Lemon Pizzelles: Classic Italian Wafers
Delight in the light and crunchy texture of these traditional Italian cookies, known as pizzelles. Infused with a refreshing lemon flavor, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re pairing them with coffee, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack. While many pizzelle recipes rely on anise for flavor, my take prioritizes a zesty lemon note, elevating them beyond the ordinary. Crafted with love and family tradition, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite in your home as well!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 pinch
Large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Sugar
3/4 cup
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Lemon extract
1 teaspoon
Unsalted butter
1/3 cup (melted and cooled)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your nonstick pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions until ready.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs until frothy. Gradually add the sugar while whisking vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
Incorporate the vanilla and lemon extracts, whisking until fully combined. Slowly drizzle in the cooled melted butter, maintaining a steady whisking motion until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
4
Gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.
5
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of batter into the center of each side of the preheated pizzelle iron. Close the iron securely and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the pizzelles are lightly golden brown.
6
Carefully remove the pizzelles using a small spatula and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, ensuring that the iron is appropriately preheated before each batch.
7
Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Pizzelles?
Lemon Pizzelles are classic Italian wafer cookies known for their light, crunchy texture and refreshing citrus flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
What flavor is emphasized in this pizzelle recipe?
While many traditional recipes use anise, this specific version prioritizes a zesty lemon note using lemon extract.
What type of flour is best for these wafers?
All-purpose flour is used for this recipe, and it should be sifted before being folded into the batter.
Do I need a special tool to make these cookies?
Yes, you will need a nonstick pizzelle iron to achieve the characteristic wafer shape and pattern.
How long do pizzelles take to cook?
Each batch typically cooks for 30 to 60 seconds, or until they are lightly golden brown.
What is the secret to a smooth pizzelle batter?
The secret is whisking the eggs until frothy and gradually adding sugar and melted butter while maintaining a steady whisking motion.
Can I use hot melted butter in the batter?
No, the butter should be melted and then cooled before being drizzled into the egg mixture.
How much batter should I use for each cookie?
You should scoop about 1 tablespoon of batter into the center of each side of the preheated iron.
How should I cool the pizzelles?
Once removed from the iron, place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely so they become crisp.
How should I store Lemon Pizzelles?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
Can I serve these cookies immediately?
Yes, they can be served immediately once they have cooled and hardened.
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Absolutely, they are considered a classic holiday treat and are perfect for gatherings.
What should the texture of the batter be?
The batter should be thick but smooth after the dry ingredients are gently folded in.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to complement the lemon flavor.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
You should mix until just combined to avoid making the cookies too tough; the batter needs to stay light.
Do I need to grease the pizzelle iron?
The recipe recommends using a nonstick pizzelle iron, but always follow your specific manufacturer's instructions.
What is the preparation for the eggs?
The two large eggs should be lightly beaten before you begin the whisking process.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the dry ingredients to balance the sweetness.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are perfect as an afternoon snack or paired with a cup of coffee.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of standard white sugar.
What is the role of baking powder in this recipe?
One teaspoon of baking powder is used to provide a slight lift and contribute to the wafer's texture.
How do I remove the cookies from the iron?
Use a small spatula to carefully lift the hot pizzelles off the iron.
Why is sifting the flour important?
Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps keep the delicate wafer texture light.
Can I make these without lemon extract?
While lemon is the primary flavor of this recipe, the technique is traditional for many flavors of pizzelles.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, these are described as being crafted with love and family tradition.
Are pizzelles soft or crunchy?
Pizzelles are known for their crunchy, wafer-like texture once they have cooled.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
How much lemon extract is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of lemon extract.
Can I add lemon zest for extra flavor?
While not explicitly in the ingredients, the description mentions a zesty note which is primarily provided by the extract.