Name: Gingerbread Pizzelle Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 eggs; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; ½ cup butter, melted; ¼ cup molasses; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Spray oil, to grease pizzelle iron

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Introduction

Gingerbread pizzelle are delicate, crisp Italian cookies infused with warm holiday spices and a hint of molasses. Perfect for festive gatherings, these treats combine traditional flavors with a light, crisp texture that melts in your mouth.

The image shows several golden brown pizzelle cookies with detailed floral patterns, arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one layer with crisp edges and a uniform design featuring a central flower surrounded by petal-like shapes. There is a cluster of small frosted red berries and green leaves near the center, adding a touch of color and texture. A metal spatula with cut-out designs is partially visible at the bottom left, holding up some cookies. The lighting highlights the warm tones and intricate details of the cookies, creating a cozy, fresh-baked feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ cup butter, melted
¼ cup molasses
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Spray oil, to grease pizzelle iron

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes slightly frothy.
Step 3: Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt to the egg mixture and mix well.
Step 4: Stir in the melted butter, white vinegar, and molasses until fully combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour and baking soda, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 6: Lightly spray the pizzelle iron with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Scoop about one tablespoon of batter onto the center of the open iron. Close the lid and cook for approximately 45 seconds. Check for doneness and cook longer if needed; the pizzelle should turn golden brown.
Step 8: Gently lift the cooked pizzelle off the iron using a thin, heat-safe spatula or pie server. Place the cookies on a wire cooling rack; they will become crisp as they cool.
Step 9: Once cooled, serve the pizzelle plain or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, substitute half of the molasses with dark corn syrup or honey.
If you don’t have a pizzelle iron, a waffle iron can be a makeshift alternative, though the texture will differ slightly.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for a subtle aromatic twist.
To store longer, sandwich pizzelle between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store cooled pizzelle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them away from moisture to maintain their crispness. To re-crisp slightly softened cookies, place them in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several round cookies with a detailed floral pattern on top, arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The cookies are golden-brown with slightly darker edges, showing a crisp texture. The pattern on each cookie has a flower in the center with petal-like shapes radiating outward, creating an intricate and symmetrical design. In the middle of the image, a stack of these cookies rests closely together. To the left side of the stack, there is a decorative sprig with small red berries and green leaves placed near a silver serving spatula that has cut-out shapes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pizzelle without a pizzelle iron?

The traditional texture and pattern come from a pizzelle iron, but if you don’t have one, you can try using a waffle iron as a substitute. Keep in mind the cookies will be thicker and less crisp than classic pizzelle.

Why is vinegar included in the batter?

White vinegar helps activate the baking soda, which gives the pizzelle a lighter texture. It also enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and spices.