Description
Classic Pizzelle are traditional Italian crisp wafer cookies made with simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, butter, and flavored with vanilla and anise extract. These delicate cookies are cooked using a pizzelle iron, resulting in beautifully patterned, golden, and crunchy treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale in color, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a light base for the batter.
- Add Butter and Extracts: Stir in the melted and cooled butter, vanilla extract, and anise extract if using, mixing thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a smooth, thick but spoonable batter forms, ready for cooking.
- Preheat Pizzelle Iron: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the iron if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pizzelle: Drop approximately 1 tablespoon of batter onto the center of each patterned section of the pizzelle iron. Close the lid and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until the pizzelle become lightly golden and crisp.
- Cool Pizzelle: Remove cookies carefully using a spatula or fork and place them on a wire rack to cool completely and crisp up. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Notes
- Pizzelle can be shaped into cones or cups while warm for holding fillings.
- Store cooked pizzelle in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 1 week.
- For a festive presentation, dust pizzelle with powdered sugar before serving.
