Let’s admit it – One of the most exciting parts of the holidays (if not, our favorite part) is the food, and more specifically, the dessert. As Italians, we know how to fill our holidays with enough food for a small army and dessert is no exception. Cookies, cakes, cannoli – it’s all part of our festive holiday dessert spread. But even with all these dishes, our holidays just simply wouldn’t be complete without one of the most delicious and traditional Italian cookies: Pizzelle cookies. 

The smell of these sweet and scrumptious morsels baking in a pizzelle iron will bring any Italian back to his or her childhood. Every Italian family’s Nonna (grandmother) had the “best” recipe for pizzelles and as a child, you couldn’t wait until dinner was finished so the big plate of these delicious Italian cookies was finally passed around.

So, what makes these cookies synonymous with our Italian childhood? Find out more about how these sweet treats are made and how you can enjoy them with your family this holiday season.

The Origin of Pizzelle

Pizzelle cookies are true old-timers in the dessert industry – and quite literally – the oldest cookies known to man. Dating back hundreds of years, pizzelle cookies are a staple in Italian culture. If you’re Italian, you know a true pizzelle experience.

Pizzelle cookies (pizzella is the singular) are waffle cookies that were originally created in Ortona, which is in the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy. The pizzelle got its name from the Italian word “pizze,” which means round and flat. I’m sure you can guess the other famous Italian food that also got its name from this word!

The first batch of this traditional Italian cookie was made in the village of Colcullo for the “Festival of the Snakes,” also called the “Feast Day of San Domenico.” This slithery ritual was organized because, according to legend, the village had become overrun with snakes, but there was cause for celebration once these creatures were finally chased out. The Italian villagers basked in their victory the best way Italians know how: a festival filled with decadent food and drink. The pizzelle was born and, needless to say, it was a timeless hit.

The pizzelle has been associated with significant occasions throughout hundreds of years since its culmination. Since then, Italian families began creating their own recipes of this delightful cookie and it became a staple at every celebration.

How Pizzelle Cookies Are Made

Nonna never gives up all her baking secrets, but we’ll let you in on a few highlights on how pizzelle cookies are made. The batter is crafted from eggs, sugar, oil, and flour. The traditional Italian pizzelle cookie batter also includes anise oil, which gives the treat its distinct flavor. Chocolate, vanilla, or other flavors can also be added to the batter for a unique taste.

Once these ingredients are mixed together, the batter is placed on a preheated pizzelle iron, similar to a waffle iron. This is the part where the entire house begins to fill with the sweet smell of pizzelle! In Italian families, pizzelle iron plates can be designed to include family crests or unique seasonal designs, such as a snowflake, and are often passed down from generation to generation in true Italian style. Modern pizzelle irons are heated with electricity but the traditional ones had to be held over an electric or gas stove burner to heat up. No matter how old school or modern the family is, a good pizzelle iron is guaranteed to produce a masterpiece.

After they’re carefully taken out of the iron, the golden cookies are left to cool. When properly cooled, the pizzelle cookie gains its crisp and delectable texture while remaining soft and malleable for a versatile culinary experience.

Enjoying Pizzelle Cookies With Your Family

Pizzelle cookies are delicious on their own, but their original flavor also makes them the perfect complement to other sweet accompaniments. A few ways to spice up this classic treat are:

• Sprinkle the pizzelle cookies with a dash of powdered sugar and a sweet scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Stack between thin layers of delectable, creamy cannoli cream for an innovative version of another Italian classic.
• Drizzle pizzelle cookies with smooth chocolate and caramel.

Regardless of how your creative juices flow in the kitchen, pizzelle cookies are sure to kick up your dessert tray a few notches this holiday season.

If you can’t wait to bring this classic Italian cookie to your table, click here to order traditional or flavored pizzelle cookies from Flora Fine Foods.