The Story Behind Our Flavors

What do vanilla, chocolate, and lemon have in common? They’re all familiar, yet tucked inside a crisp pizzelle they feel unexpected and special. I chose these three for a reason: they’re classic flavors, each with its own story to tell.

Classic Vanilla

Traditionally, pizzelles were flavored with anise, a bold, black-licorice-like taste that’s deeply nostalgic if you grew up with it. But when I started testing recipes, I realized anise didn’t quite land the same way here on the West Coast. It’s distinct, but not exactly the everyday flavor people reach for.

After a few rounds of testing, I knew I wanted something more familiar, with a light, California feel. Vanilla was the obvious choice. Simple, fragrant, and just sweet enough to let the texture of the pizzelle shine.

Chocolate

I made chocolate a flavor because it’s one of the most recognizable tastes in the world. As a kid, and even now, I’ve always loved it. At donut shops, I’d go straight for the chocolate cake donut with chocolate glaze and chocolate chips on top. It was total chocolate overload.

But as I grew up, so did my chocolate preferences. These days, I don’t need a pile of toppings to enjoy it. That’s where my chocolate pizzelle comes in: rich cocoa flavor with just a hint of espresso to bring out its depth. It’s not as intense as my childhood donut, and it’s definitely not heavy.

It’s a grown-up take on the flavor we all know and love. And honestly, when you’re the most popular flavor around, you don’t need to prove it.

Lemon 

Lastly, and my personal favorite, is lemon. I guess I was in my dolce vita phase, but if I already had vanilla and chocolate, I needed something fresh and citrusy to round things out. This flavor was the trickiest to get right. I didn’t want just a faint hint of lemon, I wanted the scent, a little sourness, and a true lemony bite. I use real lemon zest to bring that brightness forward, and it makes all the difference. I’m proud of this flavor, and if you’re someone who loves a zesty treat, this is the pizzelle for you. One bite and you’re on the Amalfi Coast - and trust me, you won’t stop at just one.

These three flavors capture what I love most about pizzelles: simple ingredients, thoughtful baking, and that light sweetness that never overwhelms. They’re not meant to be flashy. Just really good. We’ll have seasonal flavors along the way, but these three are our roots.Which one would you try first?