By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On May 3, 2023

These Gluten-Free Pizzelle Cookies are a quick and delightful gluten-free snack you'll love! With their airy texture and subtle sweetness, these cookies are perfectly balanced with hints of vanilla flavoring. Not to mention, they are incredibly easy to make and can be served on any occasion - from a casual snack to a fancy gift.

If you're a cookie lover, you may want to sample my Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies. Additionally, my Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are a popular choice among readers, and they make excellent presents. Indulge in the goodness of Gluten-Free Belgian Waffles and these regular Gluten-Free Waffles. Try making your own waffle cones with these Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones for summer or any time of year. And if you're a chocolate fan, you must try these Gluten-Free Chocolate Dessert Shots.

If you're a fan of artisan bread and looking to take your gluten-free baking skills to the next level, then this Udemy Artisan bread course is for you!

Gluten-Free Pizzelle Recipe

What does the word Pizzelle mean? Translated over time and put into simple terms, Pizzelle means “small, flat, and round”. Pretty descriptive, right? The most common flavor of Pizzelle is anise (a black licorice flavor). If you’re not a fan of black licorice, you can use other extracts. Some of my favorite flavors include vanilla, almond, lemon, and cinnamon sugar.

Pizzelle vs. Pizzella - Pizzella is singular, and Pizzelle is plural. You'll see them both used interchangeably with pizzelles and pizzellas.

I have seen gluten-free pizzelle served in several ways: plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with cinnamon and sugar. These pizzelles are just one of the many great Italian recipes. You're going to love pizzelles.

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Pizzelle

Versatile - You can shape these gluten-free pizzelles around little bowls when they are still warm, or use a cone roller and make gluten-free ice cream cones. You can also wrap them around cannoli tubes before they cool for a quick cannoli recipe. Just make sure to shape the hot pizzzelles before they cool.

Easy and quick to make - Making pizzelles is easy and fun. Get the children involved they go down such a treat.

A handful of ingredients - This GF pizzelle recipe only requires a few ingredients you probably have already on hand.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Pizzelle

Gluten-Free Flour – We like to use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour (the blue bag). This recipe doesn’t work well with the Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Gluten Free Flour.

Sugar – I haven’t tried subbing out the sugar for a sugar-free option. Sugar plays a key role in this recipe.

Baking Powder – Double-check to make sure your baking powder isn’t expired.

Butter – Salted and unsalted both work in this recipe.

Vanilla – Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best results. For more traditional pizzelles, you can use anise.

Eggs- I don’t have an egg-free version for you now. A reader has, however made it with liquid Just Egg

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Pizzelle

Pizzelle maker- You can use a pizzelle maker if you have one. You can use a grill press and griddle or a waffle cone iron. These, however, will not produce them with the same texture, and you will not get the signature pattern. So I do not really recommend them.

Mixing bowl - The mixing bowl combines the wet and dry ingredients to make the pizzelle batter.

Whisk - Use a whisk to combine the wet and dry ingredients together.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Pizzelle, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Pizzelle

1. Preheat the pizzelle iron. Combine gluten-free flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the eggs, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix.
4. Drop slightly rounded teaspoons of batter onto the pre-heated pizzelle iron and close the lid slowly. Bake as directed by the manufacturer or until golden brown. My pizzelle iron cooks the batter in about 30-35 seconds. Time the first batch and watch it for doneness, then adjust the time from there.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. Please see the recipe below for the complete ingredient list and instructions.

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Pizzelle

High-quality ingredients - Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. I used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.

Measure correctly - Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level.

Too thick - If the batter appears to be thick, you may have added too much flour. Add water 2 tablespoons at a time until it’s the consistency of waffle batter, unlike thick pancake batter.

Use pizzelle iron properly - Close the pizzelle iron lid slowly to prevent the steam from spreading the batter too thin. Pizzelle irons are hot, and they produce steam. Follow the manufacturer's settings and use them with caution.

Watch timing - I recommend timing the first and second batches to find the right time for your pizzelles.

Not hardening - Pizzelle cools and harden quickly. If they don’t harden, try cooking them for 5-10 seconds longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Pizzelle Iron To Make Pizzelles?

It definitely does work better if you do use one. But you can use a grill press and griddle or a waffle cone iron. These, however, will not produce them with the same texture, and you will not get the signature pattern.

Can You Make Pizzelles Without Eggs?

I have not tried an egg-free version yet. But yes, you can use an egg substitute, one of our readers said liquid Just Egg worked for this recipe.

