Description
Light, crisp, and laced with the warm fragrance of anise, these classic Italian pizzelle cookies are a true celebration of family traditions and cozy kitchen memories. Each cookie, pressed into delicate snowflake patterns, melts in your mouth with a buttery snap and a subtle licorice note that’s irresistible alongside coffee or tucked into a holiday cookie tray. Perfect for a quick breakfast, easy dessert, holiday cookie tray, or when you need food ideas for gatherings—this easy recipe delivers beautiful results every time.
Ingredients
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon anise extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the melted butter, anise extract, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth, thick batter forms.
5. Preheat your pizzelle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease if needed.
6. Drop 1 heaping tablespoon of batter onto each pattern of the pizzelle iron, close, and cook for 30–45 seconds, or until golden.
7. Carefully remove cookies and transfer to a wire rack to cool and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
8. Store completely cooled pizzelle in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For crisper pizzelle, let them cool fully on a wire rack and store in a dry container.
Swap anise extract for almond, lemon, or just more vanilla if you prefer a different flavor.
These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months—layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pizzelle iron
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
Keywords: pizzelle cookies, Italian cookies, anise cookies, quick breakfast, easy dessert, holiday cookies, food ideas