Pizzelle: Traditional Biscuit With a Long History (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the pizzelle? ›

It is believed pizzelles were first used in the Italian village of Colcullo, Italy to celebrate the driving out of the snakes to prevent them from overtaking the town.

A Crispy History

Pizzelles, the oldest known waffle cookies, originated in Italy. The name pizzelle is based on the Italian word 'pizze' meaning round and flat, with the ending 'elle' referring to its small size.

Although Anise (Black licorice) is the “traditional” flavor of the pizzelle, modern options include vanilla, peppermint, anisette, lemon and chocolate but there are countless recipes and flavor combinations for this humble Italian cookie.

Pizzelle (Italian: [pitˈtsɛlle]; sg. : pizzella) are traditional Italian waffle cookies made from flour, eggs, sugar, butter or vegetable oil, and flavoring (usually anise or anisette, less commonly vanilla or lemon zest).

Pizzelle's full name is Pizzelle "Suzette" Theodore, this is confirmed in the game's carrd. She was formerly named "Pizzelle Suzette". Former nicknames include "Twiggy", and curiously, "Pizzano."

A treat by many names…

One thing I didn't realize is that pizzelles are called by many different names throughout the region. For instance: ferratelle, neole, cancellate, catarrette, coperchiole, nevole, and nivole.

The first cookies are thought to be test cakes bakers used to test the oven temperature. They date back as early as 7th Century A.D. Persia which is now Iran. They were one of the first countries to grow and harvest sugar cane.

They can be eaten several ways — plain or with powered sugar, rolled into shells for cannoli when freshly made and still warm or as a sweet sandwich with jelly, ricotta cream or ice cream or gelato between two of the delicate cookies.

What do pizzelle cookies taste like? Pizzelle are not just made like waffle cones—they taste like them too! Some pizelle contain anise and have a distinct licorice taste, but these simply taste like a thin, crispy buttery cookie perfumed with delicious almond extract.

Pizzelles should be crunchy! They're a thin, light, crispy cookie. If your pizelles are soft, it means they have absorbed moisture from the air or they weren't cooked enough.

What is the Norwegian version of pizzelle? ›

Krumkake is a Norwegian waffle cookie, like an Italian Pizzelle, made with a flat press that is rolled into a cone shape.

Pizzelles are the oldest known cookie and originated in the mid-section of Italy. They were made many years ago for the “Festival of the Snakes” also known as the “Feast Day of San Domenico” in the village of Colcullo in the Italian region of Abruzzo.

Pizzelle are made using a batter similar to that of a pancake or waffle and cooked in a pizzelle maker, a type of specialized waffle iron. The iron imprints a design onto the cookies, which can be anything from traditional Italian patterns to more modern designs.

Put a little oil on it, wipe up the excess and heat it up!

Pizzelle's are a traditional Italian waffle cookie that are still made using the old-fashioned pizzelle irons that our founders used. These anise flavored cookies are made with anise seed and natural anise oil.

Undercooked – Pizzelle should be a very light golden brown. If they are soft – they might have needed a few more seconds in your iron.