Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (2024)

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ByMarcellina Published on Last updated

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This Lemon Pizzelle Recipe is one of my favorite all time Christmas cookies and it will become yours too!

Thin and crispy, super light, I love serving these cookies over the holidays and gifting to family and friends.

Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • 1 Why you’ll love this recipe
  • 2 Ingredients
  • 3 Instructions
  • 4 Tips for Success and FAQ’s
  • 5 Lemon Pizzelle

Why you’ll love this recipe

These are a classic Italian cookie with its origins in the regions of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. There, the most traditional flavor is anise. This lemon pizzelle recipe is a variation on the classic without the liquorice flavor.

There is a beautiful tradition in Italy of family pizzelle irons having their own special designs. Maybe made especially for a bride and groom as a wedding gift and handed down from generation to generation.

You’ll love how quick and easy these pizzells are to make. The batter is mixed by hand and comes together in just minutes. And cooking them on the pizzelle iron is just the easiest task.

Yes, you will need a pizzelle iron to make this lemon pizzelle recipe but you won’t regret it. Mine is from Italy but there are many versions available with different designs. There are also a stovetop variation.

I make these delicious pizzells for gifts, parties and anytime I need a sweet treat that’s not going to take too much time. MyGingerbread Pizzellehave been a hit at Christmas and Chocolate Pizzelle are welcomed year round! While an electric pizzelle iron is a single use appliance I have also madeNorwegian krumkakewith it with great results.

For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients

Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (2)
  • Eggs – I like to use large, free range eggs that have lovely yellow yolks.
  • Sugar – My preference is superfine sugar but regular white sugar is fine.
  • Oil – I always use light olive oil. Be sure to use an oil you like the taste of and check that it is fresh. You could also substitute melted, cooled butter or vegetable oil but either way the pizzells won’t last as long.
  • Lemon Zest – Finely grated lemon zest contains all the flavorful oils. If you don’t have a lemon on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon of lemon oil or extract. You may even prefer it if you like a dominant lemon flavor.
  • All Purpose Flour – Regular flour is all the is required.
  • Salt – Just a pinch to bring out the flavor of the lemon.
  • Powdered Sugar – I like to dust my lemon pizzelle with powdered sugar but it’s not necessary nor traditional.

You may wonder why there is no baking powder in this recipe. This is the traditional recipe for pizzelle from Abruzzo. I have tested this recipe with and without baking powder and found no difference. However if you wish you can add 2 teaspoons of baking powder along with the flour.

Instructions

Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (3)

Making these lemon pizzelle couldn’t be easier! You don’t need an electric mixer to prepare the batter – just a bowl and a whisk.

  1. Preheat the pizzelle iron according to manufacture’s instructions.
  2. In a bowl using a hand whisk, combine the eggs, sugar, light olive oil and lemon zest. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
  3. Gently whisk in the flour and salt. The batter should be a thick cake batter consistency which falls easily from a spoon. It shouldn’t be thin enough to pour off a spoon. If necessary, incorporate a little more flour.
  4. Place a heaped tablespoon (the amount of batter will depend on the size of your iron – you may need to experiment with quantity of batter) on the hot pizzelle iron. Don’t place it quite in the centre – the batter should be a little towards the back because as you close the iron it will push the batter towards the front.
  5. Close the lid and bake for 30 seconds/1 minute depending on the size of your iron. The cookie should be light golden. Some spots will be lighter and some will be darker.
  6. Remove carefully with a silcone spatula and cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips for Success and FAQ’s

Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (4)

Firstly, it’s really important to preheat the pizzelle iron thoroughly. This will prevent sticking. Non-stick pizzelle irons don’t cause too much trouble. I like to use a light film of oil rubbed onto the plates of the iron before heating. Like a wok a good pizzelle iron becomes “seasoned” after several uses)

Set aside a little bit of time. Don’t rush. These pizzelle cookies are made individually but they do cook quickly. Stay close to the pizzelle iron, keeping an eye on the cookies so that they don’t burn.

Expect that the first couple may not work out. These are the cook’s treat!

Don’t make this lemon pizzelle recipe on a humid day. This may cause the pizzells to be soft and not crispy.

How do you keep pizzelle crispy?

Once baked, remove from the pizzelle iron and cool completely on a wire rack. Don’t stack cookies on top of each other until completely cooled. If the weather is very humid or rainy, this may cause lemon pizzelle to be soft.

Is pizzelle batter suppose to be thick?

The batter is not thick like a cookie nor is it as thin as pouring cream. It is spoonable. Use my measurements to ensure perfect results.

Why are my pizzelle stick to the pizzelle maker?

Possibly the pizzelle maker has not be heated sufficiently. Set the batter aside and allow the iron to come fully to temperature. Also lightly oil the pizzelle maker removing any excess with kitchen paper towel.

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Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (5)

Lemon Pizzelle

An addictive Italian wafer cookie with a hint of lemon.

