Pizzelle Cookies

Photo by Cafe Kim

One of the things I look forward to most about the holiday season are my grandma's traditional Italian waffle cookies—called pizzelles (because they're round and flat like a pizza). These crisp cookies are popular at Christmas and Easter and are also often served at Italian weddings. I like mine flavored with almond and dusted with powdered sugar—don't they look so pretty?

I've posted the recipe here (along with a humorous anecdote about my most recent pizzelle-making experience). Check it out, then tell us:

Does your family have a favorite traditional cookie recipe?



For this recipe, you absolutely need an electric pizzelle maker, which is similar to a waffle iron. You spoon batter onto the iron and close for about 1 minute (time varies by maker, be sure to read the directions).


pizzel maker


Mine only has space to make two cookies at a time, however, I have seen some that can make three. If you think it sounds tedious to load cookies two at a time and wait while they cook, you would be 100 percent correct. But trust me, it's worth it. EXCEPT, however, if you are halfway through baking and your pizzelle maker totally conks out. Yes, this happened to me this weekend. Super annoying! Luckily for me, my maker is still covered by warranty.


Traditional Pizzelle Recipe from Cafe Kim's Grandma

6 eggs

4.5 cups flour

2.5 cups sugar

1 cup margarine, melted and cooled (I use butter)

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Beat eggs until creamy. Add sugar gradually, beating until smooth. Stir in cooled margarine. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Sift flour with baking powder. Stir into egg mixture gradually. Place heaping tablespoon of dough of pizzelle maker. Bake as directed. Cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes about 50 cookies.