Pizzelle, which some say are the original cookie, are thin waffle cookies from the Abruzzo region of Italy. They’re made of a simple batter of flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, and are cooked in a pizzelle iron (available at cooking supply stores and online sources) that is either electric, like a waffle iron, or handheld over the stove, which is what we use. Note that this recipe makes enough batter for 16 pizzelle. They should be served the day they’re made, but the batter lasts for a week in the refrigerator so you can reserve the extra batter to cook fresh pizzelle whenever you want them. We serve pizzelle with the Caramel Coppetta with Marshmallow Sauce and Salted Spanish Peanuts (page 296) and also sticking out of each serving of gelato or sorbetto. Thin wafer cookies are often served in a coppetta of gelato in Italy, and it just makes the presentation more festive.
Recipe information
Yield
makes about 16 pizzelle
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Toast the anise seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat, shaking the pan constantly so they don’t burn, for about 1 minute, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Pour the seeds onto a plate and set them aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2
Combine the sugar, egg whites, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until the ingredients are smooth. Add the butter and whisk to incorporate. Add the flour and anise seeds, and whisk until the flour is no longer visible. Transfer the batter to an airtight container and refrigerate to chill for at least 2 hours or as long as one week.
Step 3
Spray the inside surfaces of an electric or handheld pizzelle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the pizzelle iron over medium-high heat. Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter in the center. Close the iron and cook until it is deep golden on each side, 2 to 3 minutes, turning often. Open the iron and, using a small spatula or knife, carefully remove the pizzelle to a flat surface to cool. Use the spatula or knife to scrape off any excess cooked batter along the edges of the iron and repeat, spraying the iron with nonstick spray and preheating it before adding more batter, using the remaining batter to cook as many pizzelle as you are serving. When the pizzelle have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to one day.
suggested wine pairing
Step 4
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (Tuscany)
Recipe notes
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