• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
This Italian Kitchen
  • Breakfast & Brunch
  • Appetizers & Starters
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Sides
  • Desserts
  • Holiday Menus
  • Drinks
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Desserts
  • Breakfast & Brunch
  • Appetizers & Starters
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Sides
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Appetizers & Starters
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads & Sides
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Italian Recipes

    Pizzelle Cookies (Traditional Italian Waffle Cookies)

    November 8, 2023 by angelakallison 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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 cookies with powdered sugar sprinkled on them.

    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, or Baci di Dama Cookies. For classic Italian Christmas cookies, don't miss these Italian Thumbprint Cookies, Panforte, 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. 

    Italian Pizzelle cookies stacked on each other with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.

    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

    Ingredients for recipe are eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and melted butter.
    • 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. 

    How to make the recipe process shots including making the batter and cooking it in the press.

    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. 

    Pizzelle Cookies on a plate without powdered sugar on them.

    ​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. 
    Pizzelle stacked on each other on a white plate.

    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.

    Overhead photo of the cookies with powdered sugar sprinkled on top and a checkered napkin next to them.

    Italian Cookie Recipes

    • Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe.
      Cranberry Almond Biscotti (Classic Italian Recipe)
    • Ricotta Cannolis
      Ricotta Cannoli
    • Anise Cookies
      Anise Cookies
    • Pignoli Cookies
      Pignoli Cookies (Italian Pine Nut Cookies)

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or review in the comments section further down the page.

    Pizzelle Cookies
    Print Recipe
    5 from 10 votes

    Italian Pizzelle Cookies

    Pizzelle Cookies are the classic Italian wafer cookie made with a beautiful lace design. These cookies are great for the holidays and are easy to make with a pizzelle maker or pizzelle iron.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Resting Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time55 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: Italian Cookies, Pizzelle
    Servings: 30 cookies
    Calories: 77kcal
    Author: Angela Allison

    Equipment

    • pizzelle maker or pizzelle iron

    Ingredients

    • 3 large eggs
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour (185 grams)
    • powdered sugar for dusting

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, and baking powder until well combined. Add in the flour and mix just until the mixture is well incorporated. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before using.
    • Heat the pizzelle maker according to package instructions. If needed, brush the hot pizzelle iron with oil (not necessary for nonstick irons).
    • Scoop about two teaspoons of batter onto the center of the pizzelle form. Close the lid and let cook for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until the pizzelle is a light golden color. Carefully remove using tongs or a fork.
    • Place the cooked pizzelle on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar once cooled.

    Notes

    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. Drop 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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    « Baci di Dama (Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies)
    Italian Brioche Bread Recipe (Brioche col Tuppo) »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gianne

      November 15, 2023 at 5:50 am

      5 stars
      These Traditional Italian waffle cookies are like a little slice of heaven. The crispy, delicate texture combined with just the right amount of sweetness makes them impossible to resist. I could eat a whole batch in one sitting!

      Reply
    2. Carrie Robinson

      November 15, 2023 at 5:58 am

      5 stars
      This is such a classic Italian cookie to make for the holidays! 🙂 Brings back childhood memories for me.

      Reply
    3. Katherine

      November 15, 2023 at 6:50 am

      5 stars
      I inherited my grandma's pizzelle form, and these cookies turned out perfectly! Will make them again for Christmas.

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        November 15, 2023 at 7:59 am

        yay! I'm happy to hear that 🙂

        Reply
        • Kathy

          November 17, 2023 at 1:43 pm

          5 stars
          Delicious cookie. I didn't let the dough sit and didn't have a problem. I will try that the next time to see if there is a difference. I will be making again.

          Reply
          • angelakallison

            November 17, 2023 at 2:42 pm

            Thanks for the comment, Kathy. So happy you enjoyed them 🙂

            Reply
    4. Toni

      November 15, 2023 at 6:52 am

      5 stars
      I always enjoy these classic cookies! Beautiful and really delicious!

      Reply
    5. Tara

      November 15, 2023 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      Such a wonderful cookie for the upcoming holiday season! I love all the different flavor variations too.

      Reply
    6. Gary B Macchioni

      November 18, 2023 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you for sharing your excellent recipe for my favorite Italian cookies. I learned from my late mother, Gemma and I I also inherited her iron. I highly suggest using anise oil and not extract. I always use a lot more than even my recipe calls for. I also suggest buying a Palmer that is made near Pittsburgh, PA. Although I like the powdered sugar, we never used it in our waffles. Thank you

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Angela, the recipe creator of This Italian Kitchen. Cooking alongside her Italian family, she grew up creating authentic meals and desserts.

    More about me →

    Italian Christmas Cookies

    These Italian Christmas Cookies are perfect for your holiday table!

    • Sicilian Almond Cookies recipe.
      Sicilian Almond Cookies (Almond Paste Cookies)
    • Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe.
      Cranberry Almond Biscotti (Classic Italian Recipe)
    • Anise Cookies
      Anise Cookies
    • Italian Almond Chocolate Cookies stacked on each other.
      Italian Almond Chocolate Cookies
    • Italian Wedding Cookies.
      Italian Wedding Cookies (Best Authentic Recipe)
    • Lemon Ricotta Cookies on a counter with a checkered napkin in the background.
      Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    *Posts on this site may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you

    Copyright © 2023 This Italian Kitchen

    39 shares
    Pizzelle Cookies recipe.