Print

Classic Vanilla and Anise Pizzelle Cookies: Crispy Italian Waffle Cookies

A stack of freshly made, golden brown, crisp pizzelle cookies resting on a white plate.
Print Recipe

Make these light, crispy pizzelle cookies at home using your pizzelle maker. This authentic Italian recipe features classic vanilla and anise flavors, perfect for holiday trays or enjoying with coffee.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract (optional, for traditional flavor)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened.
  3. Slowly mix in the cooled melted butter, vanilla extract, and anise extract (if using) until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth, thin batter. Do not overmix.
  5. Preheat your pizzelle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions. Lightly grease the iron if necessary.
  6. Drop one teaspoon of batter onto the center of the hot iron. Close the lid quickly. The batter will spread.
  7. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the steam stops escaping and the cookie is golden brown. Cooking time depends on your iron.
  8. Carefully remove the hot pizzelle with a thin spatula. It will be soft.
  9. Immediately shape the cookie. You can leave it flat for a crisp texture, or quickly wrap it around a cannoli form or cone to create a cup or cone shape before it cools and hardens.
  10. Place the shaped or flat cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
  11. Repeat with the remaining batter. If the batter thickens too much between batches, you can thin it slightly with a teaspoon of milk.

Notes

  • For the crispiest texture, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack away from humidity.
  • To make Almond Pizzelle Variations, substitute the anise extract with 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
  • For Chocolate Pizzelle Recipe, remove 2 tablespoons of flour and add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
  • If you do not have a pizzelle maker, you cannot make true pizzelle cookies; this recipe requires the specialized iron.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/pizzelle-cookies-crisp-italian-waffle-cookies/