Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (2024)

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BySusan Buonpane

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Classic Pizzelle Cookies are a traditional Italian cookie that is perfect forChristmas time. They are thin, crisp, buttery, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for sweetness. When I married my Italian husband was the first time I tasted a Pizzelle and I have been a fan ever since.

You may also be interested in another Christmas cookie post The Best Easy Christmas Cut Out Cookie Recipe!

Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (2)

My first Pizzelles were purchasedat our local Italian import store in Cleveland Ohio, Gust Gallucci’s Italian Food & Market. Every year when Jim was a boy his family visited Gallucci at Christmas. As a special treat, they always bought our children pizzelle cookies. When we started our family we now continue this Christmas tradition and our kids ask each year when we are making our Christmas trip to Gallucci”s.

Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (3)

One of my first Christmas gifts from Jim was an electric Pizzelle Maker from Gallucci’s. As a family, we have been making our own Pizzelles with the kids at home. Believe me, it is so easy. The batter is simple. Just basic ingredients that you control, are eggs, flour, butter, and sugar baking powder. Traditionally Pizzelles were made with anise seed extract but when the kids were little we make them with vanilla. I love them both but little ones may not like the licorice flavor of anise.

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I know making pizzelle cookies will become a family tradition for your family. The easy batter, simple to use pizzelle maker, and ready to eat in 30 seconds. Yes, I said seconds. Your kids can have fun mixing the batter and sprinkling the powdered sugar on top and not have a long wait to eat the reward.

Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (4)

A Pizzelle Maker can be purchased here at a really reasonable price. I have had mine for 30 years and wehave had 30 years of fun. I use the recipe in my instruction book, but you can also purchasemixes that make it even quicker.

Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (5)

When the pizzellecome off the pizzelle iron they are soft and flexible. You can roll them into a cone with a Pizzelle Cone Roller. They can then be filled with chocolate or vanilla whip cream for a special dessert. I am thinking of ice cream this summer out on the deck with the kids. (just in case there is a mess).

Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (6)

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Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (11)

Italian Pizzelle Cookie

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  • Author: Crafting a Family Dinner
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Cookie
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
Print Recipe

Description

Thin Crisp Waffel Italian Cookie

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 4 Eggs
  • 1 cup White Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Butter Melted and Cooled
  • 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla extract (or Anise Seed extract)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, sifted
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • Powder Sugar for dusting about 2 cups

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat your Pizzelle Maker.
  2. Put the eggs in a dish and mix with a fork slightly.
  3. Beat together eggs and sugar.
  4. Melt the butter and have it cooled.
  5. Add the cooled butter to the eggs and sugar.
  6. Add the vanilla (or anise seed) extract
  7. In a separate bowl sift together the flour and the baking powder.
  8. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture.
  9. Mix until just combined.
  10. Add one tablespoon of batter in each section of your maker. Place the batter slightly to the back of the circle.
  11. Close the lid and lock.
  12. Set your timer for 30 to 60 seconds.
  13. When the timer is done, open the maker and using a spatula remove the cookie and set it on a flat surface or cooling rack.
  14. Take the powdered sugar and put the powdered sugar in a strainer and tap the side to make a snow-like layer on each Pizzelle.

Notes

  • Pizzelle cookies can also be made chocolate. All you have to do is add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of additional sugar to the basic recipe.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 30

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Let me know what fun and traditional cookie you make with your family each year.

Classic Italian Pizzelle Recipe - Crafting a Family Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What is the original flavor of pizzelles? ›

Although Anise (Black licorice) is the “traditional” flavor of the pizzelle, modern options include vanilla, peppermint, anisette, lemon and chocolate but there are countless recipes and flavor combinations for this humble Italian cookie.

Why are my pizzelles not crunchy? ›

Pizzelles should be crunchy! They're a thin, light, crispy cookie. If your pizelles are soft, it means they have absorbed moisture from the air or they weren't cooked enough.

Are pizzelles German or Italian? ›

They're thin wafer-like, crispy cookies, traditionally made with anise flavoring.

