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Pizzelles

By Lorraine

Oh, the amazing pop of flavor of anise in this crisp and buttery Italian wafer cookie. An easy recipe made with a pizzelle maker for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.Many years ago when we all moved into our new homes on the street, I hosted a cookie exchange. We got to  know one another better, enjoy sweet treats with punch and came away with new recipes. One Italian lady brought Pizzelles that were the the best I have ever tasted.

 

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Pizzelles are a crisp Italian cookie flavored with anise seed. An easy recipe from a neighbor and the best Pizzelles we have ever eaten. A Classic!
These pizzelles are crisp, buttery cookies flavored with just the right amount of anise. It is an easy recipe and makes 60 large cookies with a lovely design so pretty on your cookie tray or dessert table. 

 

About pizzelles

In Italian, the word pizzelle means, loosely, “small, flat, and round”. These waffle-like cookies are made by pouring batter between the two plates of an iron and cooking until crisp. Easily made in an electric pizzelle maker, the finished cookie has a beautiful snowflake-like design on both sides. The cookie cools to a golden brown color with a crisp texture.

Pizzelles are especially popular during Christmas and Easter but we enjoy them year-round.

Pizzelles recipe

Pizzelle cookies have been a tradition in our family since I received the recipe from our neighbor in 1985.  That is when they quickly became an all-time favorite! They are crisp, delicate and have the wonderful flavor from anise seed. Something wonderful happens when you bite into a seed and taste the subtle anise. 

 

Anise flavor

Pizzelles are often flavored with anise either in the form of anise oil or anise seed. This recipe uses anise seed and we think it provides just the right intensity. Oil flavors the entire dough but the seeds give a delightful pop when crushed as the cookies are eaten. Some recipes include both oil and seeds, so you might want to experiment.

 

How to make pizzelles

Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.Gather the ingredients and allow the eggs to come to room temperature and the melted butter to cool.

 

Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Add the eggs to a large mixer bowl. 
 
 
 
Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Beat the eggs, adding the sugar gradually; beating until smooth.
 
 
Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Add cooled melted butter and vanilla to the bowl and mix until blended.
 
 
Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Stir in the anise seeds.
 
 
Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Sift flour and baking powder together and add to egg mixture.
 
 
Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
The dough will be sticky enough to be dropped by a spoon.
 
 
Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Heat your pizzelle maker according to manufacturer’s directions.
 
I don’t find this necessary, but you might want to lightly spray the pizzelle maker with cooking spray before making the first cookies. There is no need to spray again.

Drop level tablespoonfuls of batter onto each plate. Close the pizzelle maker lid and allow to cook 45-60 seconds or until golden brown.

 

Easy recipe for crisp Italian pizzelles with anise seed made with a pizzelle maker. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or dessert table.
Lift the lid and remove the cookies using a fork. Place pizzelles onto a rack and allow to cool completely.
 
 
 
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Pizzelles Recipe

 
 
PRINT RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
  • 6 eggs
  • 3  1/2 cups flour
  • 1  1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter  (1/2 pound), melted and cooled (Do NOT use oil substitute)
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 Tbs. vanilla
  • 2 Tbs. anise seeds
 
DIRECTIONS
With a mixer, beat eggs, adding sugar gradually. Beat until smooth.
 
Add cooled melted butter, vanilla and anise seeds.
 
Sift flour and baking powder and add to egg mixture. Dough will be sticky enough to be dropped by a spoon.
 
Heat pizzelle maker according to manufacturer’s directions.
 
I don’t find this necessary, but you might want to lightly spray the pizzelle maker with cooking spray before making the first cookies. There is no need to spray again.

Drop level tablespoonfuls of batter onto each plate. Close pizzelle maker lid and allow to cook 45-60 seconds or until golden brown.

Lift lid and remove cookies using a fork. Place pizzelles onto a rack and allow to cool completely.

Yields about 60 cookies

 

RECIPE NOTES:

 1)  Once, when I did not have enough anise seeds, I added anise oil.  I think the cookies are so much better with the seeds.  I really like when I bite into a seed and get a taste of anise!
 
