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Feature a unique cookie on your Christmas cookie tray this year – Pizzelle Cookies are thin, crisp, Italian butter waffle cookies flavored with vanilla or anise and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
If you love this butter waffle cookies recipe, you will love these Greek butter cookies or these German Pfeffernusse cookies, along with this classic Italian Tiramisu (no bake!)
This recipe is near and dear to my heart because of my Italian Grandfather, who once owned a popular authentic Italian restaurant in Denver and I think, it is the best pizzelle recipe.
Pizzelles are traditional Italian cookies classically made with anise extract, which tastes like black licorice. The flavor you choose is a personal preference for thesesimple cookies to life, like using vanilla or almond extract.
Whichever you choose, this Pizzelle cookie recipe is one of my favorite old family recipes, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Why You Will Love Pizzelle Cookies
- Christmas Parties– This recipe makes over 50 cookies, making it excellent to make at Christmas time. Maybe it’ll become one of your family favorites, too!
- Customize– Flavor the traditional Italian waffle cookies with classic anise, almond, vanilla, lemon, or other tasty extracts and spices. Continue reading to get more scrumptious ideas!
- Traditional Italian Recipe– This recipe is extra special because it’s one my proud Italian family has made for years; I’ve made them every holiday, for weddings, funerals, and just for fun.
What are Pizzelle cookies?
First, how in the world do you pronounce Pizzelle? In Italian, it’s pronounced ‘pitˈtsɛlle’ pronounced ‘peet-Zell-a.’ However, Americans saypi·zel.
Pizzelle are the most popular during Christmas and Easter, but they are often found at Italian weddings and funerals or, really, any Italian family gathering!
Pizzelle cookies are Italian waffle cookies with a thin and crispy texture traditionally made with anise extract or anise seeds. While you typically bake cookies, Pizzelle is different.
The recipe makes something similar to an eggy butter cookie dough, it’s a thick sticky dough. You need special equipment for this unique cookie. They are known to be the oldest cookies in the world! Dating back to 8th century from a small village in Abruzzo located in Southern Italy.
Special Equipment
I’ve had my pizzelle maker for about 30 years, but I did a little research on the best pizzelle makers; and Cucinapro comes out on top; here’s a two-cookie iron but, Iwould love this 4 pizzelle maker.
Basic Ingredients for Pizzelle Cookies
- Eggs| This is an eggy dough, for the best results, bring your eggs to room temperature.
- Sugar| Add sweetness with your choice of sugar. When I can, I like to use natural cane sugar.
- Baking powder| Be sure to check the expiration date of your baking powder. Old baking powder loses its effect.
- Flour| I like to evenly combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder by sifting them together before adding them to the rest of the ingredients.
- Salt| I prefer kosher salt when baking.
- Butter| I use salted butter in most of my baking, but if you choose unsalted butter, add a ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Vanilla or Anise| Flavor the cookies with vanilla extract or traditional Anise. For anise Pizzelle, start with a little and add more if needed.
- Powdered sugar|Dust the cookies with powdered sugar to top it all off.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Cookies for Kids Cancer
This recipe is part ofThe Sweetest Season, an annual virtual cookie swap co-hosted by Erin ofThe Speckled Palateand Susannah ofFeast + West. Every year, food bloggers get together to share new holiday cookie recipes to make and give.
This year we are raising money forCookies 4 Kids’ Cancer, which is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for new, innovative and less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer.
Since 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted nearly $18 million to pediatric cancer research in the form of 100+ research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country. From these grants have stemmed 35+ treatments available to kids battling cancer today.
Help us raise money for this important cause! Donate through ourfundraising page.
Another exciting thing is that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is in a matching window with their friends at OXO, meaning OXO will be matching every dollar raised through the end of 2023, up to $100,000. Whatever money we raise will automatically double on our fundraising page!
How to Make Butter Waffle Cookies Recipe
Step 1 | Make Pizzelle Batter
First, add the eggs to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat them on medium-high speed until they are fluffy and light. Slowly add the sugar until the mixture is creamy. Then, with the low-speed mixer drizzle the cooled melted butter over the ingredients.
Next, add vanilla extract (or favorite extract) and sift the flour with baking powder and salt in a large bowl, adding the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix on low until the Pizzelle batter is well combined. The batter will be sticky.
Step 2 | Make Pizzelles
Plug in and power on the pizzelle waffle iron (not a regular waffle iron) and let it heat up. Rub or spray with a little vegetable oil if not a non-stick pizzelle iron.
Then, scoop about a tablespoon of battered pizzelle dough onto the hot iron. Play around with where you put the dough, on my iron, I need to center it but place it closer to the back.
Close the iron and cook for about a minute; some pizzelle irons have a timer; mine is about 30 years old; I know when it stops steaming, they are ready – about 1 minute.
Step 3 | Cool pizzelle and dust with powdered sugar
Next, carefully use a fork to lift the hot cookies onto a cooling rack. Continue the steps with the remaining cookie dough. Once they are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar and serve your crisp cookies! Enjoy your special treat with a hot cup of coffee or chilled ice cream.
