The Ultimate Guide to Delicate, Buttery Sandwich Cookies
Indulging in Parisian Cream Wafers is like experiencing a small taste of European elegance—crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies paired with a silky, buttery filling that feels like pure luxury. As pastry enthusiasts, we take great pride in creating these dainty sandwich cookies with precision, ensuring every bite brings both texture and richness together flawlessly. Below, we present a comprehensive guide to mastering this exquisite dessert, from ingredients to techniques, along with expert tips to help elevate your baking.
What Makes Parisian Cream Wafers So Unique?
These classic wafers are an irresistible combination of buttery, tender cookies and velvety cream filling. Their dough contains just a few ingredients—butter, flour, and heavy cream—which give them their signature delicacy. Rolled ultra-thin and dusted with sugar before baking, the cookies achieve a crisp yet fragile texture that pairs perfectly with a rich frosting. Their refined look and elegant flavor profile make them ideal for special gatherings, holiday cookie trays, afternoon tea, and edible gifting.
Ingredients for Authentic Parisian Cream Wafers
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for pressing cookie tops)
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream (room temperature)
- Food coloring (optional)
How to Make Parisian Cream Wafer Cookies
1. Preparing the Delicate Cookie Dough
Creating the perfect wafer begins with properly creamed butter. We recommend beating the butter until light, fluffy, and aerated, which usually takes 2–3 minutes. This step ensures the dough has the silky texture required for thin rolling later.
Gradually incorporate the flour while mixing on low speed. Once it resembles coarse crumbs, add the heavy cream. The cream binds the mixture together and adds richness. Avoid overmixing, as the dough should remain tender. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—a crucial step that helps the dough firm up, making rolling easier and maintaining the cookies’ shape in the oven.
2. Rolling and Shaping the Wafers
After chilling, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to an even 1/8-inch thickness. Consistency is essential for uniform baking.
Use a round cutter or small glass rim to create the classic wafer shape. Press the tops of each circle into granulated sugar to help form a crisp, subtly sweet crust.
Prick the tops with a fork to allow steam to escape, ensuring the cookies stay flat and crisp instead of puffing.
Place on parchment-lined sheets and prepare for baking.
3. Baking the Cookies to Perfection
Bake the cookies at 375°F for 7–9 minutes, watching closely. They should remain pale and almost colorless—removing them just before browning ensures they retain their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Allow them to cool completely before assembling. Warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt, so patience is key.
Making the Velvety Cream Filling
1. Creaming the Butter
Beat softened butter with kosher salt for 3–5 minutes until smooth and silky. Properly whipped butter is essential for a cloudlike frosting that spreads easily between wafers.
2. Adding Sugar and Flavor
Gradually sift in powdered sugar to avoid lumps, then incorporate the vanilla extract. The frosting should be thick but easy to spread.
3. Adjusting Consistency
Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the mixture achieves a spreadable, whipped consistency. If desired, divide the frosting and tint with food coloring for a beautiful visual contrast.
Assembling Parisian Cream Wafers
When both the cookies and frosting are ready, spread a small amount of filling onto the bottom of one wafer. Gently press another wafer on top to form a delicate sandwich.
Continue until all cookies are paired. The wafers improve in texture after a few hours as the cream softens the cookie centers slightly.
Store them chilled for optimal freshness, though allow them to come to room temperature before serving so the flavors fully bloom.
Expert Tips for the Best Parisian Cream Wafers
Chill the Dough Thoroughly
The dough must remain cold to roll smoothly and retain shape. If it softens during rolling, return it to the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Roll Evenly for Perfect Texture
Uneven dough thickness results in inconsistent baking. A rolling pin ring or guide helps maintain uniformity.
Avoid Overbaking
These cookies should remain pale. Overbaking creates a brittle, dry texture that detracts from the delicate experience.
Use Quality Butter
Because butter is the primary ingredient, choosing a high-fat, European-style butter enhances flavor and tenderness.
Color Your Frosting for Added Elegance
Pastel pinks, greens, or blues elevate presentation—especially for tea parties, bridal showers, and baby showers.
Serving Suggestions for Parisian Cream Wafers
These wafers pair delightfully with:
- Earl Grey or Jasmine tea
- Espresso or cappuccino
- Champagne or sparkling rosé for upscale events
- Holiday cookie assortments
- Dessert boards with fruits and chocolates
For gifting, arrange them in decorative tins or parchment-lined boxes, adding a ribbon for a classy finishing touch.
Why Parisian Cream Wafers Are Ideal for Entertaining
Their petite size, elegant appearance, and luxurious flavor make them an impressive addition to any dessert spread. They’re easy to customize with food coloring, flavored frostings, or cookie cutter shapes, making them both versatile and visually appealing.
They freeze beautifully, which means they can be prepared in advance—an absolute advantage for busy holiday seasons or special events.
Storing and Freezing Parisian Cream Wafers
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Long-Term Freezing
Freeze assembled cookies for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature.
This method helps maintain their delicate texture.
Conclusion: The Charm of Parisian Cream Wafers
With their crisp, buttery base and luscious cream filling, Parisian Cream Wafers embody refined simplicity. Whether served at festive gatherings or enjoyed as an everyday indulgence, these cookies offer a timeless treat that delights every palate. By following these detailed steps, you can create bakery-quality wafers that stand out in flavor, texture, and visual appeal.