Classic Crispy Italian Pizzelle Cookies (Vanilla and Anise)
Make authentic, light, and crispy Italian pizzelle cookies at home using this straightforward recipe. These traditional waffle cookies feature classic vanilla and anise flavorings, perfect for holidays or enjoying with coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: About 3 dozen 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional, for traditional flavor)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare your pizzelle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to heat fully. Lightly grease the iron if necessary.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and anise extract, if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a smooth batter. Do not overmix.
- Drop one teaspoon of batter onto the center of the hot pizzelle iron. Close the lid quickly. The batter will spread.
- Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the steam stops escaping and the cookie is golden brown and crisp. Cooking time depends on your iron.
- Carefully remove the cookie using a thin spatula. If you want to shape the pizzelle (into cones or cannoli shells), do so immediately while it is hot and pliable.
- Place the finished pizzelle on a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, placing cookies on the rack to cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
- For the crispiest pizzelle cookies, work quickly and place each cookie on a wire rack immediately after removing it from the iron. Do not stack them while warm.
- If you prefer a strong licorice flavor, increase the anise extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons. For a pure vanilla flavor, omit the anise completely.
- To make chocolate pizzelle variations, remove 1/2 cup of flour and replace it with 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If your batter seems too thick to spread easily, add one teaspoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30