Is pizzelle batter supposed to be thick? ›

You should end up with a fairly thick pancake-like batter. Some online recipes seem to produce more of a thick batter. You could add a bit more flour if you want that kind of consistency - though I have no experience with how that cooks up. Note that the pizzelle maker I have is about 30 years old.

What are pizzelles called in Italy? ›

Pizzelle are also known as ferratelle or nevole in some parts of Abruzzo, as ferratelle in Lazio, and as ferratelle, cancelle, or pizzelle in Molise.

How do Italians eat pizzelles? ›

They can be eaten several ways — plain or with powered sugar, rolled into shells for cannoli when freshly made and still warm or as a sweet sandwich with jelly, ricotta cream or ice cream or gelato between two of the delicate cookies.

Is butter or margarine better for pizzelles? ›

As far as the fat used in pizzelle, some recipes will call for oil, others margarine, lard or Crisco. But having tried other fats, I always return to unsalted butter. They crisp up nicely, don't have an oily aftertaste, and cook to perfection in their special pizzelle press.

How can I crisp up my pizzelles? ›

If you have access to an oven, preheat it to 300 degrees. Stack the cookies on a sheet pan and place in the oven, then turn the oven off. Let cookies remain in warm oven for an hour or longer to dry out. This should help return some of the crispiness to the pizzelles.

Why are my pizzelles sticking to the iron? ›

A: Did you coat the pizzele maker with oil before starting to make a batch? That's the first thing you must do each time. Put a little oil on it, wipe up the excess and heat it up!

What is the oldest cookie in history? ›

Pizzelles are the oldest known cookie and originated in the mid-section of Italy. They were made many years ago for the “Festival of the Snakes” also known as the “Feast Day of San Domenico”.

What is the best brand for a pizzelle maker? ›

Our Favorites
  • Our Top Pick: CucinaPro Pizzelle Baker.
  • Best Budget: Dash Mini Pizzelle Maker.
  • Best for Storage: Chef's Choice Pizzelle Maker.
  • Best Mini: CucinaPro Piccolo Pizzelle Baker.
  • Best Stovetop: Nordic Ware Krumkake and Pizzelle Iron.
  • Best for Advanced Cooks: Cuisinart Pizzelle Press.
Dec 12, 2023

Is pizzelle a girl? ›

Pizzelle was confirmed transfem by the developers in the Sugary Spire discord. This is a cause of frequent confusion, due to Pizzelle using any pronouns.

Do you have to grease a pizzelle iron? ›

You'll need to grease your uncoated pizzelle iron before getting the batter on there, and since we suggest using shortening or vegetable oil for best results, we always have a pastry brush on hand to get every little nook and cranny well coated.

What is the best way to store homemade pizzelles? ›

How To Store Pizzelles. Allow cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to a storage bag or airtight container. They can be stacked as long as they are no longer warm. Store at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks or wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap and freeze for several months!

What are the different flavors of pizzelles? ›

Pizzales Flavors
  • Chocolate-Espresso Pizzelles. Dianne Parish. ...
  • Cotton Candy Pizzelles (Italian Cookies) ...
  • Chocolate (Cake Mix) Pizzelle. ...
  • How to Decorate Pizzelle Cookies. ...
  • Cinnamon & Almond Pizzelles – Pizelles de Canela y Almendra » Sweet Cannela. ...
  • Chocolate Orange Pizelles. ...
  • Dark Chocolate Pizzelle. ...
  • Savory Parmesan Chive Pizzelles.

How were pizzelles originally made? ›

Pizzelles of the past were made on irons embossed with the family crest or other symbols of meaning. They were baked individually on these irons which were held over the top of an open flame. Today, as then, pizzelle cookies are still embossed but with a waffle pattern on one side and a floral pattern on the other.

Are pizzelles the oldest cookie? ›

Pizzelles are the oldest known cookie and originated in the mid-section of Italy. They were made many years ago for the “Festival of the Snakes” also known as the “Feast Day of San Domenico”.

What is the origin of the pizzelle cookie? ›

Pizzelles, the oldest known waffle cookies, originated in Italy. The name pizzelle is based on the Italian word 'pizze' meaning round and flat, with the ending 'elle' referring to its small size.

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