Nonna's Pizzelle

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 6 eggs
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 0.75 cups shortening , such as Crisco®
• 2 tablespoons shortening , such as Crisco®
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds , crushed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , Optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat pizzelle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

2. 2

   Mix flour and baking powder together in a bowl.

3. 3

   Combine eggs and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until well-blended. Add 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening and beat until blended. Add flour mixture and mix on medium speed until incorporated. Fold anise seeds and vanilla extract into batter with a spatula.

4. 4

   Drop a teaspoon of batter onto the preheated iron. Bake until golden, 30 to 40 seconds, or a few seconds longer for darker pizzelle.