4.99 from 54 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings:12 large cookies

Author: Marcellina

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • cup (130 grams) superfine (castor) sugar superfine
  • ½ cup (120ml) light tasting olive oil see "ingredients" section above
  • zest of 1 lemon finely grated see notes for variations
  • cups (188 grams) all purpose (plain) flour more if needed to achieve correct consistency
  • pinch salt
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat pizzelle iron according to manufacture's instructions.

  • In a medium bowl lightly whisk together eggs, sugar, olive oil and lemon zest until combined. Stir in flour and salt.

  • The batter should be a thick cake batter consistency which falls easily from a spoon. It shouldn't be thin enough to pour off a spoon. If necessary, incorporate a little more flour.

  • Cook pizzelle according to instruction supplied with your pizzelle iron.

  • Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Store in airtight container.

Notes

Variation

  • Orange Pizzelle – Substitute orange zest for lemon zest.

See “Tips for Success and FAQ’s” above for more information.

Tried this recipe? Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!

Nutritional Estimate Per Serving

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.

Lemon Pizzelle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why are my pizzelles not crispy? ›

Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture in the fridge can make them lose their crispness. Over time, pizzelle may become less crisp. If you notice they have lost their desired texture, you can try reheating them in the oven briefly to regain some of their crispness.

What does pizzelle mean in Italian? ›

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.

What is the original flavor of pizzelles? ›

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.

Is pizzelle batter supposed to be thick? ›

Pizzelle batter is very thick and sticky, so it can be hard to transfer off of a spoon onto a waffle maker. Instead, pipe the batter in a swirl with a large open tip (Wilton 1A) so it fills the whole section when pressed. Use the right tools!

Is butter or margarine better for pizzelles? ›

As far as the fat used in pizzelle, some recipes will call for oil, others margarine, lard or Crisco. But having tried other fats, I always return to unsalted butter. They crisp up nicely, don't have an oily aftertaste, and cook to perfection in their special pizzelle press.

How can I crisp up my pizzelles? ›

If you have access to an oven, preheat it to 300 degrees. Stack the cookies on a sheet pan and place in the oven, then turn the oven off. Let cookies remain in warm oven for an hour or longer to dry out. This should help return some of the crispiness to the pizzelles.

How do Italians eat pizzelles? ›

It is also common to sandwich two pizzelle with cannoli cream (ricotta blended with sugar) or hazelnut spread. Pizzelle, while still warm, can also be rolled into a tubular shape using a wooden dowel to create cannoli shells.

What is the oldest cookie in the world? ›

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”.

Why do my pizzelles stick to the iron? ›

A: Did you coat the pizzele maker with oil before starting to make a batch? That's the first thing you must do each time. Put a little oil on it, wipe up the excess and heat it up!

What is the best brand for a pizzelle maker? ›

Our Top Pick: CucinaPro Pizzelle Baker

This CucinaPro delivers standout features, including a nonstick surface that helps the cookies to lift from the grid with ease and extra-thick baking plates for even heat distribution. For the pizzelle traditionalist, it's also available in a polished stainless steel interior.

What can I use instead of a pizzelle iron? ›

These oven-baked pizzelles are just as tasty as traditional pizzelles and you only need a cookie press and oven to make them. Serve with our pizzelle recipe and our pizzelle cannolis.

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.

Should I spray my pizzelle maker? ›

Oil - it could very well be that modern pizzelle makers are so "nonstick" that you do not need to use any cooking spray. Am noting here that when you research recipes, you may encounter a debate about whether or not to use oil or butter. For years our family uses a light spray of cooking oil as needed - it's just fine.

How long are pizzelles good for? ›

They will easily keep well for at least 1 month. To freeze the pizzelle, make sure they are completely cool, then store them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is pizzelle a girl? ›

Pizzelle was confirmed transfem by the developers in the Sugary Spire discord. This is a cause of frequent confusion, due to Pizzelle using any pronouns.

Why are my Pizzelle cookies soft? ›

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.

Why are my cookies crispy instead of soft? ›

Adding too little flour can cause cookies to be flat, greasy, and crispy. Most recipes assume you'll use all-purpose, but if you want a lighter, crumblier cookie texture, choose one with a lower protein content such as cake-and-pastry flour. Baking soda helps cookies spread outward and upward while cooking.

Why don't my cookies come out crispy? ›

To make cookies crispy, add less liquid or bake it in the oven for longer to dry out the dough. Generally bake around 13-15min at 180C for a crispy cookie. But if you want a thoroughly crispy cookie – not those just charred on the outside – decrease the temperature to 140C and bake for 30min.

Why are my cookies chewy and not crispy? ›

The ingredients you use and how you shape your cookies both play an important role in whether your cookies turn out crispy or chewy. The type of flour and sugar you use, if your cookie dough contains eggs, and whether you use melted or softened butter all factor into the crispy-chewy equation, too.

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