Christmas Pizzelles

This Christmas I made ONE kind of cookie... Pizzelles.  These are new cookies for me to make. I bought a Pizzelle iron and tried several recipes before I decided on the best one. Most recipes are VERY similar. I tweaked one a little to get a nice anise flavor. Other flavorings can be substituted such as orange, almond or even chocolate.



What fun! I thrive on learning new things. These were easy and so pretty. Their delicate anise flavor and crunch makes them perfect for dessert or even breakfast! They can be rolled to make ice cream cones or filled with a sweet gooey filling.



If you have never made Pizzelles they are worth giving a try...even if you are not a baker. I invested in a good Pizzelle iron. I decided on a this electric, very substantial one by Palmer Company.

Pizzelles will be served as part of Christmas morning brunch. YUMMY! But wouldn't they be wonderful for breakfast on New Year's Day? I hope there are some left over!

StoneGable Pizzelles

3 eggs

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. UNSALTED butter, melted and cooled 

1/2 tsp. anise extract* 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 1 3/4 c. flour

1/2 TBS anise seed, ground

  2 tsp. baking powder

Beat eggs.

Add sugar and beat. Add butter when it has cooled. Beat. Add anise extract and vanilla and beat.

Mix flour, anise seed and baking powder in a seperate bowl.

* Grind anise seed using a mortal and pestle or in the food processor.

Add to wet mixture. Beat well.

Heat pizzelle iron according to directions. Drop stiff dough on iron and cook.

 Remove pizzelles from iron with a fork and place on a cooling rack. Cool.

Store in an airtight container... or pretty jar!

Pizzelles can be sprinkled with confectioner's sugar for a little extra sweetness... and a heaping helping of panache!