A Brief History of Pizzelles . . . And Our Taste Tests!

Let’s talk pizzelles!

This sweet waffle-like cookie from Italy has an interesting history. Pizzells trace their history back 900 years to the Abruzzo region in central Italy.

While two towns in that region claim to have invented the pizzelles, Cocullo has the more colorful story. There in the 10th century, the town was besieged by a invasion of snakes in the nearby fields. Benedictine monk San Domenico is credited with driving out the snakes on May 1—and the celebration that ensued featured pizzelles.

Each year in Cocullo, the Festival of the Snakes celebrates this moment by parading a statue of San Domenico through the streets—and folks descend on the town with their pet snakes, which are then draped around the statue. Suffice it to say, this would be a festival those who fear snakes should cross off their bucket list.

Meanwhile, pizzelles became popular regionally, sometimes adorned with family crests or religious symbols pressed into the dough. Decorative design is an integral part of pizzelles, as is the classic anise flavor (black licorice). 

Today pizzelles come in a variety of flavors, several of which we tried for this article. And yes, pizzelles can be used as cannoli shells as well:

Best Pizzelles cannoli

As always, we do a blind taste test to ensure we aren’t influenced by brands or packaging. Here are the winners from our tests:

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

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