National Chocolate Wafer Day
Try making chocolate wafers from scratch, or pick up your favorite brand from the store to indulge a little on this chocolate treat-based holiday.
They’re light and crispy, sweet and thin, and they’re basically the best thing ever to come out of gastronomy!
They’ve been used in every delicious culinary application you can imagine, including being crumbled over desserts, made into candy bars (Kit Kat anyone?) and used for ice cream sandwiches.
This celebration isn’t just about any old wafer (as if such a thing exists), this holiday is National Chocolate Wafer Day, and it’s about the wafer that took something special, and made it perfect.
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Wafer Day
Celebrating National Chocolate Wafer Day is easy and delicious, you just have to consume your favorite treat that has chocolate wafers in it! Never had chocolate wafers before?
Well, that’s not ok! We’ll set you up a recipe for your own chocolate wafers, and you can try it and introduce yourself and your friends to it this year!
Chocolate Wafers From Scratch!
- 1 1/2c flour
- 3/4c cocoa unsweetened
- 1c + 2T sugar
- 1/4t salt
- 1/4t baking soda
- 14t butter softened
- 3T milk
- 1t Vanilla Extract
Mix together the dry ingredients and mix in a food processor until thoroughly blended, and proceed to cut up the butter and add them to the bowl.
Pulse the mix a few times and then mix in the milk and vanilla while the blender is running. Continue to run until the mixture begins to stick to the blade or the bowl, then transfer the dough onto a cutting board and knead.
Take the mixture and form into a 14 in log approximately 2in in diameter and wrap in wax paper to chill in the fridge for an hour.
Preheat oven to 350, and then slice the log into 1/4in or less thick slices, and place them an inch apart on cookie sheets lined with wax paper. 12-15 minutes and they’re done! Let them cool and enjoy!
History of National Chocolate Wafer Day
Probably the most prominent example of chocolate wafers is the now famous Kit Kat bar, a delicious combination of chocolate and wafers that are popular in America.
But those are just the wafers that are covered in chocolate, Nabisco makes a style of wafers that are actually completely chocolate and utterly delicious all on their own.
But that’s not how we suggest you actually consume them, instead follow their recipe for an incredible chocolate wafer cake and you’ll know what true bliss is.
Another version of the chocolate wafer can be found in the chocolate waffle cones that are used to serve ice-cream. While shaped into a cone and called waffle cones, that just refers to the patterns that come from their preparation.
At the end of the day they’re still wafers, and we look forward to enjoying them in the summer heat each year, and in the dead of winter. Spring is nice… Ok, just every season, chocolate wafer are that delicious!
National Chocolate Wafer Day FAQs
Did chocolate wafers inspire other desserts?
Yes! Chocolate wafers influenced desserts like icebox cakes, popularized in the 1920s.
These no-bake cakes stack chocolate wafers and whipped cream, then chill overnight. The wafers soften, creating a creamy, layered dessert.
What unusual chocolate wafer traditions exist globally?
In Japan, KitKat wafers are exchanged as good luck charms during exams.
The name sounds like “kitto katsu,” meaning “surely win” in Japanese. Special flavors like matcha and sakura blossom add cultural flair.
What’s a common misconception about chocolate wafers?
Many think all wafers are sweet. Historically, wafers were plain and used in religious ceremonies. Chocolate variations emerged later, transforming them into popular treats.
How did World War II impact chocolate wafer production?
During World War II, sugar rationing led to simpler recipes. Companies like KitKat thrived by adapting to the scarcity, using wafers to stretch limited chocolate supplies.
Are chocolate wafers only eaten as snacks?
No! Many cultures use them in recipes. In Italy, crushed chocolate wafers are mixed into gelato. In India, they’re often added to milkshakes or garnished on cakes.
Why are wafers considered a versatile treat?
Wafers are light and adaptable. They can pair with chocolate, caramel, or even savory fillings like cheese in some parts of Europe. Their texture complements almost any flavor.
What’s the strangest chocolate wafer flavor ever created?
Unusual flavors have surfaced worldwide. In Thailand, chocolate wafers with durian-flavored filling are sold. The pungent fruit creates a divisive yet intriguing snack.
How do chocolate wafers compare to traditional cookies?
Wafers are thinner and crisper than cookies. Their delicate structure allows them to absorb flavors, making them ideal for layered desserts or pairings with hot drinks.
What role do chocolate wafers play in holidays?
In Germany, Christmas markets sell Lebkuchen wafers coated in chocolate. These spiced cookies often include dried fruits and nuts, celebrating seasonal flavors.
Can chocolate wafers be considered eco-friendly?
Yes, some companies make sustainable versions. Brands like Manner in Austria use fair-trade chocolate and recyclable packaging, aligning with environmental values.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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