PIZZELLE COOKIES- IT’S TRADITION!

Pizzelle Cookies are a lovely crisp and thin cookie made with just 7 ingredients including eggs, flour, vanilla, and butter. This recipe for Italian Christmas cookies is so delicious and sweet, making for a light and wonderful cookie packed with amazing flavor.

Despite their delicate appearance, Italian pizzelle cookies are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a pizzelle iron, anyone can follow this pizzelle recipe at home. Whether enjoyed on their own or used as a base for other desserts, pizzelle cookies are a must-try!

Italian Waffle Cookies

These cookies were a staple growing up, they are another “grandma” tradition in our family. My mom inherited my grandma’s pizzelle irons, so we meander on over to their house every Christmas season, and at 2-minutes per cookie, we crank out hundreds of these during the holidays. I have never found a substitute for these sensational cookies, nor have I ever tasted another recipe that tastes quite like my grandma’s.

Traditionally these cookies are made with anise for added flavor, but we leave that out of this recipe because we aren’t fans of the anise flavor. So instead what we create is a buttery vanilla taste that’s pretty incredible!

Why You Should Make Pizzelle Cookies

• They make great gifts. Making this Pizzelle cookie recipe is a perfect idea for gifts during the holidays, it is such a classic recipe that never goes out of style.
• They’re lightly sweetened. Compared to all of the heavy holiday foods and desserts you will no doubt eat this season, this pizzelle dessert is delicate, light, and sweet making it a perfect addition to balance out the heavier foods on the table.
• You can add different toppings. A couple of great options are powder sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even a nice melted chocolate drizzle. You can be creative with the topping, these cookies are so simple and delicious anything you add to them will taste amazing.

Pizzelle Cookie Ingredients

Sugar: Using 15 TBSP of granulated sugar will provide the perfect amount of sweetness to these treats. This is just shy of 1 cup of sugar.

Baking powder: Adding in 2 tsp. of baking powder will give just the right amount of leavening agent to these cookies.

Salt: You only need 1 tsp. of salt to help balance all the wonderful flavors in this recipe.

Flour: Use 4-5 cups of all-purpose flour for the base of this cookie dough.

Eggs: You will need 6 eggs for the cookies to be a lovely light texture.

Vanilla extract: Using 1 tsp. of vanilla extract will help enhance all the flavors in this amazing recipe.

Butter: You need 15 TBSP of melted butter for nice rich tasting cookies. This is equal to almost 2 full sticks of butter.

Step by Step on How to Make Pizzelle Cookies

Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, baking powder, salt, and flour, whisk to combine.

Then, add in the beaten eggs and melted butter until fully combined.

Next, knead the mixture to form a soft dough.

After that, use a tablespoon size cookie scoop and begin to roll the cookie dough into ping pong ball size dough balls.

Cook cookies

Proceed to place the balls of dough, one at a time, in the iron, cooking on a gas stove for about one minute per side. If you are using an electric pizzelle maker, cook each batch for 2 minutes.

Then remove them from the iron, place on a baking sheet, and sprinkle each cookie with your choice of topping.

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, serve warm and enjoy!

Variations of Pizzelle Cookies

Pizzelle cookies are a traditional Italian dessert that can be customized in many ways to suit different tastes. Here are some popular variations of pizzelle cookies:

Chocolate Pizzelle Cookies: Chocolate pizzelle cookies are a delicious twist on the classic recipe. To make them, simply add cocoa powder to the batter. The result is a rich, chocolatey cookie that pairs well with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Lemon Pizzelle Cookies: Lemon pizzelle cookies are a refreshing option for those who prefer a tangy flavor. Simply add lemon zest and juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy taste. These cookies are perfect for summer picnics or as a light dessert after a heavy meal.

Anise Pizzelle Cookies: Anise pizzelle cookies are a classic flavor that many people associate with traditional pizzelle cookies. Simply add anise extract to the batter for a licorice-like flavor. These cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.

Almond Pizzelle Cookies: Almond pizzelle cookies are a nutty twist on the classic recipe. Simply add almond extract or chopped almonds to the batter for a crunchy, flavorful cookie. These cookies are perfect for snacking or as a dessert after a meal.

Buying Guide: Pizzelle Irons

If you happen to spot one of these crazy-looking pizzelle makers hidden in a grandma/aunt closet/attic/basement, do yourself a favor and grab it! They are gems! If you are a newbie to pizzelles, you can find them at stores including Amazon.

When it comes to making pizzelle cookies, having the right equipment is crucial. In this section, we will provide a brief buying guide for pizzelle irons.

• Size: Pizzelle irons come in various sizes, from small to large. Consider the number of cookies you want to make and choose an iron that suits your needs.
• Shape: Pizzelle irons come in different shapes, such as round, square or flower. Choose the shape that appeals to you the most.
• Material: Pizzelle irons can be made of cast iron, aluminum, or non-stick materials. Cast iron irons are durable but heavy, while aluminum irons are lightweight but less durable. Non-stick irons are easy to clean but may not last as long as cast iron or aluminum irons.
• Price: Pizzelle irons can range from $20 to $100 depending on the size, shape, and material. Choose an iron that fits your budget.

How do you store pizzelle cookies?

Pizzelle cookies are very delicate and light, to keep them from breaking store them in a large container and create flat layers of cookies using parchment paper in between each layer. Make sure to wait until the cookies have cooled completely before placing them in a container together, they will stick together if still warm. These cookies will stay fresh for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container, at room temperature.

Can you freeze pizzelle cookies?

Yes, pizzelle cookies can be frozen in an airtight container after they have been cooled completely. Just wrap them in plastic wrap first so that they stay separated in the container and remain convenient for grabbing as few or as many as you want at a time. They can remain frozen for up to 3 months and only take a few minutes to thaw but once thawed the cookies will be much more brittle than freshly made pizzelle cookies.

How do you keep pizzelles crispy?

To keep pizzelles crispy, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It is also important to ensure that they are completely cooled before storing them. If the pizzelles have become soft, they can be refreshed by placing them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.

What is the official flavor of Italian pizzelle?

There is no official flavor of Italian pizzelle, but the most common flavor is anise. However, vanilla and lemon are also popular flavors.

What are some creative ways to use pizzelles?

Pizzelles can be used in a variety of creative ways, such as:

• As a base for ice cream sandwiches
• Crushed and used as a topping for yogurt or ice cream
• Dipped in chocolate or other coatings
• Used as a decorative element in desserts, such as tiramisu or cannoli

What is the history behind the tradition of making pizzelles?

Pizzelles have been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries, with origins dating back to the 8th century. They were originally made by nuns in convents and were often given as gifts during holidays and special occasions. Today, pizzelles are enjoyed worldwide and are a beloved part of Italian-American culture.

If you liked these amazing cookies, try these cookie recipes:

• Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies
• Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Lemon Pudding Cookies
• Cookies and Cream Cookies
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
• Mrs. Fields White Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Cookie Cups
• The Best Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Pizzelle Cookies are a lovely crisp and thin cookie made with simple ingredients. This recipe for Italian pizzelle cookies is so delicious and sweet, a light and wonderful cookie with amazing flavor.