Vanilla and Chocolate Pizzelles

These Vanilla and Chocolate Pizzelles are a classic Italian cookie and one of my favorite Christmas cookies! They’re thin, crisp and so easy to make!

This recipe and photos have been updated since they were original post on 12/15/2014

Pizzelle cookies have been a Christmas cookie tradition in our family for as long as I can remember. Both my mom and grandma had pizzelle irons and would make them every December, sometimes more than once. After my grandma passed away I got her pizzelle iron and I continue the tradition of making a batch every year.

Growing up we would usually make either vanilla or almond flavored pizzelles. We typically didn’t make the traditional anise (black licorice) flavor because frankly, none of us are fans of the flavor.

When I received my grandma’s pizzelle iron there was a an old recipe card in it that also included a chocolate version. Well, I couldn’t resist trying it and that’s how I landed on this recipe for vanilla and chocolate pizzelles that I’m sharing with you today!

What is a Pizzelle Cookie?

Pizzelle cookies are traditional Italian waffle cookies. The dough is a simple combination of melted butter, sugar, eggs, flour and baking powder. The flavoring you add to pizzelles is endless, but anise, vanilla and chocolate are more traditional.

The thickness of pizzelles is also a personal preference. I tend to like mine thin and crisp, so I press down a little heavier on the iron. The only special equipment you need to make pizzelle cookies is the iron itself. You can find them online or at specialty cooking stores.

Ingredients For Vanilla and Chocolate Pizzelles

• unsalted butter
• eggs
• sugar
• flour
• baking powder
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• vanilla

How to Make Vanilla and Chocolate Pizzelles

To make the cookie dough you can use a stand mixer, hand mixer or use a whisk and rubber spatula. 

Start by preheating the pizzelle iron and melting the butter in the microwave. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl. If you’re using a stand mixer, beat the eggs together with the paddle attachment until they’re completely broken up and combined. Slowly pour in the sugar and continue to beat for a couple minutes.

Add in the vanilla and slowly stream in the butter with the mixer on low so you don’t cook the eggs. Likewise, if you’re doing it by hand, whisk constantly as you pour in the butter. Pour the dry ingredients in with the wet and beat on low until combined or fold together with a rubber spatula until combined. If you’re making the chocolate version the only difference will be whisking the cocoa powder in with the flour mixture.

Use a medium cookie scoop (2 teaspoons) and place the dough in the center of the molds on the pizzelle iron. Press the lid down and let them bake for about 30-45 seconds. Just like making pancakes, you will likely have to toss the first couple cookies that you make. Use a spatula or knife to remove them from the iron and then put them on a wire rack to cool. 

Pizzelle Flavor Variations

• Almond extract, about 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon
• Anise extract, about 1 – 1/2 teaspoons
• Lemon, using lemon zest, extract or both
• Orange, using orange zest, extract or both
• Red velvet pizzelles
• Churro pizzelles

How to Serve Pizzelles

Obviously you can eat pizzelles as is, but here are some other options for serving them.

• Turn them into mock cannolis. When they’re hot off the pizzelle iron, wrap them around a wooden dowel or something similar until they hold their shape. Once cool, fill them with your favorite cannoli filling recipe.
• Take a softened scoop of your favorite ice cream and press it in between two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich.
• Sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
• Dip or drizzle them with melted chocolate. Before the chocolate hardens sprinkle with chopped nuts, sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
• Roll them into a waffle cone and fill with ice cream.

More Christmas Cookies

Chai Ginger Cookies

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cookies