Italian Pizzelle Cookies are traditional thin, crisp cookies with a delicate pattern. This lighter version uses less butter and sugar without sacrificing flavor, making them a perfect holiday treat. They also work well with gluten-free flour blends for those avoiding gluten.
Pizzelle Cookies
My mother always made pizzelle for the holidays, and they remain a family favorite. I tested a lighter version of her recipe by reducing the butter and sugar, and the result was just as crisp and tasty. These cookies make lovely homemade gifts—pack a stack in a clear bag or a holiday tin. For those who need gluten-free options, this recipe performs beautifully when made with a one-to-one gluten-free flour mix.
How to Make Pizzelle Cookies
You will need a pizzelle maker (similar to a waffle iron) to bake these cookies; a nonstick model is easiest for removal. The basic method is simple: beat the eggs and sugar, stir in melted butter, milk and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients. Heat and lightly grease the iron, place a level tablespoon of batter onto each mold, and close the iron briefly until the cookies are golden and no longer steaming. Transfer the pizzelle to a cooling rack to crisp before storing.
What is the difference between Krumkake and Pizzelle?
What does pizzelle mean in Italian?
The word pizzelle comes from Italian and refers to something small, flat and round—an accurate description of these cookies.
Variations and Tips
- Swap vanilla extract for anise, orange, lemon or almond extract for different flavor profiles.
- Make cookie sandwiches by spreading Nutella or jam between two pizzelle.
- Partially dip cooled pizzelle in melted chocolate, chill until set for a chocolate-covered version.
- While still warm, roll pizzelle around a dowel to form cones; these make elegant shells for ice cream or cannoli filling.
- Rolled pizzelles can serve as cannoli shells for a creative twist.
- Store pizzelle in an airtight container; they will stay crisp for up to a month when kept dry.
More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
- Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies
- 5-Ingredient Nutella Almond Butter Cookies
- Skinny No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peppermint Meringues
Pizzelle Cookies Recipe
Yield: 10 servings (about 2 pizzelle per serving) | Serving size: 2 pizzelle
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins (total baking time varies by iron) | Total: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 2 tablespoons skim milk or milk of your choice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, or a one-to-one gluten-free flour mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Cooking spray or light oil for the iron
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the whole egg, egg white and sugar until the mixture is thick and slightly pale.
- Stir in the melted butter, milk and vanilla until combined.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder, then fold the dry ingredients into the batter until smooth. The batter should be pourable but not runny; adjust with a teaspoon of milk or flour if needed.
- Preheat the pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a brush of oil.
- Drop about one level tablespoon of batter onto the center of each circle in the hot iron. Depending on your iron, you may need to test for the right amount of batter and baking time.
- Close the iron and bake for about 45–50 seconds, or until steam stops and the pizzelle are golden. Times vary by model—watch the first batch closely.
- Carefully remove the pizzelle and transfer to a cooling rack. If you want to shape cones or rolls, do so immediately while the cookie is still warm and pliable.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, re-greasing the iron as needed. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- To serve, dust with powdered sugar or fill as desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximately 91 calories; 14.5 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 3 g fat; 0.5 g fiber; 7.5 g sugar. Values are estimates and will vary with ingredient choices.
Final Notes
Pizzelle are quick to make and versatile—flavored with extracts or filled and dipped, they adapt to many holiday menus. They travel well as gifts and are a lovely, nostalgic cookie to share. If you try a gluten-free flour blend, use a 1:1 baking mix for the best texture. Enjoy these crisp Italian cookies with coffee, tea or a scoop of ice cream in a rolled cone shell.
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and let friends know how it turned out—homemade pizzelle are always worth showing off!