Pizzelle Cookies (Traditional Italian Waffle Cookies)

Pizzelle Cookies are the classic Italian wafer cookie made with a beautiful lace design. These traditional Italian cookies are light and delicate and are perfect for holidays or any special occasion. 

Pizzelle are considered one of the most iconic Italian cookies. They are simple to make and have a delicious flavor and texture. Considered one of the oldest cookies, this is a classic recipe you need to add to your cookie collection. 

Here, I’ll show you how to make the best Pizzelle recipe using only a few ingredients. These crunchy cookies are then baked using a pizzelle maker and are ready in just minutes! Read on to see how to make these simple cookies.

If you love traditional Italian cookies, be sure to try these Italian Wedding Cookies, Sicilian Almond Cookies, Italian Peach Cookies, or Baci di Dama Cookies. For classic Italian Christmas cookies, don’t miss these Cuccidati Italian Fig Cookies, Italian Thumbprint Cookies, Panforte, Italian Christmas Cookies, or melt in your mouth Limoncello Ricotta Cookies. 

You’ll Love Pizzelle Cookies!

Classic Italian Pizzelle cookies are a traditional wafer cookie that’s crisp and delicate with the best light flavor. This simple cookie is made with just a few basic ingredients and comes together fast. 

There are so many different uses for this easy pizzelle recipe. They are served alongside other desserts like ice cream or gelato, or can be molded to make cannoli shells. 

Made with an intricate lace design they are a pretty cookie to have on hand for Christmas and special occasions. Just top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple and tasty treat that’s great for the holiday season. 

Here, I’ll show you how to make the perfect pizzelle at home using a pizzelle iron. You can purchase these online or any speciality kitchen store. 

So, if you love a crisp and light cookie, be sure to give this pizzelle cookie recipe a try. 

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Eggs: you will need three large eggs. 
• Sugar: use granulated sugar for this recipe.
• Butter: either salted or unsalted butter works. Melt and let cool before using. Some versions use olive oil in place of the melted butter.  
• Baking Powder: make sure you are using baking powder and not baking soda. 
• Vanilla: a bit of vanilla extract is used to make the classic version of these Italian pizzelle cookies. See below for more variations. 
• Flour: all purpose flour works best. Weigh the flour for accurate measurement. 

Variations Pizzelle Cookies

Anise Pizzelle

To give your pizzelle an anise flavor, add a half teaspoon of anise extract or anise oil to the batter along with the vanilla. You can add whole anise seeds as well. 

Chocolate Pizzelle

For chocolate pizzelle, add two tablespoons of cocoa powder in place of two tablespoons of all purpose flour. Drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired. 

Almond Pizzelle 

Almond flavored pizzelle can be made by adding a half teaspoon of almond extract to the batter along with the vanilla. Top with sliced almonds and powdered sugar. 

Lemon Pizzelle

If you are looking for a citrusy flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the pizzelle batter. For more flavor, add lemon extract or lemon oil. 

How to Make Italian Pizzelle Cookies

Pizzelle cookies are a quick and delicious wafer-style cookie that are actually simple to make. To start, you will need a pizzelle maker to get that delicate design and thin cookie. 

Similar to a waffle maker but with thinner results, you can find pizzelle makers, also known as a “pizzelle press,” online or in specialty kitchen stores. You can buy either the electric plug in version or a stove top version. 

Step 1: whisk together wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted and cooled butter, baking powder, and vanilla. If you are using any other flavorings or extracts, add them at this time as well.

Mix in the dry ingredients (flour) until the batter just starts to come together. Be careful not to over mix the batter. 

Step 2: let batter rest for 30 minutes

Then, you want to let the batter rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to develop and give you a better texture for making the perfect pizzelles. 

Step 3: cook the pizzelle

Heat your pizzelle press or iron according to the manufacturers instructions. Either grease the pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray if needed. 

Add about two teaspoons of cookie batter on the middle of the waffle iron pan. Place the lid on the pizzelle iron and cook for about 30-60 seconds, or until the pizzelle are golden brown. 

Step 4: cool and decorate

Once the pizzelle are cooked, use tongs or a fork to carefully remove the cookie to a wire rack to cool and harden. If you are making pizzelle for cannoli shells, this would be the time to shape them before they harden completely. 

​Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled pizzelle. Enjoy immediately or store in an air-tight container for later. 

​Tips for Making Italian Pizzelle Cookies

• Pizzelle are a subtly sweet classic Italian cookie. You can add flavors and extracts to them if desired. 
• These are great served during the holidays and can be dressed up with just a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar. 
• Make pizzelle up to a week in advance. Just store in an airtight container and add on the powdered sugar before serving. 
• You will need a special iron to make these cookies. You can find a pizzelle iron online or in most specialty kitchen stores. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make pizzelle on the stovetop? 

To make pizzelle on the stovetop, heat a flat non-stick pan over medium-low heat, spoon portions of pizzelle batter onto the pan, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. Use a round cookie cutter or mold to shape the pizzelle if desired. 

How do you serve pizzelle? 

To serve pizzelle, arrange them on a platter, and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a spread of Nutella, or alongside a scoop of gelato for a delicious dessert.

Italian Cookie Recipes