With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to bring out the cheerful spirit and the delicious aromas that fill our homes. There’s no better way to embrace the festive mood than baking up a batch of Lemon Pizzelles. These delicate and light Italian waffle cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea, gifting to loved ones, or making your home smell like a winter wonderland. Get ready to savor the good times and spread the joy with this classic Christmas cookie recipe.
**Lemon Pizzelle Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 large eggs
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick and resemble a pancake batter consistency.
4. Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Lightly grease the pizzelle iron with cooking spray or a small amount of melted butter. Drop about a tablespoon of batter onto the center of each pattern on the iron.
6. Close the lid and cook the pizzelles for about 45-60 seconds, or until they are light golden in color. The cooking time may vary depending on your iron, so keep an eye on them.
7. Use a spatula to carefully remove the pizzelles from the iron and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
8. Continue making pizzelles with the remaining batter, greasing the iron as needed.
9. Once all the pizzelles are cooked and cooled, dust them with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch.
10. Store the Lemon Pizzelles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Enjoy these Lemon Pizzelles with a cup of hot cocoa, share them with friends and family, or give them as edible gifts. The bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to the traditional pizzelle recipe and is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Embrace the cozy feeling of Christmas with these delightful cookies that capture the essence of the season. Happy baking and savoring the good moments with every bite!