Pizzelle della Nonna: A Classic Italian Cookie!

Delicate. Thin. Crispy. Wafer like. This is how I would describe this classic, authentic Italian cookie: Pizzelle della Nonna. This easy, simple, no butter recipe can be flavored with vanilla, anise, or even chocolate. Your search for the perfect pizzelle recipe is over! 

According to history, the first pizzelle cookies were made in the region of Abruzzo (geographically located in Central Italy) back in the 8th century.

These highly recognizable flat Italian cookies get their shape by flattening the batter between two hot iron plates (just like waffles). These plates (rectangular or round) often had the pattern of the family crest engraved on them.

Nowadays, the pizzelle maker’s imprint is a geometric/waffle design, a flower, or a snowflake pattern.

This authentic family recipe I am sharing today is made without butter and classically flavored with anise and vanilla. Over decades of experimenting, I have created different variations, including a chocolate pizzelle and a vegan pizzelle recipe.

Although traditionally made at Christmas, my nonna would make them throughout the year simply because they were everyone’s favorite Italian cookie. 

It’s time to dust off that old pizzelle maker and make some classic Italian cookies!

Jump to:

• Pizzelle ingredients
• Instructions
• What to make with pizzelle cookies
• Tips
• FAQ
• What is the secret to obtaining the perfect pizzelle that stay crispy?
• How do I store pizzelles so that they stay nice and crisp?
• Authentic Italian Cookies
• Recipe inspiration
• Recipe

Pizzelle ingredients

• Eggs: The foundation of the batter, eggs provide structure and moisture. They help create the light, crisp texture that pizzelle are known for.
• Sugar: Adding sweetness to the pizzelle, sugar also contributes to the cookie’s caramelization, giving it a lovely golden hue.
• Flour: This essential ingredient forms the bulk of the batter, creating the cookie’s base. All-purpose flour works perfectly, providing the right balance of strength and tenderness.
• Oil: Unlike some recipes that use butter, this family recipe uses vegetable oil, which makes the cookies slightly lighter and gives them a delightful, crispy texture.
• Essence: Flavoring is key in pizzelle. Vanilla essence adds a warm, sweet note, while anise essence imparts a distinctive, aromatic licorice flavor. Together, they create a harmonious and nostalgic taste profile.

The quantities and the type of fat used will determine the texture and thickness of these cookies. As for the flavoring, it really is a question of taste. My personal preference is the flavor of my childhood, vanilla and anise.

Let me show you how you can easily make the best pizzelle recipe with a pizzelle maker.

Instructions

Begin by whisking the three room-temperature eggs until they begin to thicken. Next, add the granulated sugar (½ cup) and whisk for a few minutes. As you can see, I like to use my whisk. If it is easier for you to use your stand mixer, use the whisk attachment.

Next, add the vegetable oil (¼ cup ), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) and anise extract (1 teaspoon).

Moving right along, whisk in the dry ingredients, which consist of flour (1¼ cups), baking powder (¾ teaspoon) and salt (just a pinch).

That’s it! You now have the perfect pizzelle batter. 

Now for the fun part!

Preheat the pizzelle iron. Depending on your model, this usually takes just a few minutes.

Your model will also dictate whether or not you need to use cooking spray. As you can see, my pizzelle iron has a non-stick coating, so I do not use any.

Once your pizzelle iron is hot, drop about one tablespoon of dough in the middle of each plate. Lower the upper heated element and press. You may notice some steam escaping from the sides of your pizzelle maker, this is normal. It’s also normal to hear a sizzling sound. When both subside, your cookies are done. 

In order to avoid scratching the non-stick plates, use a non-metal utensil to remove the pizzelle. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool down. Repeat this procedure with the rest of the dough. 

What to make with pizzelle cookies

When they are removed from the iron plate and still warm, they are extremely malleable. You have a few seconds to obtain any desired shape, which you can use to create wonderful pizzelle desserts. Transform the shape from flat to curvy.

Here are a few dessert ideas: 

• Edible bowls: Make a bowl or cup by pressing the freshly made, still-warm pizzelle inside a bowl. In just a few seconds, you have a crisp bowl shape that can be filled with ice cream or whipped sweet ricotta and topped with roasted strawberries or even macerated strawberries. Add some blueberries, and it becomes the perfect dessert for the 4th of July!
• Pizzelle cannoli: To make a cannoli shell, wrap the “hot off the press” still-warm pizzelle around a wooden dowel or cannoli tube. Once they harden, you can fill them with whipped ricotta and sprinkle them with icing sugar. 
• Pizzelle waffle cones: Use a cone-shaped mold to shape the hot pizzelles. Notice how within seconds, the pizzelle harden. Fill with ice cream or any other filling to make the perfect summer treat.

Tips

• This recipe comes together easily in a bowl. Although there is no need to use a stand or hand-held mixer, please use one if it is easier.
• Individual makers have different heating elements, so consult your owners’ manual for guidelines on specific times. It usually takes approximately 45 seconds to obtain light golden brown cookies. 
• As an option, dust the pizzelle with powdered sugar just before serving. 

FAQ

What is the secret to obtaining the perfect pizzelle that stay crispy?

• as soon as they are removed from the pizzelle maker, lay them flat and allow them to cool completely (you can use a cooling rack);
• do not stack them, as the steam will cause them to lose their crispiness;
• once you are done, allow them to air dry for a few hours.

How do I store pizzelles so that they stay nice and crisp?

• wrap in aluminum foil;
• place in cookie or coffee tins;
• place in paper bags.

Pizzelle, stored in this manner, will stay well for a few weeks. Whatever you do, do not place them in a plastic or airtight container (like Tupperware), as they will get soft.

Authentic Italian Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the taste of authentic Italian cookies, and I’ve grown up enjoying many of your favorite recipes. From classic S cookies and almond biscotti to lemon knot cookies and anise biscotti, a delightful variety of Italian cookies await you to bake and savor all year round.

Recipe inspiration

In my nonna’s Italian dialect, she would refer to these simple cookies as “ferratelle.”

My dad’s mother was born in Ripabottoni, in Campobasso, in the Italian region of Molise. I have many fond memories of my mom and grandmother making these special treats, especially at Christmas.

I can remember eating pizzelle faster than they could make them. Back then, my mom and grandmother would make “ferratelle” one at a time with a stovetop press with long handles. In fact, I still have the press which is pictured above.

Imagine the afternoons spent making this authentic Italian pizzelle recipe when the basic recipe called for one dozen eggs…a dozen!!!

Would you like to know my nonna’s secret to perfect pizzelles?

She stored the pizzelle in a bread box that she placed in the pantry. There was no bread in that box-only pizzelle. They were always crispy and delicious. I thought they were the best after-school snack!  

When my grandmother passed away, we found a small notebook with some recipes in it. It is remarkable that a woman born in 1908 in a small village learned to read and write. This little booklet symbolizes so much more than recipes.

This is truly priceless.

I have scaled down the original recipe, but if required, it can easily be doubled…or quadrupled and stored in your bread box 🙂

Enjoy!

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★★★★★ If you have made these Italian wafer cookies, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

This post was originally published on November 24, 2014, republished on July 2, 2019, March 6, 2021 and again on May 23, 2024, with updated content and photos.