Parsons Wafers
Delicate Parsons Wafers are light, buttery cookies with a crisp texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for tea time or as a refined treat for guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the softened butter, whipping cream, and flour together to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough onto a sugared board to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Turn the dough over in sugar to coat both sides.
- Cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch circles.
- Prick the tops of the circles with a fork.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375°F for 7 to 9 minutes, until puffy and light gold in color.
- Allow the wafers to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is very soft but not melted. You can substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the dough. To enhance the flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Parsons Wafers as a delightful treat with tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Mary'S Orange Blossom Muffins for a lovely brunch spread. You can also enjoy them alongside fresh fruit or a light dessert like Fresh Strawberry Pie(Microwave) to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parsons Wafers contains roughly 410 calories, with 9g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture of the wafers. Butter gives a richer taste and a more delicate crumb, which is essential for traditional Parsons Wafers.
How can I make these wafers gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Parsons Wafers, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better structure and chewiness.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and the dough. You can also refrigerate it for an additional 15-30 minutes to firm it up before rolling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).