Parisian Cream Wafers Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that combines delicate crispness with a luscious, creamy frosting, look no further than Parisian Cream Wafers. These charming little sandwich cookies boast a perfectly tender, buttery wafer hugged by a dreamy vanilla cream that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. Anyone who loves classic French-inspired sweets will adore how these Parisian Cream Wafers balance texture and flavor with finesse, making them ideal for teatime, special occasions, or simply whenever you need a little sweet joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Parisian Cream Wafers requires just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. From the richness of butter to the lightness of cream, these components harmonize beautifully to make a cookie that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures your dough comes together smoothly and your frosting stays luxuriously creamy.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your wafers, giving them their tender crumb without being too dense.
• Heavy cream: Adds moisture and softness to the dough, and creaminess to the frosting for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the wafers and adds a slight crunch when pressed on top before baking.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, silky frosting that spreads effortlessly between the cookies.
• Kosher salt: Brings out the richness of the butter and balances the sweetness for a nuanced flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic note that elevates the frosting.
• Food coloring (optional): Perfect for adding a playful or elegant touch if you want to customize your Parisian Cream Wafers.

How to Make Parisian Cream Wafers

Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough

Start by beating the unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air, resulting in a wafer that’s tender yet crisp. Slowly add the flour while your mixer is on low, then pour in the heavy cream and mix until the dough just comes together. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it for at least two hours to firm up — this chill time helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Wafers

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your workspace, then roll out the dough evenly to 1/8th of an inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a small cup to cut out delicate circles. Press each cookie top gently into granulated sugar, creating a subtle sparkle that caramelizes just a bit in the oven. Don’t forget to prick the tops with a fork; this helps prevent puffing and keeps your wafers beautifully flat. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, watching carefully so they come out golden and soft without browning. Once cooled, they’re ready for their creamy counterpart.

Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Frosting

For the frosting, beat the butter together with salt until it’s smooth and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar to avoid dust clouds, then blend in vanilla extract for a fragrant touch. Add room temperature heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, stopping when you reach a thick yet spreadable consistency. If you want to get creative, divide the frosting and tint with food coloring before assembling your Parisian Cream Wafers.

Step 4: Assembling the Parisian Cream Wafers

Spread a generous layer of frosting onto the bottom side of one wafer and gently sandwich it with another. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp cookie, making every bite memorable. Repeat this delightful pairing with the remaining wafers, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s both simple and stunning.

How to Serve Parisian Cream Wafers

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar makes for a classic, elegant presentation. For a pop of freshness, try a few edible flower petals or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios on top of the frosting before sandwiching — this adds color, texture, and a subtle flavor kick that complements the cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

These delicate Parisian Cream Wafers pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or a light coffee such as a café au lait. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream infused with citrus zest to add brightness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking these wafer sandwiches in a vintage-style tiered tray for an inviting display at your next gathering. You can also arrange them in decorative cookie boxes tied with ribbon as charming gifts. Using tinted frosting allows them to match any party theme or season, making Parisian Cream Wafers as versatile as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Parisian Cream Wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves their crisp texture while keeping the frosting fresh and creamy. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the wafers softer than intended.

Freezing

If you want to prepare well in advance, these wafers freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month in the freezer without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen Parisian Cream Wafers at their best, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving or heating directly as this can melt the frosting. The thaw allows the wafers to return to their crisp perfection.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling out and baking. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy gluten-free Parisian Cream Wafers. However, texture might vary slightly, so look for one that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

Can I use different flavors in the frosting?

Definitely! While vanilla is classic, you can swap in almond extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of espresso powder to customize the frosting and keep your Parisian Cream Wafers exciting.

Why do we prick the cookies before baking?

Pricking the dough with a fork prevents the wafers from puffing up during baking. This technique keeps them thin and crisp, which is essential for the delicate texture these wafers are loved for.

What’s the best way to cut out the cookies?

If you don’t have a cookie cutter, a small round cup or glass works perfectly as a substitute. Just make sure the dough is rolled evenly to get uniform wafers that bake consistently.

Final Thoughts

Parisian Cream Wafers are an absolute delight that brings a touch of French-inspired elegance right to your kitchen. With their crisp yet tender wafers and irresistibly creamy filling, they make for a perfect treat anytime you need a little sweetness in your day. I warmly invite you to bake these and experience firsthand the joy of sharing Parisian Cream Wafers with loved ones — you’ll be glad you did!

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