Pizzelle are the ultimate Italian cookie. With just a few simple ingredients, these Homemade Italian Pizzelle are the perfect treat.
What are Pizzelle?
Pizzelle is based on the Italian word pizze meaning round and flat, with the ending elle referring to its small size. They are one of the oldest cookies originating from the Abruzzo region of Italy and often made for Christmas or Easter celebrations.
Pizzelle cookies are thin, light, crispy and delicious. What makes them special though are their intricate designs, which can only be achieved if you have the right equipment.
Equipment & Cooking Tips!
Pizzelle Maker
While some recipes allow for flexibility on the type of equipment you can use, pizzelle require specific equipment. The good news is there are really affordable Pizzelle makers that you can buy. I use the CucinaPro Pizzelle maker, which can be found on Amazon. They even have one that makes mini pizzelle, but I find the traditional version more versatile.
While you may see some recipes call for using cooking spray on the pizzelle maker, that is not something I would recommend. It will be sticky, build up over time and is difficult to clean off. Instead, you can brush on a very small amount of vegetable oil before the first pizzelle is made and all should go smoothly from there. You do not need to add oil before each round of pizzelle.
When adding the pizzelle batter to the maker, use 1 tablespoon at a time and place in the center of the mold design. The maker I use has two, so you can make two pizzelle at a time. Other makers may have between 1-4, depending on which one you acquire.
Cooling Rack
This simple item that most people have in their kitchen is key to making pizzelle. Once the pizzelle are cooked they need to be delicately removed from the maker and transferred to the flat surface of the cooling rack. Pizzelle will initially be somewhat soft and moldable but very quickly firm up once removed from the heat.
Grocery List for Homemade Italian Pizzelle
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Eggs
- Anise extract (can sub with Vanilla or Almond extract)
- Unsalted Butter
- Salt
- Vegetable Oil
- Powdered Sugar
Homemade Italian Pizzelle
Equipment
- 1 Pizzelle Maker I use the CucinaPro Pizzelle Baker
- Medium & Large Bowls
- Measuring Spoons
- Tong to remove pizzelle from the maker
- 1 Cooling rack
- Stainless Steel Mesh strainer or Dusting wand to use when adding powdered sugar to the pizzelle
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 Eggs I use Large Brown
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Anise Extract can sub Vanilla or Almond extract
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- Powdered Sugar to dust
- Vegetable Oil as needed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder
- Put butter in a microwave safe bowl to melt slowly, 10-15 seconds at a time until melted. Let sit to cool while completing next steps.
- Plug in pizzelle maker to warm up and lightly brush on vegetable oil, if needed
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and salt until foamy
- Slowly whisk in sugar until all combined
- Whisk in anise extract and melted butter
- Slowly add in flour and baking powder mixture until fully combined and smooth
- Using a tablespoon and small spoon to assist with transfer, add a tbsp worth of batter to the center of the pizzelle maker (typically can make two at a time)
- Close the pizzelle maker and bake for 1-2 minutes. Official time will likely vary based on the maker being used. Ideal time for my CucinaPro is 1 minute and 15 seconds.
- Pizzelle should be a light golden brown color and can be removed using tongs
- Once removed, transfer to the cooling rack promptly as they will harden quickly and you want them on a flat surface
- Once cooled, lightly sift powdered sugar on top and serve
Nutrition
The best way to store your pizzelle are in an airtight container, either glass Tupperware or a cookie tin. They will last one to two weeks if sealed correctly. Allow time for the pizzelle to cool fully before adding to a closed container. This will ensure they maintain their crispy texture and deliciousness. Enjoy!
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