Pizzelles are light, sweet, and the perfect crunch to an Italian cookie. If you are looking for the perfect pizzelle recipe you just found it. Learn how easy it is to make this holiday anise pizzelle cookie recipe for you and your family. This cookie recipe that does use a pizzelle iron to make the stunning decorated cookies.
Dust with a little powdered sugar, place on a platter or cookie tin and you have a breathtaking holiday Italian cookie.
Make sure to check out my classic thumbprint cookies or these shortbread cookie bites. Both are great holiday-friendly desserts as well.
What Are Pizzelles?
Pizzelles are very thin and light Italian waffle-style cookies. These cookies have a very elegant design as you use a pizzelle iron for creating the cookies.
These cookies are made and served often around the holidays or for special occasions. You will find the process, flavor, and such can vary depending on where you live.
Reasons To Make These Italian Pizzelles
- These are delicious anise-flavored cookies. Now, you can always alter the flavor to create a different flavor of the cookie. Vanilla, almond, etc.
- These are traditional Italian cookie that is light, and delicate and are a holiday tradition in many households.
- Homemade cookies that are baked from scratch and taste just like grandma used to make.
- Customize these cookies from design to flavor.
Ingredients You Will Need
Flour – All-purpose flour is what you will want for the base of these cookies.
Baking Powder – This is needed for the texture of the cookies.
Salt – The salt is so important when you bake. It is going to balance all the flavors in the cookie recipe.
Eggs – Large eggs are what I used. I do recommend that you use room temperature eggs as they will incorporate into the other ingredients better.
Sugar – Granulated sugar is the sweetener of the cookies.
Anise – This is the classic flavor of these cookies. But you can also use other flavors if you want.
Oil – Canola oil or vegetable oil both work for this cookie recipe. You want an oil that is minimal in flavor.
Tips for Making Pizzelle Cookies
Preheat Iron
Preheat the pizzelle iron so that when you place the batter on the iron it is nice and hot and begins cooking right away. A cold iron can cause the cookies to be overcooked or undercooked.
Texture of Batter
You want the pizzelle batter to have a thicker texture like a cake batter. If it is too thin the cookies will be too crispy.
Greasing The Iron
Make sure to use a cooking spray to create a non-stick surface for the cookie batter. I recommend using as it is going to prevent the cookies from sticking in the iron.
Don’t Add Too Much Batter To the Iron
You will find that if you add too much batter to the iron it will run over like a waffle maker. So make sure to pour in the center of the iron, and do a smaller portion.
Cooking Time
Depending on the griddle iron will depend on how fast or slow the cookies take to make. Just try to time them right once you find the perfect doneness so they all get a great consistency.
Cooling Cookies
I recommend using a wire cooling sheet so that it going to allow the cookies to cool on both sides of the cookies. You want them to fully cool before you place them to be stored.
Practice
Just remember that it does take a bit of time to master the cookies. From the texture of the batter to the cooking time. So just make sure to know the first few might not be perfect but you will catch on quickly.
Storing
Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before you go to store the cookies. You will want to place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature.
I do recommend placing wax paper between each layer of the cookies, as they are fragile.
I have successfully frozen the cookies as well, just place them in a freezer container and freeze them for 2-3 months. Then eat straight from the freezer or thaw on the counter.
FAQs
How do I prevent pizzelle cookies from sticking to the iron?
To prevent the cookies from sticking, I recommend using a lightly greased iron. Make sure to spray or brush with oil before you add the batter to the iron.
On what occasions are pizzelle cookies commonly served at?
Christmas celebrations, weddings, Easter feasts, and more family-friendly gatherings. You will find these cookies are great for every single occasion throughout the year.
Can I shape pizzelle cookies?
While the cookies are still warm you are more than welcome to shape the cookies. You can roll the cookies and fill them with a filling like a cream or whipped cream. Then add items like mini chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, go right ahead and make as many of these cookies as you would like. Just mix and cook as many as you would like. The biggest thing is ensuring the cookies get to cool completely.
More Tasty Cookie Recipes
I have a few more cookies you might want to check out before you go. I love baking and these cookies will be a hit for parties, events, and even a mid-week sweet tooth fix.
Pizzelles
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- 1/3 cup canola oil
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Add the eggs to a large bowl, and beat with a whisk.
- Mix in the sugar and anise extract.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is thick and lumpy.
- Pour in the canola oil and use a spatula to mix it into the batter until it is smooth.
- Heat the pizzelle iron, and spray each side with cooking spray. Drop a heaping tablespoon of batter onto the iron, close it, and bake the pizzelle for 35-40 seconds, or as long as the iron manual suggests. You want the pizzelle to be a light golden color.
- Lay out the cookies flat on a cooling rack, or shape them as desired.
- Continue baking the pizzelle until all of the cookie batter has been used. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest for more recipes!
Comments & Reviews
bakergirlmd says
I am not a fan of anise. Can I substitute vanilla extract instead?
Incredible Recipes says
Yes! You can use vanilla OR almond extract 🙂