What Flavoring Can I Add To My Pizzelles?

Pizzelles can be flavored in a variety of ways. Here are some popular flavorings that you can use in your gluten-free pizzelle recipe:

• Vanilla extract
• Anise extract
• Almond extract
• Lemon or orange zest
• Cinnamon
• Cocoa powder (for chocolate-flavored pizzelles)

You can experiment with different flavorings to find your favorite combination. Just be sure to use high-quality extracts and flavorings, as the taste will be more pronounced in these delicate cookies. 

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Pizzelle?

Pizzelles can become stale quickly, so it's important to store them in an airtight container as soon as they're completely cool. To prevent the pizzelles from sticking together, layer them with wax or parchment paper. Pizzelles are best stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Pizzelle?

If you're not planning on eating the pizzelles immediately, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and label them with the date. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Pizzelle Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make these gluten-free pizzelles ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

What Can You Top Your Pizzelles With?

Well, the options here are really limitless and up to your taste buds. 

Toppings - Dust them with powdered sugar for a simple, classic touch. Top them with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert. Dip them in melted chocolate or caramel for an indulgent twist. Drizzle them with honey or maple syrup for a sweet and sticky snack.

Spreads - Spread them with Nutella or another chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent treat. You must also try peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor.

Ice cream sandwich - Sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two pizzelles for a gluten-free ice cream sandwich.

Mini fruit pizza - Use them as a base for mini fruit pizzas by topping them with cream cheese and sliced fruit.

How Do I Work With Gluten-Free Flours?

When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.

The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour, but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.

How Do You Make Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Pizzelle?

If you can’t do dairy, you can use equal parts dairy-free butter instead of the butter in this recipe. Earth Balance buttery spread works best.

I haven’t tested this with margarine or other dairy-free kinds of butter.

What Are Some Substitutes/Replacements/Variations?

Citrus flavor - Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist.

Vanilla extract  - Swap out the vanilla extract for an almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Chocolate pizzelles - To make chocolate pizzelles, add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter.

Dairy-Free - Use vegan butter instead of regular butter for a dairy-free option.

Use spreads - Top the cooled pizzelles with your favorite spread, such as Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves.

Toppings - Instead of dusting the pizzelles with powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle them with caramel sauce.

What Can I Serve These Gluten-Free Pizzelles With?

• Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious morning or afternoon treat.
• Use them to make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two pizzelles.
• Dip them in melted chocolate for a decadent dessert.
• Top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert.
• Serve them alongside a cheese board for a unique and unexpected gluten-free option.

Continue to Content

Yield: 100 pizelles

Gluten-Free Pizzelle

Print

These Gluten-Free Pizzelle Cookies are a quick and delightful gluten-free snack you'll love! With their airy texture and sweetness, these cookies are good!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Total Time 11 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose gluten free flour blend (tested with my blend and Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ cup butter melted and cooled
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 medium eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat pizzelle iron.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add the eggs, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract and mix just until combine. Don’t overmix.
4. Drop slightly rounded teaspoons of batter on to pre-heated pizzelle iron and close the lid slowly.
5. Bake as directed by manufacturer or until golden brown. My pizzelle iron cooks the batter in about 30-35 seconds. Time the first batch and watch it for doneness then adjust the time from there.
6. Using a nonstick spatula, remove each pizzelle to a cooling rack; repeat with remaining batter.
7. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

• Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. I used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour.
• Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level.
• If the batter appears to be thick, you may have added too much flour. Add water 2 tablespoons at a time until it’s the consistency of waffle batter.
• Close the pizzelle iron lid slowly to prevent the steam from spreading the batter too thin.
• Pizzelle irons are hot, and they produce steam. Follow the manufacturer's settings and use them with caution.
• I recommend timing the first and second batches to find the right time for your pizzelles.
• Pizzelle cools and harden quickly. If they don’t harden, try cooking them for 5-10 seconds longer.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Rodelle Organics Baker's Extract 16oz
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22-ounce (Pack of 4)
• 
  OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
• 
  Pizzelle Maker - Non-stick Electric Pizzelle Baker Press Makes Two 5-Inch Cookies at Once- Recipe Guide Included- Mother's Day Dessert Treat Making Made Easy- Unique Birthday or Any Occasion Gift

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

100

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 27Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 23mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

Did you make these gluten-free pizzelles? Please leave a comment below letting me know what you thought and if you used vanilla or anise.