Tarragon Wafers

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Tarragon Wafers are delicate, flavorful cookies with a subtle anise-like tarragon aroma, perfect for sophisticated gatherings or as a unique treat for herb lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup toasted sesame seed
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed tarragon
  • 3/4 cup sifted flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla together.
  2. Beat in egg and stir in sesame seed, pecans, and tarragon.
  3. Sift dry ingredients together and add to the mixture; mix well.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If you don’t have toasted sesame seeds, you can toast raw seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden. If you're out of tarragon, dill or basil can serve as substitutes, though the flavor will differ. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

These tarragon wafers make a delightful afternoon snack or a unique addition to a dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant touch, serve them alongside a light dessert like Lemony Cheese Cake or as a complement to a refreshing drink like Creamy Pineapple-Coconut Punch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tarragon wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in an oven at 350°F until just crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tarragon Wafers contains roughly 928 calories, with 23g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

928 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.8g 46% DV
Total Fat 46g 59% DV
Carbs 114.6g 42% DV
Fiber 9.1g 32% DV
Sugar 31.9g 64% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 460mg 20% DV
Potassium 2004.4mg 43% DV
Cholesterol 155.7mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 134.1mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 23.1mg 26% DV
Calcium 812.7mg 63% DV
Iron 18.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts Sesame

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 make these wafers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a short while before scooping and baking.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar with a tablespoon of molasses mixed in to achieve a similar flavor and moisture. Light brown sugar will work best, but dark brown sugar can also be used for a richer taste.

How do I know when the wafers are done baking?

The wafers are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. They might look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as they can become hard instead of crisp.

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).

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