Description
Classic Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies known for their delicate crisp texture and subtle vanilla and anise flavors. These thin, crisp treats are perfect for holidays or anytime you want a light, flavorful dessert cookie that can be enjoyed plain or shaped into cones.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon anise extract (optional, for traditional flavor)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the iron: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Mix eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, to incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add flavorings and butter: Slowly mix in the melted, cooled butter, vanilla extract, and anise extract if using, blending well to combine all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick and sticky batter forms that is ready to drop onto the iron.
- Cook pizzelle: Drop about 1 heaping tablespoon of batter onto the center of each section of the preheated pizzelle iron. Close the lid and cook for 30–45 seconds, until lightly golden, carefully monitoring to avoid burning.
- Cool and crisp: Use a spatula or fork to carefully remove each pizzelle and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool fully to crisp up without stacking to maintain texture.
- Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining batter until all pizzelle are cooked and cooled.
Notes
- For crispier pizzelle, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack without stacking.
- You can shape warm pizzelle into cones or cylinders for an elegant presentation.
- Store pizzelle in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizzelle
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