2)  I give the pizzelle maker a light spray with PAM before baking and never have problems with sticking.  However, when using anise oil, I needed to spray the pizzelle maker several times while cooking.
 
3)  45 seconds on the Pizzelle maker is perfect for lightly golden brown cookies (using a level tablespoon of batter).  If you prefer them a little darker, add 5-10 seconds more.  Those mathematical folks realize you will be standing over the pizzelle maker for about an hour with your eyes glued to the timer  🙂  Turn the Christmas music up loud and the time spent is pleasant!
 
4)  After removing from the pizzelle maker (I use a fork), I allow the cookies to cook on a rack. They are soft and pliable when warm and become crisp when cooled.
 
5)  I think cookies store best in tins.  Coffee cans are great because you can stack the pizzelles carefully to prevent breakage.  Add some pretty wrapping paper around the can, a bow and your have a sweet-treat gift.
 
 

Storing the Pizzelle cookies

Much to the chagrin of my family, I quickly send food to the freezer.  I like really fresh, and to retain that fresh, just baked taste, I wrap well and in the freezer they go.  Thawing is quick and the butter maintains its fresh dairy flavor. My favorite container is a tin to prevent breaking.

 

 

 

Oreo Cookie Balls

Easy yet elegant recipe for Oreo cookie balls begins with just three ingredients! Mix, shape and dip in melted chocolate. A yummy no-bake Christmas treat.

Christmas Tree Cupcake Toppers

Easy to make, Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Tree Cupcake Toppers look so festive atop coconut frosted cupcakes. A yummy and decorative Christmas treat.

 

Christmas Cookie Tray

Everyone is sure to find something they like from this Christmas Cookie Tray. Filled with a variety of cookies baked ahead and kept fresh in the freezer.

 

 
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Pizzelles are a crisp Italian cookie flavored with anise seed. An easy recipe from a neighbor and the best Pizzelles we have ever eaten. A Classic!

   

Filed Under: Cookies & Bars, Recipes, Sweet Treats Tagged With: Baking, Christmas, Cookies

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    December 10, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    I have made these pizzelles with my dad since I was a you g girl, I am now 67. We have the manual iron that goes over a flame on the gas stove. We also use pure anise oil. Everyone in the family and friends just love them! So nice to see other people make them! I’d sen a picture but I don’t see where I can! We made them the other day, 145!!

    Reply
  2. Sparkly H says

    July 15, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    I love these! Mine never look as pretty though! LOL Thank you for sharing with Foodie Friends Friday! Zannie @ mymixingspoon

    Reply
  3. cooking with curls says

    July 12, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    Your Pizzelles are gorgeous! I can never get mine to come out with even edges 🙂

    Reply
  4. mickeydownunder says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:11 am

    G'day! I never heard of these before today, true!
    LOVE learning new things and your recipe and photo looks great too!
    What's On The List

    Foodie Friends Party now on FB https://www.facebook.com/whatsonthelist
    Cheers! Joanne

    Reply
  5. Erika says

    February 10, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Pizzelles; love these Italian cookies. My Grandpa did it with sheep cheese and other variety.

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    December 19, 2011 at 2:47 am

    I am definitely going to make these pizzelles. I have a pizzelle maker but never tried making them myself. With your step by step instructions, I can do it! Btw, I had to 'pin' this recipe too. Your photos are so beautiful!

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    Reply
  7. Nann from At Nann's Table says

    December 9, 2011 at 3:28 am

    Loraine….These are just beautiful. I have seen these and tasted them before but I don't remember that they were this gorgeous. Your blog is just beautiful and I will now be getting your blog by email which I'm so excited about. You have been SO kind to leave comments on my new blog and I so appreciate it. You are a very gracious and kind lady and I'm glad to get to know you from blogging. It truly is fun.

    PS Thankyou for the tutorial. Love how you put it together.

    Reply
  8. Susan @ Entertain Exchange says

    December 23, 2010 at 1:21 am

    These are beautiful – Thanks for linking to my cookie exchange!

