Is there gluten in Nilla Wafers?

Answered by James Kissner

There is gluten in traditional Nilla Wafers. They are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, if you are looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can make homemade Nilla Wafers using almond flour instead.

I recently discovered a great recipe for gluten-free Nilla Wafers that uses almond flour as the base. Almond flour is made from ground almonds and is naturally gluten-free. It provides a delicious nutty flavor and a nice texture to these homemade wafers.

To make gluten-free Nilla Wafers, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut flour
– 1/4 cup tapioca flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg

Here’s how to make them:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step.
3. Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together well.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball and flatten it with your palm.
8. Place the flattened dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie to create the classic crisscross pattern that Nilla Wafers are known for.
10. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
11. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These homemade gluten-free Nilla Wafers are a great alternative for those who follow a gluten-free diet. They have a similar taste and texture to the traditional wafers, but without the gluten. They are perfect for snacking on their own or for using as a base for desserts like banana pudding or ice cream sandwiches.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these gluten-free Nilla Wafers as much as I do!