Name: Anise Pizzelle Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 0.75 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1.5 teaspoons anise extract or seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1.75 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt

These Anise Pizzelle Cookies are a nostalgic Italian classic with their delicate crisp texture and signature snowflake design. Light, aromatic, and just the right amount of sweetness, they melt in your mouth and pair beautifully with espresso or holiday wine. Whether you’re making them for Christmas trays or as a charming edible gift, pizzelle are as beautiful as they are delicious.

What makes these cookies truly special is their unique flavor. Anise lends a subtle licorice note that tastes festive without being overpowering. These cookies are incredibly simple to make with a pizzelle iron and basic pantry staples, yet they look impressively intricate and fancy.

What Kind of Pizzelle Iron Should I Use?

A traditional pizzelle iron (either stovetop or electric) gives you those lovely lacy patterns. Electric irons are more convenient and consistent in browning, while stovetop irons offer a bit more control for the crispness. Either option will deliver stunning results.

Ingredients for the Anise Pizzelle Cookies

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft, crisp texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies just enough to highlight the anise.
Eggs: Essential for binding and creating that light, airy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden edge.
Anise Extract or Seeds: Brings in that bold, aromatic flavor that defines pizzelle.
Vanilla Extract: Adds balance to the anise and brings warmth.
Baking Powder: Lends a slight lift, keeping the cookies light but crisp.
Salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering.

How To Make the Anise Pizzelle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the airy texture. Then stir in melted butter, anise extract, and vanilla.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until a smooth batter forms.

Step 3: Heat the Pizzelle Iron

Plug in your electric pizzelle iron or preheat your stovetop version. Lightly grease if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Cookies

Spoon about a tablespoon of batter into the center of the iron. Close and cook until lightly golden—usually 30 to 60 seconds depending on your iron. Remove with tongs and lay flat or shape immediately into cones or bowls.

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

Let the pizzelle cool completely on a wire rack. They will crisp up as they cool.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh and crisp with coffee or tea. You can also dip them halfway in chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

To store, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they soften, just place them in a 250°F oven for a few minutes to re-crisp.

What to Serve With Anise Pizzelle Cookies?

Espresso or Cappuccino

The rich coffee perfectly complements the subtle anise flavor.

Vin Santo or Dessert Wine

Especially for holiday gatherings, these make a delightful pairing.

Fresh Berries

Add contrast and a refreshing brightness to the crisp cookies.

Mascarpone Cream

Spread a little mascarpone between two pizzelle for a sandwich-style treat.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle or dip to elevate them into a plated dessert.

Ice Cream

Use pizzelle as a base or a scoop holder for vanilla or pistachio ice cream.

Add pizzelle to a festive assortment alongside biscotti and shortbread.

If you love these Anise Pizzelle Cookies, try these other ChefAlchemy treats:

Twix Cookie Cups for that gooey caramel and chocolate crunch.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a soft and nostalgic bite.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies if you love deep cocoa indulgence.
Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars when you’re craving citrus simplicity.
Cream Cheese Flan for a silky contrast to crisp pizzelle.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extract or anise seeds? Add citrus zest? I love hearing how you make each recipe your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great: https://www.pinterest.com/chefalchemy/

Anise Pizzelle Cookies

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 30 pizzelle
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Elevate your cookie game with these crisp and aromatic Anise Pizzelle Cookies—a delicate Italian classic with snowflake patterns and a subtle licorice flair. They’re light, elegant, and perfect for holidays or a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you enjoy them with espresso, gift them wrapped in ribbon, or sandwich them with mascarpone, they’re a delightful twist on traditional cookies. Ideal for easy dessert ideas, holiday treats, and quick baking recipes, this pizzelle recipe is a must-have for anyone craving old-world charm and modern simplicity.