If you’re looking for an easy way to make the traditional Italian cookie, these lightly sweetened Pizzelles flavored with vanilla or anise are perfect for holiday gifts.
I first heard about Pizzelle from a childhood friend whose family made them the old-fashioned way, using an iron with engraved plates and a clamp to keep it all together.
It kind of looked like a campfire pie iron. But honestly, you don’t need kindling for these anymore—making buttery, crispy, sweet Pizzelle is way simpler than it used to be.
What does the word Pizzelle mean?
My friend Jana, who speaks fluent Italian, told me that Pizzelle roughly translates to “small, flat, and round,” and honestly, that’s a perfect way to describe these cookies.
How to make Pizzelle
If you’re into mixing everything up in a bowl, this recipe’s right up your alley—just six ingredients, one bowl, and no mixer needed.
All you really need is a pizzelle iron, which is just like a waffle maker but makes these gorgeous, crunchy cookies.
Though anise is probably the most popular flavor for Pizzelle, I’ve always been a fan of vanilla, almond, lemon, and even chocolate. You can also roll them into tubes to make cannoli or get creative with other shapes.
They’re a hit for bake sales or cookie swaps because they’re a little more special than regular chips or brownies, and they look nice wrapped up in a tiny plastic bag tied with a ribbon.
Pizzelle Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 to 40 cookies 1x
Description
If you’re looking for an easy way to make the traditional Italian cookie, these lightly sweetened Pizzelles flavored with vanilla or anise are perfect for holiday gifts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter melted and cooled
- 1 tablespoon anise or vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the pizzelle iron and give it a quick spray with nonstick spray.
- Mix together flour, sugar, butter, anise or vanilla, baking powder, and eggs in a big bowl.
- Spoon a little batter onto the iron, close it up, and bake until it’s golden, about 30 seconds to a minute. Carefully lift each pizzelle off with a spatula and set it on a rack to cool.
- Keep going with the rest of the batter, then let everything cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 82kcal
Keywords: anise, pizzelle