Description
Classic Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies known for their delicate crisp texture and subtle flavors of anise and vanilla. These thin, round cookies are made using a specialized pizzelle iron, creating beautiful patterned treats perfect for dusting with powdered sugar or serving with sweet fillings like whipped cream or chocolate.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Anise Extract (or almond extract as an alternative)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- Pinch of Salt
For Serving
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Pizzelle Iron: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a pizzelle iron, a waffle maker can be used as a substitute.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and anise extract (or almond extract) and stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms without overmixing.
- Cook the Pizzelle: Lightly grease the pizzelle iron with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of batter onto the center of the iron, adjusting the amount depending on the size of your pizzelle iron. Close the lid and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the pizzelle turn a golden brown color, following your iron’s specific guidance.
- Cool the Pizzelle: Carefully remove the cooked pizzelle from the iron and place them on a wire rack to cool. As they cool, they will become crisp. If desired, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the pizzelle on their own as a delightful snack or use them as a base for various sweet fillings such as whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, or melted chocolate.
Notes
- If you don’t own a pizzelle iron, a waffle maker can be used as an alternative, though the shape and pattern will differ.
- You can swap anise extract for almond extract to change the flavor profile.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the pizzelle light in texture.
- Lightly greasing the iron prevents sticking and helps achieve an even crispness.
- Pizzelle crisp up as they cool; remove them promptly to avoid burning.
- Store pizzelle in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
