Classic Pizzelle Recipe for Italian Waffle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies known for their delicate crispness and beautiful patterns. This classic recipe yields light, flavorful cookies perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a pizzelle iron, you can create these charming treats at home.

Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup European butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale yellow.
- Step 2: While continuing to beat, slowly drizzle in the melted and cooled butter. Then add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just incorporated.
- Step 4: Preheat your pizzelle maker. Drop about 1 ½ tablespoons of batter onto each mold. Close the lid and bake until the cookies turn golden brown, approximately 30 seconds.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the pizzelle with a wooden spatula and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use European-style butter for a richer flavor and tender texture.
- Try adding a bit of anise extract or lemon zest for a different aromatic twist.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cookies tender and light.
Storage
Store pizzelle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp for up to one week. If they soften, you can refresh them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of European butter?
Yes, regular butter can be used, but European butter has a higher fat content that adds extra richness and improves texture.
How do I prevent pizzelle from sticking to the iron?
Make sure your pizzelle iron is well preheated and lightly greased before each use. Wiping with a little melted butter helps prevent sticking.
PrintClassic Pizzelle Recipe for Italian Waffle Cookies Recipe
This Classic Pizzelle Recipe offers a traditional Italian waffle cookie that’s crisp, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime you’re craving a light, crispy cookie, these pizzelles are made with simple ingredients and cooked quickly in a pizzelle maker for delightful homemade results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 pizzelle cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup European butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the 3 large eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light yellow in color, which ensures the right texture for your pizzelles.
- Add butter and vanilla: While continuing to beat, slowly drizzle in the melted and cooled 1/2 cup European butter, then add 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract to combine for a rich, aromatic batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons baking powder. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent for light, crisp cookies.
- Combine wet and dry: Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness in the cookies.
- Bake pizzelles: Preheat your pizzelle maker. Bake one medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) of batter per mold until golden brown, approximately 30 seconds. Carefully remove the pizzelle with a wooden spatula and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve and garnish: Once cooled, dust the pizzelles with powdered sugar as desired for a festive finishing touch. Enjoy these crisp and flavorful Italian waffle cookies fresh or stored in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully cooled before adding to the eggs to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Do not overmix the batter; folding until just combined keeps the pizzelles tender yet crisp.
- If you don’t have a pizzelle maker, a waffle iron with flat patterned plates can be a substitute but may alter the traditional shape.
- Store pizzelles in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to one week.
- For a different flavor, try adding a splash of anise extract or lemon zest in place of vanilla.
Keywords: Classic Pizzelle, Italian waffle cookies, traditional pizzelle recipe, homemade pizzelle, easy Italian cookies, vanilla pizzelle

