Name: Chocolate Pizzelle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large eggs, room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and completely cooled; ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of kosher salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you adore the crisp, delicate texture of Italian cookies and crave a chocolatey twist that feels both classic and delightfully new, this Chocolate Pizzelle recipe is here to steal your heart. These beautifully patterned cookies bring together the rich flavors of cocoa with the airy crispness of traditional pizzelle, making them the perfect treat for festive occasions or a simple afternoon indulgence. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients and a pizzelle iron, you’ll be creating impressive, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Pizzelle recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. These essentials are simple but carefully chosen, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of chocolatey goodness and buttery crunch.

4 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs provide structure and help create the light, crisp texture pizzelle are known for.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s delicate caramelization.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: A little extra sugar to ensure perfect texture and color.
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Butter enriches the batter with a creamy, tender crumb and a subtle richness.
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure in these crisp cookies.
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the batter with deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides a slight lift for lightness without sacrificing crispness.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A hint of spice that enhances the chocolate beautifully.
Pinch of kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the cocoa flavor.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate finishing touch and a little extra sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Pizzelle

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pizzelle Iron

Start by melting your butter and letting it cool completely to avoid cooking the eggs once combined. Meanwhile, preheat your pizzelle iron so it’s nice and hot for baking. Instead of using cooking spray, I prefer wiping the iron plates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil—this gives a thin, even coating that prevents sticking without overpowering the delicate batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. This step ensures all dry components are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced batter.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs along with both amounts of granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and slightly fluffy—about three minutes. This aeration is key for that signature lightness that makes a Chocolate Pizzelle so irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla

Once the eggs and sugar are elegantly blended, add the cooled melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix well to unite all flavors and begin to build that luscious batter full of promise.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add half the dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Then fold in the remaining dry ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing—this keeps the pizzelle light and crisp instead of dense.

Step 6: Cook the Pizzelle

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the center of your heated pizzelle iron. Close the lid and bake for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes, or until your cookies turn a beautiful golden brown. Depending on your iron, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on those stunning patterns forming on your Chocolate Pizzelle.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Carefully transfer each pizzelle to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, snowy finish that makes these treats look almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

How to Serve Chocolate Pizzelle

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar is the classic way to finish these cookies, but you can also sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a tiny pinch of sea salt for an unexpected twist. Fresh berries on the side add a burst of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the deep cocoa taste.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Pizzelle pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of whipped cream for an effortless dessert. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to hot beverages like espresso, cappuccino, or even a rich cup of hot chocolate, accentuating every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Gently roll the pizzelle while warm to create cookie cones, perfect for filling with sweet creams or mascarpone. Stack them as delicate layers with chocolate mousse for an impressive dessert or use them as edible plates for fruit and cream for a beautiful, shareable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Pizzelle fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp for about a week, perfect for nibbling over the days following your baking spree.

Freezing

If you want to save pizzelle for longer, freezing is a great option. Place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to three months.

Reheating

To freshen up your frozen or stored pizzelle, reheat them briefly in a warm oven—around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes works wonders. This gentle warming brings back their crispness and intensifies the chocolate aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

What is a pizzelle?

A pizzelle is a traditional Italian waffle cookie known for its delicate, crisp texture and intricate snowflake-like pattern, created using a special iron designed just for pizzelle cookies.

Can I make Chocolate Pizzelle without a pizzelle iron?

While a pizzelle iron is ideal for authentic shape and pattern, you could try using a waffle iron or even make a thin batter pancake, but the texture and appearance won’t be quite the same.

What is the difference between vanilla and chocolate pizzelle?

Vanilla pizzelle have a classic sweet, buttery flavor with vanilla notes, while chocolate pizzelle incorporate cocoa powder to add rich, chocolaty depth and a darker color to the cookie.

Can I store pizzelle for later?

Yes! Pizzelle keep very well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, and they freeze beautifully for longer storage.

How do I prevent pizzelle from sticking to the iron?

Instead of cooking spray, lightly oil the pizzelle iron plates with a vegetable oil–damped paper towel before heating. This method keeps the plating clear and non-stick without a greasy residue.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making Chocolate Pizzelle at home—the beautiful patterns, the irresistible crispness, and that perfect balance of chocolate and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re new to pizzelle or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So grab your iron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with one of the most delightful aromas and treats you can imagine. Trust me, these Chocolate Pizzelle cookies will have everyone coming back for one more!