Desserts and Baked GoodsMolly SoudantItalian, Pizelle, anise, dessert, cookieComment

Pizzelles

Desserts and Baked GoodsMolly SoudantItalian, Pizelle, anise, dessert, cookieComment
Pizzelles

I was first introduced to pizzelles by my husband, whose Italian American family served them regularly when he was growing up, especially around the holidays. They are a light waffle-like cookie that originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy and are said to be the world’s oldest cookie, with the first recipe apparently dating back to the 8th century BC. The name is derived from pizze, the Italian world for “round” and “flat” (like pizza) and elle, which means small. They look impressive, but are incredibly easy to make.

Yield: 2-3 dozen | Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes | Active Time: 30 minutes

Special equipment needed: pizzelle iron

Ingredients

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 2 Tbsp. milk

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp. anise extract

  • 3 eggs

  • 1 2/3 cup flour

  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, milk vanilla extract, anise extract, and eggs. Add flour, baking powder and salt and whisk until smooth. Let dough sit at room temperature for one hour.

Lightly spray pizzelle iron with nonstick cooking spray before heating. Then cook in batches according to manufacturer’s instructions, or until golden brown, about 30-60 seconds.