Fresh Tips
- When the iron stops steaming, that usually indicates the cookies are done.
- If your iron is not non-stick, spray it with a light layer of oil or rub it with soft butter.
- Note that a pizzelle iron is different from a waffle maker.
High Altitude Adjustments for Pizzelle Cookies
At higher altitudes, this classic Italian cookie recipe should take about the same amount of time to cook in the iron. Here are the minor ingredient adjustments you need to make:
- Reduce the baking powder to three teaspoons.
- Add two more tablespoons to the flour measurement.
I have a little story for you if you’re wondering why I’m not a fan of anise! As a teenager, I ate so much anise pizzelle dough while baking a ton of crispy Pizzelles for our family and neighbors that I got sick! To this date, I have a hard time with anise. Funny, right?
But, I still like to mention that the traditional spice in these cookies is anise. Try myEasy Wassail Hot Cider Recipewith anise, or gift theseChristmas Simmering Spicesto family and friends this year!
Variations
Gluten-Free Pizzelle
Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or half GF AP Flour and ½ almond flour or oat flour.
Dairy-Free Pizzelle Recipe
Use dairy-free or plant-based butter, like margarine or coconut oil, to make this recipe dairy-free.
Keto Pizzelle
To make low-carb Pizzelle, swap out the flour for almond flour and trade the sugar for a monk fruit sugar substitute, like Lakanto Golden Sugar.
Rolled Pizzelle Cookie Cones
Place the warm Pizzelle onto a rounded surface, like a wooden dowel, to form it into a cylinder shape as it dries. It’s perfect for making Pizzelle cannoli shells! Or place them over the bottom of a drinking glass or a small bowl to make edible bowls!
Chocolate Pizzelles
Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the batter and enjoy these easy chocolate pizzelles, I would use vanilla extract versus anise seed for these.
Substitutions and Add-Ins
Get creative this this classic Pizzelle recipe by swapping out the traditional anise flavoring for other variations.
- It’s common to sandwich two pizzelle with cannoli cream or hazelnut spread (like Nutella). Pizzelle, while still warm, can also be rolled into a tubular shape using a woodendowelto create cannoli shells.
- Sugar Substitutes:coconut sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, and honey
- Add cinnamon to the classic recipe for a warm twist.
- Swap the vanilla or anise for almond extract for almond Pizzelles, start with ½ a teaspoon and taste it.
- Make Lemon Pizzelle Cookies by including a couple of tablespoons of lemon zest.
- Get creative by dipping the edges of the cooled pizzelles in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set by setting the cookies on the cooling rack or a cookie sheet. If desired, before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with chopped nuts or festive sprinkles, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Pizzelle?
The word for this old recipe is pronounced ‘peet-Zell-ay.’ However, Americans saypi·zel.
How do you keep Pizzelle cookies crisp?
The perfect way to get crispy waffle cookies is to cook until they are a nice golden brown for the ultimate crispiness. Don’t add too much dough to the iron because the thinner cookies always come out crispier– About a tablespoon of dough should do. Then, let them cool completely on a wire rack before stacking or storing. And store them in a cookie tin or wrapped in aluminum foil for ultimate crispness.
Do you need a Pizzelle maker to make Pizzelle?
The best way to make this type of waffle cookie is with a Pizzelle iron to make these traditional Italian cookies. You may find other methods online, but most fall short of the Pizzelle cookie iron, including using waffle irons, the stovetop, or the oven.
What is another name for pizzelle?
Also recognized as ferratelle or cancelle, pizzelle, is derived from the Italian word “pizze,” which signifies round or flat, and translates to “little pizza.”
Make Food Gifts
Download my FREE printable gifts from the kitchen gift tags or these Christmas gift tags, package your butter waffle cookies into cello bags, and tie them with string for a beautiful and tasty food gift.
Storage Tips
After the cookies cool, store them in a cookie tin, cello bags or wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them crispy. They will keep nice and crispy for weeks! This is one cookie that doesn’t need to be stored in an airtight container, and should not be refrigerated due to excess moisture.
How to Freeze Pizzelles
Wrap six cookies at a time in plastic wrap, then transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to three months. It helps to separate them with parchment paper, preventing sticking. Thaw on counter and if too soft after freezing, see below for how to make your pizzelles crisp again.
How do you make pizzelles crisp again?
If your pizzelles get too soft, just place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake them in a 300° F /(150° C) oven for a few minutes, cool and enjoy!
Can I make pizzelle dough ahead of time?
You can make this dough up to three days ahead of time. Store covered in the fridge, then bring to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking.
What to serve with Pizzelles Cookies
Below are a few of my favorite Christmas cookies that look beautiful and scrumptious on a tray with homemade thin Italian waffle cookies, adding complimenting and contrasting flavor:
- Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Pfeffernusse Cookies (German Spice Cookies)
- Best Biscoff Stuffed Cookie Butter Cookies Recipe
Easy 5-Ingredient Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These easy recipe for 5-Ingredient Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint cookies are as beautiful as they are simple to make. Soft and buttery, with the bright taste of raspberries, these melt-in-your mouth beauties are sure to become one of your favorite cookie recipes.
