Pizzelle are an elegant Italian cookie that features the imprint of grids or floral patterns. They are sometimes rolled into cannoli shells or dusted with powdered sugar. They look very beautiful and elegant on display, and because of this, many people do not realize just how simple they are and how easy a pizzelle recipe really is.
When making these cookies, they are more time consuming to make than they are difficult. The cookies are baked on a hot iron with patterned grids. The dough is spooned out onto the grids, then the cookies bake, creating the thin, patterned cookie. Special makers are available for different cookie sizes and often only make from one to four at a time.
However, the supplies and ingredients themselves are pretty simple and easy to find. In fact, most of them are probably already part of your baking staples and supplies. These are the ingredients commonly used in a pizzelle recipe and supplies used in the baking.
Basic Cookie Ingredients -- The ingredients typically found in many cookie recipes include flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder. These cookies are no different in this regard. If your tastes tend towards a plain vanilla cookie, then you may only need these ingredients. But to quickly change the flavor, use a different extract instead of vanilla, such as chocolate or banana.
Concentrated Flavoring Oils -- Stronger and needed in a smaller amount than an extract, this is often used to give the recipe its flavor. Anise has a licorice taste and is typically favored, especially by Italians. If it is not what you prefer, though, you have many other options to use. Cinnamon and orange are also a great choice. You can find flavoring oils online or with candy making ingredients.
A Pizzelle Maker -- True, this item is not a very multifunctional appliance. It's mainly used to make these types of cookies and a couple of other waffle-style ones. But it is a worthwhile investment, especially if you make these cookies at least once a year. It has anywhere from one to four grids that you drop the dough on to create the elegant designs. You can find them online and in stores.
Optional Tools -- Since the recipe makes a thick dough for spooning onto the grids, it is best to use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients. However, it is only optional -- just be prepared to work out your arms if you mix it by hand. Also, a sifter is also useful for sifting powdered sugar onto the cookies as they cool. This is also optional, though, and you may want to leave it out if you do not want to make a mess while eating the cookies later.
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For more information about electric pizzelle makers, visit this article and start making these Italian cookies.
