The Story of the Reko Pizzelle Cookie - Reko (2024)

A Crispy History

Pizzelles, the oldest known waffle cookies, originated in Italy. The name pizzelle is based on the Italian word ‘pizze’ meaning round and flat, with the ending ‘elle’ referring to its small size. Often featured during celebrations, and hung as edible decorations, the pizzelle has been woven into countless meaningful moments throughout history. It’s not just a cookie, but an artifact of true Italian craftmanship and celebration.

When you reach for a pizzelle you’re reaching towards a thousand years of tradition, celebrations, and delicious moments. In 8th century Abruzzo, Italy, the pizzelle was created and heralded for its subtle sweetness and satisfying crispy texture. These golden waffle cookies are so important to the people of south-central Abruzzo that two neighboring towns still argue about which town originated the pizzelle.

Our founder, Ces Nucci was inspired by the irresistible aroma of fresh sweet pizzelles griddling in the kitchen of his childhood home. In 1985, he set out to bring this delicious tradition to the rest of the world. Custom ovens and baking equipment were sourced to preserve the classic flavor and light crispy texture, and make it broadly available to more households. Pizzelle irons were commonly fashioned in the pattern of a family’s crest, so our classic Reko “snowflake” pattern is unique to us!

Today, we still proudly make our Addictively Delicious!™ Pizzelles the same way, baked fresh in Canada, in a peanut-free facility, in small batches, and hand packed. Best of all, Reko Pizzelles do not require a special occasion – it’s about celebrating every moment, and enjoying simple indulgences, each and every day.

More Goodness from the NuStef Baking Family

Our sister brand, kii Naturals™brand brings flavor into the snacking spotlight with hand-crafted artisan snack crisps. Double-baked for a delicious satisfying crunch, each artisan crisp holds a delightful burst of flavorful grains, fruits, nuts and seeds! No preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and zero trans fats…nothing but nature. With unique and wholesome ingredients from across the world. Snack better with kii Naturals™.

The Story of the Reko Pizzelle Cookie - Reko (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind Pizzelles? ›

This Italian waffle cookie gets its name "pizzelle", which is actually the plural of "pizzella", from the Italian word, “pizze”, meaning round and flat. It is believed to have first been developed in central Italy to honor annual celebrations in ancient times.

What does pizzelle mean in Italian? ›

A Crispy History

Pizzelles, the oldest known waffle cookies, originated in Italy. The name pizzelle is based on the Italian word 'pizze' meaning round and flat, with the ending 'elle' referring to its small size.

What are the ingredients in Reko Pizzelle? ›

Enriched unbleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Eggs, Sugar, Canola oil, Natural flavors, Soy lecithin, Salt, Caramel color, Baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate).

What is another name for pizzelle cookies? ›

It is known to be one of the oldest cookies and is probably to have developed from the ancient Roman crustulum. Pizzelle are also known as ferratelle or nevole in some parts of Abruzzo, as ferratelle in Lazio, and as ferratelle, cancelle, or pizzelle in Molise.

Is pizzelle a girl? ›

A local candy maker who owns an ice cream parlor and uses a scooter as her method of transportation. She has the physical appearance of The Noise, but the role and personality of Peppino. Gender Flip: Both Peppino and The Noise are male, but Pizzelle has been confirmed by the developers to be a trans female.

What is the full name of pizzelle? ›

Pizzelle's full name is Pizzelle "Suzette" Theodore, this is confirmed in the game's carrd. She was formerly named "Pizzelle Suzette". Former nicknames include "Twiggy", and curiously, "Pizzano."

What is the original flavor of pizzelles? ›

Although Anise (Black licorice) is the “traditional” flavor of the pizzelle, modern options include vanilla, peppermint, anisette, lemon and chocolate but there are countless recipes and flavor combinations for this humble Italian cookie.

Why are my pizzelles sticking to the pizzelle maker? ›

A: Did you coat the pizzele maker with oil before starting to make a batch? That's the first thing you must do each time. Put a little oil on it, wipe up the excess and heat it up!

What is the oldest cookie ever made? ›

The first cookies are thought to be test cakes bakers used to test the oven temperature. They date back as early as 7th Century A.D. Persia which is now Iran. They were one of the first countries to grow and harvest sugar cane.

How long can pizzelles be stored? ›

How long will my pizzelle stay fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They also freeze very well, just store in a sturdy container so they don't get broken!

What do Italians call their cookies? ›

Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.

Why are Pizzelles soft? ›

Pizzelles should be crunchy! They're a thin, light, crispy cookie. If your pizelles are soft, it means they have absorbed moisture from the air or they weren't cooked enough.

What is the ancient Roman Crustulum? ›

The closest relative of the pizzelle on record is the ancient Roman crustulum, a flatbread cooked in a pancake pan and on top of a craticula… which is reminiscent of a barbecue grate cooker. Similar variations go by the name ferratelle in the Lazio region and cancelle in Molise too.

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