If you’re a fan of delicate, wafer-thin cookies, you’ll love Traditional Italian Pizzelle Cookies. These classic Italian treats are known for their light, crisp texture and subtle flavor, which can range from vanilla and anise to lemon. Made with a special pizzelle iron that creates beautiful patterns on each cookie, pizzelles are perfect for breakfast ,holidays, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a hot drink. Let’s dive into this authentic recipe and make some delicious pizzelles!
Traditional Italian Pizzelle Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: About 24 pizzelle cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or anise extract for a traditional flavor)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Optional flavor additions: lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder for chocolate pizzelles
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth and pale. Add the melted butter and vanilla (or anise) extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Heat the Pizzelle Iron: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the iron if needed.
- Cook the Pizzelles: Drop a heaping teaspoon of batter onto the center of each pizzelle pattern. Close the iron and cook for 20–30 seconds, or until the pizzelle is lightly golden and crisp. Use a spatula to carefully remove each pizzelle and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizzelles to cool completely, where they will become crisp. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch, if desired.
🍋 Tips for Perfect Pizzelle Cookies
- Experiment with Flavors: While anise is traditional, try vanilla, almond, or even lemon zest for variety.
- Work Quickly: Once each pizzelle is done cooking, transfer it to a wire rack right away to cool and crisp up.
- Storage: Store pizzelles in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crisp. If they soften over time, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Serving Suggestions
Pizzelle cookies are wonderfully versatile. They’re perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea, and they also make beautiful edible gifts! Serve them as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of gelato between two pizzelles.