Chocolate Pizzelle Recipe

Make this Chocolate Pizzelle Recipe for a tasty twist on the classic Italian cookies! This delicate cookie is easy to make with a pizzelle iron and is a beautiful addition to any cookie tray or special occasion. Enjoy this chocolate version during the holiday season or for a brunch or bridal shower!

All you need to make pizzelles are a handful of simple ingredients and a pizzelle iron. Pizzelles are traditional Italian waffle cookies made just like waffles, except with a special iron with fancy designs. Pizzelles aren’t too sweet and can be customized with just about any flavor, making them one of my favorite Christmas cookies!

Welcome to 2025’s 12 Days of Cookies!
This Chocolate Pizzelle Recipe is Day 11 of our 12 Days of Cookies!
Be sure to check out all of the other days for more goodies!

Day 1 – Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Day 2 – Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Day 3 – Chai Biscotti
Day 4 – Haystacks
Day 5 – Cherry Pie Bars
Day 6 – Cookies and Cream Cookies
Day 7 – Cranberry Orange Cookies
Day 8 – Brown Butter Shortbread
Day 9 – Buckeye Cookies
Day 10 – Ricotta Cookies
Day 11 – You’re on it!
Day 12 – 

Pizzelle Irons

This is one of those times when there really is no substitute for a pizzelle press or iron if you want to make perfect pizzelles. The great news is, there is an iron for every budget, and they will all do the job well! This pizzelle iron is the one I use, and I love it!

It can take some practice to get cookies to turn out just the way you want them to look. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

One thing that helps is making sure you grease the pizzelle maker well. Before you plug in the iron, grease the cooking plates. Do this by dabbing a little vegetable oil on a paper towel, then rubbing it on each iron plate until the entire pattern is lightly coated. This helps keep the cookie dough from sticking and allows it to spread evenly.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pizzelles

Gather together the following ingredients to make these crispy little cookies:

Large eggs (room temperature)

Granulated sugar

Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)

Pure vanilla extract

All-purpose flour

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Baking powder

Cinnamon

Kosher salt

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

You will find a detailed ingredient list along with step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card below!

How to Make Chocolate Pizzelles

It’s easy to make these thin waffle cookies!

First, grease and heat up your pizzelle iron as described above. Melt the butter and set it aside to cool. 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

Then, in a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and eggs until light in color, about 3 minutes. Add the cooled melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, then mix well.

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just blended. Next, fold in the remaining flour mixture and combine until just mixed.

Drop the batter by placing a heaping tablespoon of batter into the center of the pizzelle pattern and close. Bake for about 1 – 1 ½ minutes or until lightly golden brown (the times will vary depending on the pizzelle iron you are using). 

Carefully remove each pizzelle with a non-metal spatula and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before dusting it with powdered sugar (if desired).

Recipe Notes

Do you have excess batter on the cookie edges? No worries—gently trim around the cookie with some kitchen scissors as it cools – you can nibble on the extra bits! Just use slightly less pizzelle dough next time.

Pizzelles will harden as they cool. Allow the pizzelles to air dry for a few hours for that perfect crunch!

FAQs

Can I make this Chocolate Pizzelle Recipe ahead of time?

Yes you can! If you want to make a big batch of these Italian cookies for a cookie swap or other gathering, bake and completely cool the pizzelles as directed. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag or other airtight container. They will keep for months! Let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.

How do I store leftover Chocolate Pizzelle Cookies?

After your pizzelles have cooled and crisped up, they should last for weeks! Simply stack them and store them in a paper bag or wrap them in aluminum foil (airtight containers will soften your pizzelles). Keep them at room temperature.

Can I freeze pizzelles?

Yes, you can easily freeze pizzelles for up to 3 months. Once they cool and crisp up, wrap 4-5 pizzelles together in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place them in a storage container to keep them from getting crushed.

Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Love Pizzelles? Try these varieties!

Start with the originals! Sweetened with anise or vanilla extracts, our Pizzelles are a classic Italian cookie!

Chai Pizzelles add a twist to the classic Italian cookie by using the warm spices you’d find in a steaming mug of chai.

Will you make these Chocolate Pizzelles for your next cookie exchange? Let me know how they turned out with a comment and a review below. And don’t forget to come back tomorrow for the final Christmas cookie in our series!

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