Read more
Pfeffernusse Cookies (German Spice Cookies)
Baked with the perfect combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper (or pfeffer), Pfeffernusse Cookies are my family’s favorite traditional German cookies.Bursting with warm, holiday spices, these German spice cookies are tender and warm and the best dunking cookie as they cool!
Read more
Best Biscoff Stuffed Cookie Butter Cookies Recipe
These are the best stuffed Biscoff cookie butter cookies! And easy recipe featuring chewy, tender cookie butter cookie stuffed with a gooey cookie butter filling.
Read more
More Classic Italian Recipes
- Easy Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe
- Italian Tiramisu Recipe
- Best Italian Cream Puff Cake Recipe
- Authentic Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Gluten-Free)
- Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe (Olive Garden)
- Easy Homemade Authentic Italian Stromboli Recipe
Secret to perfect pizzelles
- Do not overfill the pizzelle iron, just a tablespoon of dough should do it.
- Cook until crispy, allow to cool completely and store in cello bags, cookie tin or aluminum foil to retain crispness.
I hope you loved this recipe for Pizzelle cookies — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Best Italian Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Vanilla Waffle Cookie)
Pizzelle Cookies are thin, crisp, Italian butter waffle cookies recipe flavored with vanilla or anise and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
4.95 from 18 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 54 -62 cookies
Calories: 79kcal
Author: Kathleen Pope
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs room temperature, if you forgot, simply submerge eggs in a bowl of warm, not hot water for 5-7 minutes.
- 1 ½ cups sugar I use all-natural cane sugar, but white sugar may be used
- 4 teaspoons baking powder reduce to 3 teaspoons for high-altitude
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour sifted, I use organic unbleached all-purpose flour (add 2 tablespoons for high altitude)
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup butter melted and cooled slightly (2 sticks)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract or use anise extract, if using anise use 1 teaspoon anise extract and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the best flavor
- Powdered sugar for dusting
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer beat eggs until light and fluffy on medium-high speed, gradually add sugar mixing until creamy. Slowly drizzle in cooled melted butter and then the vanilla or anise extract.
Sift flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt and mix on low speed until combined.
Heat up a pizzelle waffle iron and if necessary, spray with a little oil or rub with butter if not non-stick.
Using two teaspoons spoon about a tablespoon of dough onto the pizzelle iron just off-center towards the back of the iron, close and cook for about 1 minute. Typically, when it stops steaming, they are done. Use a fork to lift them out onto a cooling rack. Cool them flat or curve around a shape if desired, but classic Italian pizzelle cookies are flat. Once cooled completely, sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar.
This recipe easily halves for fewer cookies! Use the slider on the recipe card. Pizzelle butter cookies make great food gifts for neighbors, co-workers and friends.
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.
Notes
Storage Tips
After the cookies cool, store them in a cookie tin, cello bag or wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them crispy. They will keep nice and crispy for weeks! This cookie doesn’t need to be stored in an airtight container and should not be refrigerated due to excess moisture.
How to Freeze Pizzelles
Wrap six cookies at a time in plastic wrap, then transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to three months. It helps to separate them with parchment paper, preventing sticking. Thaw on counter and if too soft after freezing, see below for how to make your pizzelles crisp again.
How do you make pizzelles crisp again?
If your pizzelles get too soft, just place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake them in a 300° F /(150° C) oven for a few minutes.
Can I make pizzelle dough ahead of time?
You can make this dough up to three days ahead of time. Store covered in the fridge, then bring to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking.
Variations & Substitutions
- Lemon Pizzelle Cookies | Stir into batter, 1-2 tablespoons of lemon zest (about 1-2 large lemons).
- Gluten-Free Pizzelle | Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or half GF AP Flour and ½ almond flour or oat flour.
- Dairy-Free Pizzelle Recipe | Use dairy-free or plant-based butter, like margarine or coconut oil, to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Keto Pizzelle | To make low-carb Pizzelle, swap out the flour for almond flour and trade the sugar for a monk fruit sugar substitute, like Lakanto Golden Sugar.
- Rolled Pizzelle Cookie Cones | Place the warm Pizzelle onto a rounded surface, like a wooden dowel, to form it into a cylinder shape as it dries. It’s perfect for making Pizzelle cannoli shells! Or place them over the bottom of a drinking glass or a small bowl to make edible bowls!
- Chocolate Pizzelles| Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the batter and enjoy these easy chocolate pizzelles, I would use vanilla extract versus anise seed for these.
Substitutions and Add-Ins
- It’s common to sandwich two pizzelle with cannoli cream or hazelnut spread (like Nutella). Pizzelle, while still warm, can also be rolled into a tubular shape using a woodendowelto create cannoli shells.
- Sugar Substitutes:coconut sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, and honey
- Add cinnamon to the classic recipe for a warm twist.
- Swap the vanilla or anise for almond extract for almond Pizzelles; start with ½ a teaspoon and taste it.
- Get creative by dipping the edges of the cooled pizzelles in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set by setting the cookies on the cooling rack or a cookie sheet. If desired, before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with chopped nuts or festive sprinkles, too!
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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