Name: Pizzelle (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar; 3/8 teaspoon table salt; 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 3/4 cups (210g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, melted

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Introduction

Pizzelle are traditional Italian Christmas cookies known for their delicate, crisp texture and beautiful, intricate patterns. These thin waffle-like treats are flavored with vanilla and perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a light, sweet snack.

A group of round wafer cookies with intricate lace-like patterns are scattered on a dark green surface replaced with a white marbled texture. Some wafers are plain golden brown with visible crisp texture and star or floral designs, while others are lightly dusted with white powdered sugar, giving them a delicate frosted look. A white plate holds a metal sieve with powdered sugar, with some sugar sprinkled lightly among the wafers and around the surface. The wafers overlap and lie flat in an inviting, casual arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large eggs
3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
3/8 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
1 3/4 cups (210g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, again mixing until smooth; the batter will be thick and soft.
Step 4: Heat your pizzelle iron and grease it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Note that as the iron heats, the batter will stiffen.
Step 5: Cook the pizzelle following your iron’s guidelines. Generally, it takes between 45 seconds and 2 1/2 minutes for each cookie to brown.
Step 6: Remove the pizzelle carefully from the iron and cool them on a rack. If needed, trim any ragged edges with scissors.
Step 7: Once cooled, dust the pizzelle with confectioners’ sugar if you like for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, substitute vanilla extract with anise or almond extract.
Try rolling the warm pizzelle into cones or tubes for a fun presentation while they’re still pliable.
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to cool pizzelle and prevent sticking.

Storage

Store pizzelle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them crisp. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 1 month. To freshen after freezing, let them come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows several thin, round pizzelle cookies with a delicate, lacy pattern. They are light golden brown with a crisp texture, some more evenly browned while others have slightly darker edges. A few pizzelles are lightly dusted with fine white powdered sugar, creating a soft contrast against their golden surface. The cookies overlap each other in a scattered arrangement on a white marbled surface, highlighting their intricate icing pattern and delicate, crispy edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pizzelle without a pizzelle iron?

A pizzelle iron is recommended to achieve the delicate pattern and crisp texture, but you could try using a thin waffle iron or a regular electric griddle, though the results may differ.

Why are my pizzelle chewy instead of crisp?

Chewiness usually means the cookies weren’t cooked long enough or the batter was too wet. Make sure your iron is fully heated and follow the recommended cooking time to get a crisp finish.