Pizzelle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizzelle are easy to make and delightfully crisp with a delicate flavor. They’re versatile and can be flavored with vanilla, anise, or lemon, depending on your preferences. Their iconic pattern and thin, crisp texture make them a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea. Plus, pizzelle are naturally gluten-free if you substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, making them suitable for many dietary needs. Whether served as a snack, dessert, or gift, pizzelle are sure to impress with their elegance and taste.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon anise extract for a traditional flavor)

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the melted butter and vanilla (or anise) extract, and mix until combined.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.

3. Preheat the pizzelle iron: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates of the iron with cooking spray or butter to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

4. Cook the pizzelle: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter onto the center of the pizzelle iron, depending on the size of your iron. Close the iron and cook the pizzelle for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown and crisp. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your iron and how crispy you like your cookies.

5. Cool the pizzelle: Carefully remove the pizzelle from the iron using tongs or a fork. Place them on a wire rack to cool. As they cool, they will crisp up even more.

6. Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, you can dust the pizzelle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve them as-is, or use them to top desserts like ice cream or fruit salads.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 pizzelle (depending on the size of your pizzelle iron)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 2-3 minutes per batch

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

• Flavor variations: While vanilla and anise are the most traditional flavors, you can experiment with other extracts like almond, lemon, or hazelnut. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced version.

• Chocolate pizzelle: For a chocolate version, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients, and mix it into the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist.

• Gluten-free pizzelle: To make pizzelle gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for texture).

• Chocolate-dipped pizzelle: After the pizzelle cool, dip the edges into melted chocolate and let them harden for a sweet, indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Pizzelle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them crisp, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of pizzelle. If they soften, you can crisp them up again by placing them in a low oven (about 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes.

Pizzelle can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Do I need a pizzelle iron to make these cookies?

Yes, a pizzelle iron is the traditional tool for making pizzelle. It’s similar to a waffle iron and creates the unique pattern on the cookies. If you don’t have a pizzelle iron, you may be able to use a waffle iron, though the shape and texture might differ slightly.

Can I make pizzelle without eggs?

Eggs are essential for the texture and structure of pizzelle. However, you can experiment with egg replacers like flax eggs or other vegan substitutes if you need to make them egg-free.

Can I add filling to the pizzelle?

Yes, you can fill pizzelle with whipped cream, chocolate, or even a mascarpone filling to create a sandwich-style dessert. This is a popular variation for special occasions.

Can I make pizzelle without anise?

Yes! If you don’t like the flavor of anise, you can substitute it with vanilla or almond extract. You can also leave the extract out completely if you prefer a neutral flavor.

How can I make pizzelle crispy?

The key to crispy pizzelle is ensuring that they are cooked properly in the pizzelle iron. Once they come out of the iron, place them on a wire rack to cool, which will help them maintain their crispness.

Conclusion

Pizzelle are a classic Italian treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crisp texture, delicate flavor, and beautiful design, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dipped in chocolate, these waffle cookies are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, pizzelle will quickly become one of your favorite homemade treats! Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a special dessert after dinner.

Pizzelle

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Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies that are light, crispy, and beautifully sweet. Made with a simple batter flavored with vanilla or anise, these delicate cookies are cooked in a pizzelle iron, creating a signature waffle-like pattern. Perfect for coffee, tea, or as a topping for ice cream or fruit, these elegant cookies are ideal for special occasions or any time you crave a delightful, crispy treat.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12-15 pizzelle
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon anise extract for a traditional flavor)

For the dry ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• Pinch of salt

Optional:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

• Prepare the batter: Beat the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the melted butter and vanilla (or anise) extract, and mix until combined.

• Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.

• Preheat the pizzelle iron: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or butter.

• Cook the pizzelle: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter onto the center of the pizzelle iron. Close and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown and crispy.

• Cool the pizzelle: Carefully remove the pizzelle from the iron and place them on a wire rack to cool. They will crisp up more as they cool.

• Serve and enjoy: Dust the pizzelle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve them as-is or use them as a topping for desserts like ice cream or fruit salads.

Notes

Pizzelle can be made with vanilla, anise, or even almond extract for different flavors.To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.You can dip cooled pizzelle in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.To store, keep pizzelle in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.