Italian Christmas Cookies

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract (or anise extract), and lemon zest (if using), and mix until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined. The dough should be thick but still spreadable.
  6. Spoon the dough onto the preheated pizzelle iron—about a heaping tablespoon of dough per side, depending on the size of your iron. Close the iron and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown.
  7. Remove the cookies carefully from the iron and let them cool on a wire rack.
  8. Once cooled, you can dust the pizzelle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.