Classic Pizzelle Italian Waffle Cookies

Pizzelle are thin, crispy, and beautifully patterned Italian waffle cookies that have been a tradition in Italian households for generations. Made with a simple batter of eggs, sugar, flour, and butter, these delicate cookies are lightly sweet and flavored with vanilla, anise, or almond extract. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or rolled into a cannoli shape, pizzelle are a delightful treat for holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence.

Pizzelle get their distinctive lace-like pattern from a pizzelle iron, similar to a waffle maker, which presses and cooks them to perfection. These cookies are light, crisp, and buttery with a slightly chewy center when warm. Once cooled, they become irresistibly crunchy, making them perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Pizzelle iron
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Cooling rack

Ingredients Overview

• Eggs & Sugar: Provide structure and sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and a crisp texture.
• Flour & Baking Powder: Ensure a light, slightly airy texture.
• Vanilla & Anise Extract: Traditional flavors that give pizzelle their signature taste.

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 (or almond extract)
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add melted butter, vanilla, and anise extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.

Step 2: Preheat & Cook

1. Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Lightly grease the iron with cooking spray or melted butter.
3. Drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto the center of each pizzelle mold.
4. Close the lid and cook for 30-45 seconds, or until golden brown.

Step 3: Cool & Serve

1. Use a spatula or fork to gently remove the pizzelle from the iron.
2. Place on a cooling rack to crisp up as they cool.
3. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Nutrition (per cookie, ~24 cookies)

• Calories: ~70
• Fat: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Protein: ~1g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Crispness: Let pizzelle cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
• Make Them Thin: Use a small amount of batter to keep them light and delicate.
• Shape While Warm: Roll them into cones or tubes for filling with cream or chocolate.

FAQs

How do I store pizzelle?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze pizzelle?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I make pizzelle without a pizzelle iron?
No, but you can try using a waffle cone maker for a similar effect.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze in layers between parchment paper for up to 3 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Citrus Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest.
• Chocolate Pizzelle: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the flour.

Classic Pizzelle Italian Waffle Cookies

Pizzelle are **thin, crispy, and beautifully patterned Italian waffle cookies** that have been a tradition in Italian households for generations. Made with a simple batter of **eggs, sugar, flour, and butter**, these delicate cookies are lightly sweet and flavored with **vanilla, anise, or almond extract**.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Pizzelle iron
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Whisk or hand mixer
• - Cooling rack

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 or almond extract
• - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• - 2 teaspoons baking powder
• - Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Make the Batter**
• In a **mixing bowl**, whisk together **eggs and sugar** until light and fluffy.
• Add melted **butter, vanilla, and anise extract**, mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together **flour, baking powder, and salt**.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
• #### **Step 2: Preheat & Cook**
• Preheat your **pizzelle iron** according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Lightly grease the iron with cooking spray or melted butter.
• Drop **about 1 tablespoon** of batter onto the center of each pizzelle mold.
• Close the lid and cook for **30-45 seconds**, or until golden brown.
• #### **Step 3: Cool & Serve**
• Use a spatula or fork to gently remove the pizzelle from the iron.
• Place on a **cooling rack** to crisp up as they cool.
• Optional: Dust with **powdered sugar** for extra sweetness.