Traditional Italian Pizzelles with Anise are a beloved holiday treat that brings the warmth of Italian tradition into your home. These delicate, crispy cookies are perfect for entertaining family and friends, and their unique flavor will delight both young and old. Made easily with a pizzelle maker, this recipe is a wonderful way to add a touch of festivity to your holiday season.
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Pizzelles are traditional Italian waffle cookies made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, eggs, and sugar. They are typically flavored with anise or vanilla and cooked in a special pizzelle iron, creating intricate patterns. These cookies are popular during the holidays, especially Christmas, but can be enjoyed year-round.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Crisp Texture: Perfectly thin and crispy with every bite.
- Authentic Italian Flavor: Anise extract provides a classic, aromatic touch.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
- Versatile and Festive: Great for holiday gatherings or as an everyday treat.
If you like this Italian recipe, you may also love our Easy Zeppole Recipe or our Lemon Ricotta Cake with Fresh Raspberries.
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Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the pizzelles puff up slightly and remain light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a crisp cookie.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Anise Extract: Gives the pizzelles their signature licorice-like flavor.
- Whole Milk: Helps to achieve the perfect batter consistency.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Traditional Italian Pizzelles with Anise
STEP ONE: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
STEP TWO: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and anise extract.
STEP THREE: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk to reach the desired consistency.
STEP FOUR: Cook the Pizzelles
Preheat your pizzelle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease the pizzelle iron. Drop a spoonful of batter onto each patterned plate, close the lid, and cook for about 30-45 seconds, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Substitutions & Variations
- Anise Extract: Use almond extract, vanilla extract, or lemon zest for a different flavor.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Flavor: Add cocoa powder for chocolate pizzelles or citrus zest for a zesty twist.
- Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Pizzelle Maker
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Rack
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Storage
Store the cooled pizzelles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Pizzelles can also be frozen for up to three months.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
The batter should be thick but spreadable. Add more milk if too thick.
Adjust the cooking time based on your pizzelle maker's instructions.
To reheat and crisp up stored pizzelles, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
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Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use extra anise extract in biscotti.
- Incorporate leftover milk in a creamy hot chocolate.
- Use remaining butter in shortbread cookies.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Enjoy pizzelles with a cup of espresso.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for a light treat.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Italian Biscotti
- Almond Florentines
- Cannoli
Related
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FAQ
To keep pizzelles crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to soften, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Pizzelles originated in Italy, specifically in the Abruzzo region, and are traditionally made during Christmas and Easter.
While a pizzelle maker is traditional, you can use a stovetop waffle iron in a pinch.
Yes, pizzelle cookies can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with wax paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
📖 Recipe
Traditional Italian Pizzelles with Anise: Holiday Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- Pizzelle Maker
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your pizzelle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- In a bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- In another bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter with 1 ¼ cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of anise extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 ¼ cups of whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until you have a smooth, thick batter. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Lightly grease the pizzelle maker and drop a spoonful of batter onto each patterned plate. Close the lid and cook for about 30-45 seconds or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Carefully remove the pizzelle and place them flat on a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crisp as they cool. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar.
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Notes
- Anise Extract: Use almond extract, vanilla extract, or lemon zest for a different flavor.
Nutrition
Enjoy making and sharing these traditional Italian pizzelles with anise. They're perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a delicious, crispy treat.
Happy baking!
Eggs should be fresh and properly handled to avoid contamination. Store pizzelles in a dry, cool place to prevent them from becoming stale or soggy.
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