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ItalianAuthentic Cuisine

Pizzelle

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Pizzelle

Pizzelle hails from the mountainous region of Abruzzo, where it is a staple in family kitchens, especially during festive occasions and holidays. Passed down through generations, this recipe reflects the essence of Italian home cooking, where ingredients are measured by intuition and tradition rather than strict rules. The use of good olive oil and a touch of anise extract lends authenticity to each batch, transforming simple pantry staples into something special.

The pizzelle should be crisp and golden, with a delicate balance of sweetness and the distinct, aromatic hint of anise. Their texture is light and airy, offering a satisfying snap with each bite. Perfect for enjoying as a standalone treat or paired with a warm espresso, they capture the simplicity and warmth of an Abruzzese kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 200 g00 flour
  • 150 ggranulated sugar
  • 3eggs
  • 80 mlextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tspanise extract

Method

  1. Begin by bringing the 3 eggs to room temperature. This ensures they mix smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a uniform batter. You can leave them out on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 room-temperature eggs and 150 g of granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened, which indicates that the sugar has dissolved and the eggs are well aerated.
  3. Slowly drizzle in 80 ml of extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk. This gradual incorporation allows the oil to emulsify with the egg mixture, creating a smooth and cohesive batter.
  4. Add 1 tsp of anise extract to the mixture, stirring gently to combine. The anise extract will infuse the batter with its characteristic licorice-like aroma, which is a hallmark of traditional Pizzelle.
  5. Sift 200 g of 00 flour into the bowl, folding it into the wet ingredients with a spatula. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter; stop mixing as soon as the flour is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
  6. Preheat your Pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once hot, lightly grease the plates with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Spoon a small amount of batter onto the center of each Pizzelle iron plate, approximately a tablespoon per pizzella. Close the iron and cook until the Pizzelle are golden brown and crisp, which should take about 30 seconds to a minute depending on your iron. They should release easily from the iron when done.
  8. Carefully remove the Pizzelle with a spatula and place them onto a wire rack to cool. They will crisp up further as they cool, achieving the delicate, wafer-like texture that is characteristic of this Italian treat.
Cover of Authentic Italian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Italian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Italian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Italian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.