Parisian Cream Wafers Recipe

Introduction

Parisian Cream Wafers are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats are made with a rich and buttery dough that is filled with a luscious cream filling. They are incredibly delicious and will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Food coloring (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Making the cookie dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Rolling and cutting the dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the dough rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Making the cream filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the filling.

Step 4: Assembling the wafers

Once the cookies have cooled, match them up in pairs of similar size and shape. Spread a generous amount of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Gently press them together to evenly distribute the filling. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

Place the assembled wafers on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.

Variations

While the classic Parisian Cream Wafers are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with different flavors and additions to customize them to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a citrusy twist.
• Mix in some finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added crunch.
• For a chocolate version, substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder in the dough.
• Instead of the vanilla cream filling, try using raspberry jam or Nutella for a different flavor profile.

Tips

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted when making the cookie dough. This will ensure the right texture and consistency.
• Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting it will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• When assembling the wafers, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the cream filling onto the cookies for a neater and more even distribution.
• Store the assembled wafers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and maintain the filling’s consistency.

Conclusion

Parisian Cream Wafers are delightful treats that are sure to impress. With their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and creamy filling, these cookies are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence any time of the year. Get creative with variations and enjoy the deliciousness these little wafers have to offer!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.

2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Parisian Cream Wafers can stay fresh for up to a week.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While it is best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cookies, you can use salted butter if that’s all you have. Just reduce the salt in the recipe by half.

4. Can I use a different type of filling?

Absolutely! Parisian Cream Wafers can be filled with various fillings such as jam, chocolate ganache, or even flavored cream cheese. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!