Authentic Italian Pizzelle Cookies Recipe
If youโre looking to elevate your holiday baking with a delightful cookie that evokes the essence of Italian tradition, youโve come to the right place. This authentic Italian Pizzelle Cookies recipe, passed down from my beloved Italian aunt, is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a nostalgic journey into the heart of Christmas celebrations. With a perfect blend of flavor and texture, these cookies are crisp, light, and incredibly versatile. You can even swap out the traditional anise flavor for vanilla or lemon extracts, offering a delightful twist that will satisfy every palate. So, roll up your sleeves and letโs create some magic!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 48 cookies |
| Rating | โ โ โ โ โ (3.5/5 from 5 reviews) |
| Calories | 78.8 per cookie |
Keywords
- Cookie & Brownie
- European
- Christmas
- < 30 Mins
- For Large Groups
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 78.8 |
| Total Fat | 4.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 26.4 mg |
| Sodium | 64.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 5.6 g |
| Protein | 1.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oleo or Butter |
| 1 1/3 | Sugar |
| 6 | Eggs |
| 1 1/2 | Flour |
| 1 1/2 | Baking Powder |
| 1 | Anise Flavoring (or substitute with vanilla or lemon extract) |
Instructions
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Melt the Oleo or Butter: Begin your culinary journey by gently melting the oleo or butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until it is fully liquefied and smooth. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your dough and infuses it with rich flavor.
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Mix in the Sugar: Once the oleo or butter has melted, remove it from the heat and gradually mix in the sugar, ensuring it is well incorporated. The goal here is to create a creamy, smooth mixture that will provide sweetness and texture to your cookies.
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Cool the Mixture: Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool down slightly; this prevents the eggs from cooking when added, ensuring a perfectly blended dough.
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Add Eggs: Once cooled, crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to aerate the mixture and contributes to the lightness of your cookies.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring gently to combine. The consistency of your dough should be soft but not overly sticky; if needed, you can adjust the flour quantity slightly to achieve the right texture.
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Mix in Baking Powder and Flavoring: Sprinkle the baking powder into the dough, followed by your chosen flavoring, whether it be anise, vanilla, or lemon. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Adjust Dough Consistency: If you find that your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a soft, pliable consistency that is easy to work with.
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Refrigerate the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
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Preheat Pizzelle Iron: While your dough is chilling, preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturerโs instructions. This step is essential to ensure that your cookies cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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Scoop Dough onto Iron: Once the dough has chilled and your pizzelle iron is ready, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the iron. Depending on your iron size, you may need to adjust the amount of dough used, but generally, a heaping tablespoon will do.
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Cook the Pizzelle: Close the pizzelle iron and cook for about 1 minute, or until the cookies turn lightly golden brown. The cooking time may vary slightly based on your specific iron, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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Cool and Store: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizzelle cookies from the iron and let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial, as it allows the cookies to crisp up, making them delightful to bite into.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once completely cooled, stack your pizzelle cookies on a festive platter and share them with family and friends. These cookies not only make a wonderful addition to your holiday treats but are also a delightful gift to share with loved ones.
Indulging in these Italian Pizzelle Cookies during the holiday season will surely bring warmth and joy to your home. Their delicate texture and sweet flavor make them a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea, and they are sure to become a cherished tradition in your own holiday celebrations. Enjoy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!
