy.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the cookie flavor.
• Granulated sugar (for dipping the rolled cookies): Creates a lovely crunchy outer layer.
• 1/2 cup butter (softened, 1 stick): For the luscious vanilla cream frosting.
• 1 large egg yolk (optional): Adds richness to the frosting; substitute with cream if preferred.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cream with warm and aromatic notes.
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch for the frosting to balance sweetness.
• 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a creamy perfection.
• Pink, red, or green food coloring (optional): To add a festive pop of color to your frosting.

How to Make Pariserwafiers (Vanilla Cream Cookies) Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by beating 1 cup of softened butter in a large bowl or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to ensure every bit is mixed.

Step 2: Add Cream

Next, beat in 1/3 cup cream until the mixture looks slightly curdled and a bit shaggy. Don’t overmix here; it’s perfect if it looks a little broken up.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Carefully spoon and level 2 cups of flour, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Add this to the butter mixture and mix just until combined.

Step 4: Form and Chill Dough Discs

Divide the dough in half, place each on plastic wrap, and press into discs. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Rolling

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare two half baking sheets. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Roll out one dough disc to about 1/8 inch thick—thin as pie crust! Using a 1 1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut into rounds for delicate little wafers.

Step 7: Sugar Coating and Pricking

Roll each cookie round in granulated sugar, coating both sides completely. Arrange on ungreased baking sheets and prick each cookie three times with a fork to prevent puffing.

Step 8: Chill Before Baking

If you can, chill the trays in the freezer or fridge for a few minutes until the dough is very cold. This extra step ensures maximum flakiness.

Step 9: Bake Until Just Set

Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. They’ll look set but not browned—firm edges and matte tops signal perfection.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 11: Make the Vanilla Cream Frosting

Beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy, then add egg yolk (or cream), vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, adding cream if needed for softness.

Step 12: Pipe and Assemble

Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a tip or use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped. Pipe onto half of the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies.

How to Serve Pariserwafiers (Vanilla Cream Cookies) Recipe

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair by dusting your assembled Pariserwafiers with powdered sugar or decorating the frosting with vibrant sprinkles or edible pearls. It’s a simple touch that delights guests and makes these cookies utterly Instagram-able.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicate vanilla cream cookies with a cup of steaming black tea, a frothy latte, or even a refreshing glass of cold milk. Their buttery crumb and sweet filling complement a variety of beverages beautifully, elevating any snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling festive? Tint your frosting with pink, red, or green food coloring to match holidays or parties. Stack them in a pretty tin or arrange them on a tiered stand for an irresistible dessert display. You can even package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for charming gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Pariserwafiers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cookies flaky and the frosting fresh. They are best enjoyed within the first day, as the softness of the buttercream will slowly make the cookies tender over time.

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream. You can freeze fully assembled and frosted cookies or freeze the baked cookies and frosting separately. Flash freeze cookies on a tray before sealing in a freezer bag for 2-3 months of deliciousness.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, simply let frozen Pariserwafiers thaw at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft, losing their signature flakiness.

FAQs

Can I make the frosting without an egg yolk?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid egg yolk, just replace it with 2 tablespoons of cream. The frosting will still be rich, creamy, and perfect for sandwiching your cookies.

What if I don’t have kosher salt?

You can use table salt, but reduce the amount since it’s finer and saltier by volume. About 1/4 teaspoon table salt should work well instead of 1/2 teaspoon kosher.

Can I use other flavors instead of vanilla?

Definitely! Try almond or lemon extract to give the frosting a unique twist. Just swap out the vanilla measuring 1:1 with your favorite extract for a fun flavor variation.

Why do I need to prick the cookies before baking?

Pricking prevents the cookies from puffing up during baking, ensuring they stay thin and crisp—perfect for sandwiching with the cream filling.

How thin should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. This thinness creates the delicate flakiness that makes Pariserwafiers so special, almost like a tender wafer with every bite.

Final Thoughts

Once you start making the Pariserwafiers (Vanilla Cream Cookies) Recipe, you’ll realize how such simple ingredients can come together to create magic. These cookies are not only a joy to bake but a delight to share, bringing happiness in every flaky, creamy bite. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones—there’s truly no better way to brighten any day!

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