Mom Mom’s Pizelles
Pizzelles are a holiday tradition that exude charm and nostalgia, especially for my husband, David. With their delicate patterns, crispy texture, and light dusting of powdered sugar, these Italian treats have become a staple in our home.

This recipe, lovingly veganized by my sister-in-law, brings joy to our table every year. Whether you’re making them for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, these pizzelles are perfect for sharing with loved ones. With options to customize them with chocolate or nuts, you can make these your own while honoring a classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love Mom-Mom’s Italian Pizzelles
- Light and crispy: Delicate texture that’s perfect for snacking.
- Festive and beautiful: Intricate patterns make them visually stunning.
- Customizable: Add chocolate or nuts for extra flavor.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Holiday favorite: A nostalgic treat that spreads cheer.
What You Need to Make Mom-Mom’s Italian Pizzelles
Here’s what you’ll need for this festive recipe. For specific measurements, refer to the recipe card:
- All-purpose or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
- Organic cane sugar and baking powder
- Vegan butter, unsweetened applesauce, and extracts (vanilla and almond)
- Organic confectioners’ sugar for dusting
- Optional: Cocoa powder, extra sugar, or finely chopped nuts for variations
How to Make Mom-Mom’s Italian Pizzelles
- Prepare the pizzelle iron: Heat your pizzelle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix the batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add melted vegan butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until combined, but avoid overmixing.
- Cook the pizzelles:
- Add about 1 teaspoon of batter per pizzelle to the preheated iron.
- Close and cook for 60 seconds or until steam stops escaping.
- Carefully remove each pizzelle and set aside to cool. Repeat until all the batter is used.
- Finish with sugar: Dust cooled pizzelles with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch.
Variations
- Chocolate Pizzelles: Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 extra tablespoons of applesauce to the batter for a rich chocolate twist.
- Nut Pizzelles: Incorporate 1 cup of finely chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy these crispy, festive pizzelles with your family and friends!

Mom-Mom’s Italian Pizzelles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 188 g all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
- ¾ cup 150 g organic cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup 169 g vegan butter, melted
- ⅓ cup 82 g unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons 10 mL vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Organic confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Heat the pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- In a bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add the melted vegan butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, but do not overmix.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of batter (for mini pizzelles) onto the heated pizzelle iron. Close and cook for 60 seconds, or until the steam stops escaping.
- Remove the pizzelles carefully and set them aside to cool. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Once cooled, dust the pizzelles with organic confectioners’ sugar.
Variations:
- Chocolate pizzelles: Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and an additional 2 tablespoons of applesauce to the basic batter.
- Nut pizzelles: Stir 1 cup of very finely chopped nuts into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy these crispy pizzelles as a festive holiday treat!