The Italian Holiday Cookie

Table of Contents

In the heart of winter, when the world outside is blanketed in snow, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Italian Holiday Cookies wafting through the kitchen. These crisp pizzelle cookies are a staple in our home during the holidays, a tradition passed down through generations. I remember as a child, peeking around the corner to watch my Nonna work her magic with the pizzelle iron, her fingers swift and sure, her heart full of love. The scent of anise swirling through the air, mingling with the warmth of the oven, was a promise of sweet delights to come.

As I grew older, I realized that these cookies were more than just a treat. They were a symbol of family, of gathering around the kitchen table, sharing stories, and making memories. With each bite, they transport me back to those cozy kitchen moments, surrounded by laughter and love. Today, I want to share this treasured recipe with you, so you too can bring a piece of Italian holiday magic to your table.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade cookies, and the Italian Holiday Cookie is no exception. Here’s why these pizzelle should be a part of your holiday traditions:

• Nostalgic Flavor: These cookies are like a warm hug from your Nonna, with anise or vanilla providing a taste of old-world charm. Anise seeds have been a part of Italian baking for centuries, imparting a licorice-like flavor that evokes memories of bustling Italian bakeries and festive family gatherings. If you prefer a milder taste, vanilla offers a familiar sweetness that complements the buttery dough perfectly.

• Easy Peasy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is wonderfully simple, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. You don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to turn out beautifully patterned pizzelle. The process is straightforward, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time.

• Versatile Delight: Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain, these pizzelle are a versatile treat that can be adapted to your taste. They pair well with a variety of flavors, making them a perfect base for experimenting with different toppings or fillings. Try sandwiching two cookies with a layer of Nutella or a dollop of homemade jam for a delightful twist.

• Family Fun: Making pizzelle can be a joyful family activity, bringing everyone together to create and savor the results. Kids can help with mixing the batter and keeping an eye on the pizzelle iron, while adults handle the hot cookies. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories during the holiday season.

• Timeless Tradition: These cookies are a cherished part of Italian heritage, perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating your own holiday memories. The act of baking and sharing these cookies is a way to connect with past generations and pass on a love of cooking and family traditions to the next.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating these delightful cookies doesn’t require a treasure trove of tools. Here’s what you need to ensure your baking goes smoothly:

• Pizzelle Iron: Essential for that classic pattern, a pizzelle iron is your best friend here. Make sure it’s preheated before you start. You can find both electric and stovetop versions, but the electric one is often more convenient for maintaining consistent heat.

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing the batter and a smaller one for whisking the eggs and sugar. Using glass or metal bowls can help with even mixing, especially when incorporating melted butter.

• Whisk: To blend the eggs and sugar until they’re pale and creamy. A hand whisk works fine, but if you want to speed things up, a handheld electric mixer can be used.

• Spatula: For mixing in the flour and baking powder, and for removing the cookies from the iron. A silicone spatula is perfect as it’s flexible and won’t scratch your pizzelle iron.

• Cooling Rack: To cool your pizzelle to crisp perfection. Allowing them to cool completely on a rack ensures they remain crisp and do not become soggy.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

INGREDIENTS

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• ½ cup (115g) melted butter
• 1 tsp anise or vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy. The mixture should be light and thick, which helps create a smooth batter.
2. Stir in melted butter and your choice of extract — anise for tradition, vanilla for sweetness. Ensure the butter is slightly cooled before adding to prevent cooking the eggs.
3. Add flour and baking powder and mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.
4. Preheat your pizzelle iron. Lightly grease if needed. If using a non-stick iron, a light coating of oil or cooking spray can help ensure easy release.
5. Drop 1 tablespoon of batter into the center, close the iron, and cook for 30–60 seconds until golden. The exact time will depend on your iron, so keep an eye on the first few.
6. Use a fork or spatula to remove and place on a rack to cool completely. The cookies will be soft when hot but will harden as they cool.
7. Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like — or eat them plain, straight from the tin like we used to.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Italian • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 45 minutes • Calories: 70 per cookie • Servings: 24

Note: Store them in a metal tin — not plastic! That’s how you keep them crisp for days (or weeks, if you’re more patient than we ever were).

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

Each ingredient in our Italian Holiday Cookie recipe plays a wonderful role, both in flavor and tradition:

• Eggs: These are the backbone of the batter, providing richness and structure. Plus, they’re packed with protein and essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the cookies.

• Sugar: The sweetness that ties everything together, sugar also helps achieve that lovely golden color. It contributes to the cookies’ texture by caramelizing slightly during cooking, adding a subtle crispness.

• Butter: A touch of indulgence, melted butter adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. Butter gives pizzelle their characteristic buttery taste and contributes to their tender crumb.

• Anise or Vanilla Extract: Anise gives that traditional licorice-like flavor, while vanilla offers a sweet alternative. Both are aromatic and enhance the cookie’s appeal. They also add depth to the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.

• Flour: The foundation of our cookie, providing the structure needed to hold up to the pizzelle iron. High-quality all-purpose flour ensures a consistent texture and structure.

• Baking Powder: Just a small amount helps the batter rise slightly, ensuring your pizzelle are light and crisp. This leavening agent is key to achieving the perfect texture.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

Pizzelle are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with other festive favorites:

• Espresso or Cappuccino: The robust flavors of coffee complement the delicate sweetness of the cookies. The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of pizzelle, creating a harmonious flavor experience.

• Gelato or Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent dessert, serve pizzelle alongside a scoop of your favorite flavor. The cold creaminess of gelato contrasts beautifully with the crisp, warm cookie.

• Fruit Compote: Add a spoonful of berry compote to your plate for a burst of freshness and color. The tartness of berries complements the sweet and buttery pizzelle.

• Cheese Platter: For a savory-sweet experience, serve pizzelle with an assortment of cheeses like brie or gorgonzola. The mild sweetness of the cookies pairs surprisingly well with the rich and creamy nature of these cheeses.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

To keep your pizzelle fresh and crisp, store them properly:

• Storage: Keep them in a metal tin to maintain their texture. Avoid plastic containers, which can make them soft. Metal tins ensure that air circulation keeps them crisp and fresh.

• Freezing: If you’re planning to save some for later, pizzelle freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper and store in an airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer without losing their flavor or texture.

• Reviving Crispness: Should they lose their crunch, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This will help restore their delightful crispiness.

• Creative Uses: Leftover pizzelle can be crumbled over yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy topping, or used as a base for mini dessert sandwiches. You can also layer them with whipped cream and berries for a quick and elegant dessert.

As we gather around the table, sharing these crisp and classic pizzelle, I’m reminded of the simple joys that homemade cooking brings. Whether you’re creating new traditions or reliving cherished memories, these Italian Holiday Cookies are a delicious way to connect with loved ones, one sweet bite at a time. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that pizzelle iron, and let’s make some memories together in the kitchen.