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Golden Wafer Cookies

These elegant vanilla-honey butter cookies are inspired by the symbolic colors traditionally associated with celebrations honoring Saint Clare of Assisi. Decorated in white icing with subtle gold accents, they are intended as a festive dessert.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 1 minute
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 125kcal

Ingredients

  • Cookies
  • 2½ cups 300 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup 110 g honey
  • ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract optional
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • White Vanilla Icing
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 –3 tbsp warm water
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp guar gum optional, for smoother consistency
  • Decoration
  • Gold luster dust food grade
  • Small soft decorating brush
  • White sanding sugar optional

Instructions

Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Whisk together:
  • flour
  • baking powder
  • salt

Cream Butter

  • Beat together:
  • butter
  • honey
  • sugar
  • until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Mix in:
  • egg
  • vanilla
  • almond extract
  • Finish Dough
  • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
  • Mix only until combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Portion

  • Using a #30 scoop, portion the dough.
  • Roll into smooth balls.
  • Flatten gently into circles about ¼-inch thick.

Bake

  • Bake 10–12 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden.
  • The centers should remain pale.
  • Cool completely.
  • Prepare Icing
  • Whisk together:
  • powdered sugar
  • melted butter
  • vanilla
  • guar gum
  • warm water
  • until smooth and spreadable.
  • Decorate
  • Spread a thin layer of white icing over each cooled cookie.
  • Allow to set for 20–30 minutes.
  • Lightly dust portions of each cookie with edible gold luster dust using a soft food-safe brush.

Notes

Estimated Nutrition Facts (Traditional Recipe)

Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 32 g)
Servings Per Container: 24

Amount Per Serving

  • Calories: 125
Nutrient Amount % DV*
Total Fat 5 g 6%
Saturated Fat 3 g 15%
Trans Fat 0 g  
Cholesterol 18 mg 6%
Sodium 45 mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 19 g 7%
Dietary Fiber <1 g 2%
Total Sugars 11 g  
Includes Added Sugars 8 g 16%
Protein 2 g  

Key Vitamins & Minerals (Approximate)

  • Vitamin D: 0 mcg (0%)
  • Calcium: 20 mg (2%)
  • Iron: 0.6 mg (4%)
  • Potassium: 35 mg (0%)
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ingredient Functionality

  • Butter: Creates a tender, rich cookie with a delicate crumb.
  • Honey: Adds moisture, subtle floral sweetness, and promotes gentle browning.
  • Vanilla: Provides the classic flavor profile.
  • Almond Extract: Offers a light bakery-style aroma that complements the vanilla.
  • Guar Gum (Icing): Helps produce a smooth, stable icing with improved spreadability.
  • Gold Luster Dust: Provides an elegant decorative finish suitable for festive celebrations.

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months (freeze undecorated for best results; decorate after thawing).