Pizzelle Cookies are thought to be as old as the 8th century. Some type of simple, flat, pressed or stamped baked good has been made in parts of Italy for a long, long, time.
The pizzelle as we know it now was likely invented in the 18th century and is part of the rich history and culture of some small villages in the Southern Italian region named Abruzzo.
Italian food is some of the best in the world! If you like Italian cookies, you should make these soft Italian Wedding Cookies, or my Ricotta Cookies.
How Do Italians Eat Pizzelles?
These crisp, waffle-like cookies are enjoyed in Italy and everywhere else in a number of fun ways. Just as they are, sprinkled with powdered sugar or plain, they are delicious as a snack with a cup of espresso.
You might also find them rolled up while still soft to form cannoli shells, or turned into sweet sandwiches with jam, gelato, or ricotta cream spread in the center.
Try your pizzelle cookies with my homemade Nutella recipe if you want a real treat!
Why You’ll Love This Pizzelle Recipe
Pizzelle Ingredients
Just 6 simple ingredients are needed to make Pizzelle! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Butter: Melted butter lets us make a thin, buttery, rich pizzelle batter. Granulated Sugar: To add sweetness and crisp texture. Eggs: Let your eggs come to room temperature before making the batter so that everything mixes together smoothly. Vanilla Extract: I’m adding vanilla extract to my Pizzelle, but you can exchange this for anise, almond, or any other flavor you like. All-purpose flour: regular all-purpose flour does the trick. Baking Powder: Creates the light texture of Pizzelle when they are cooked. Pizzelle Maker: This isn’t an ingredient, but it is a requirement for making these cookies! I use this pizzelle iron, and it makes the perfect pizzelle that never stick. Plus it gives them a pretty pattern!
How To Make Pizzelle
This pizzelle cookie recipe is so easy! It’s just like making waffles – mix up the batter and then cook it in the iron.
Recipe Tips
This recipe makes about 24 pizzelle cookies that use 1 heaping tablespoon of batter each. You may get more or less depending on your machine. Avoid overfilling the iron or you’ll end up with a mess. I underfill mine so that the cookies come out naturally round. Roll them: While the pizzelle are still warm, roll them around a wooden dowel or a soon with a wide handle to create a faux cannoli shape. Fill them up with sweetened ricotta, ice cream, Cannoli Dip, or some frosting. Yum! You can grab my buttercream frosting recipe in this Christmas Layer Cake recipe.Give them as gifts: If it’s Christmas time, people love getting homemade pizzelle as gifts. Tie up a stack with a pretty ribbon and seal in a box for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Pizzelle
Store your pizzelle in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to two weeks as long as no moisture gets to them. Pizzelle can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Enjoy them right away after defrosting.
More Italian Recipes You’ll Love
Make a delicious Italian Salad: Caprese and Panzanella are both classics that make great use of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Enjoy a big family meal with my Lasagna Roll Ups or Chicken Cacciatore. Delicious pasta dishes like Gnocchi Al Pomodoro, and Pasta Alla Norma are easy favorites too. Looking for more classic cookie recipes? Try shortbread cookies, half moon cookies, or gingersnap cookies next! Have fun making this simple and traditional Italian pizzelle recipe! Don’t forget to Pin it for later. © Little Sunny Kitchen