    Susan,
    https://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/
    Party and Entertaining Inspiration

    Reply
  9. Amy says

    December 18, 2010 at 8:17 am

    Another beautiful creation! Really love your blog and the pictures! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Red Couch Recipes says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:48 am

    First of all I want to say that your photography is jus so visually appealing! Love pizzelles. I have a maker, but never think to make them at Christmas, but they sure are festive looking. Joni

    Reply
  11. Kim @ Starshine Chic says

    December 13, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    I've never had any of these. But they look & sound so yummy. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Now I need to find a Pizzelle maker.

    Reply
  12. Jenna @ Newlyweds says

    December 13, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    Wow they are beautiful, I've never heard of them before, but now I am not sure I can live without them.

    All this week I am hosting a Holiday treats linky, hope you will stop by and join in.

    Reply
  13. gnee @ Singing With Birds says

    December 13, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Almost too pretty to eat. These along with your shortbread will dress up a cookie platter…although I love them stacked and ribboned!

    Reply
  14. Janet says

    December 12, 2010 at 5:29 am

    Those are the prettiest cookies ever! Your post and pictures are just like something you'd see in a magazine! Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Janet

    Reply
  15. NanaDiana says

    December 12, 2010 at 3:24 am

    Those are wonderful~ I haven't tasted one in years. One of the gals I used to work with made them for the Christmas cookie exchange. I didn't realize until reading this what a big job that must have been.

    I love the taste of anise too. Yummmm… Diana

    Reply
  16. Life In a Little House says

    December 11, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Oh boy do you know how to make an Italian girl drool!!! My Nonna used to make me pizzelles. We always had them at Christmas and at the Family Italian Weddings. I love the taste of anise ~Enjoy them Love Heather

    Reply
  17. crochet lady says

    December 11, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    Those are so delicate and pretty! I have never made those. My aunt recently got a maker and I might have to go over to her house and watch her give it a try.

    Reply
  18. Mildred says

    December 11, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    These are beautiful and I've never heard of them before. What a special treat for the holidays.

    Karen and I were laughing a few days ago about how mother would bake her Christmas cakes, cool and wrap them carefully and then freeze them in tupperware cake holders in a neighbor's freezer! She was diligent about keeping her cakes fresh!

    Reply
  19. Lady Farmer says

    December 11, 2010 at 7:28 pm

    I just love these! But I need to get a Pizzelle maker. I always forget until just before Christmas and then it is too late!
    Yours look so pretty stacked on the mirror, wrapped in shimmery white ribbon against the white bottle brush trees! They look like a beautiful stack of antique snowflakes!
    Christmas Blessings!

    Reply
  20. Ann says

    December 11, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    I love Pizzelle's. I had an Italian neighbor when I was very young who used to make them every year. There is a local bakery that makes them and the store I work for buys from there every year. They are delicious and somehow it just wouldn't be Christmas without a pizzelle.

    Reply
  21. Debbie@Debbie-Dabble says

    December 11, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I live in an area that was home to many immigrants… Polish ( which I am ), German, Slovak, And Italian and Irish.
    Even though my families traditions were polish, I had many Italian friends and spent many a day over their Nonnie's houses eating cannoli, pizzelles and tons of pasta!!
    The bakeries in our area still make and still pizelles!

    Hugs,
    Debbie @ A Debbie-Dabble Christmas

    Reply
  22. Just a little something from Judy says

    December 11, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    Food posts are some of my favorites, especially this time of the year. I never made this cookie. Your photography and recipes make me want to make each creation you shared. Thank you. I really like the two crystal goblets with the chocolates…how pretty.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Sweet Shoppe | Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart says:
    January 10, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    […] Pizzells […]

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  2. Chocolate Anise Biscotti | Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart says:
    December 8, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    […] Pizzelles […]

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  3. Holiday Gift Guide, Most Useful Gifts for the Kitchen | Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart says:
    November 23, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    […] A pizzelle maker is a great gift for just-married couples or someone who thinks the store-bought ones just aren’t as delicious as homemade. Find my recipe by clicking Pizzelles, a Favorite Italian Cookie. […]

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Hi! I'm Lorraine. Welcome to Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart. A place to find food for your tummy, projects for your hands, and encouragement for your heart.

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