Recipe for Red Velvet Valentine Pizzelles

Pizzelles are one of my favorite cookies to make. I've been making them since I was a little girl and now as an adult, I have a lot of fun experimenting with pizzelles and pizzelle recipes. This was by far one of the easiest ways to add a new flavor and festive color to my most recent batch of pizzelles. The rich red color of these pizzelle cookies is perfect for Valentine's Day and Christmas. All you will need is a pizzelle iron, your favorite store-bought red velvet cake mix, and a few other basic ingredients. This tutorial is perfect if you're looking for new and different recipes with red velvet cake mix.

For this recipe, I used a Duncan Hines red velvet boxed cake mix. My local grocery store also carries red velvet cakes by Pillsbury and Betty Crocker.

Did you Know...

• There's much debate about where the first red velvet cake appeared and who made it. There's a surprising amount of mystery and myth around this little cake flavor.
• Red velvet cakes became "re-popular" after a red velvet armadillo cake was featured in a very memorable scene of the 1989 film, Steel Magnolias. These days red velvet cakes are most popular in their trendy cupcake forms.
• Many "from scratch" recipes call for 1-2 ounces of red food coloring to achieve the cake's deep color. You can also achieve this color naturally with beet puree while adding some extra nutrients and moisture to your cake.

• My pizzelle press has non-stick plates and I never have an issue with my cookies sticking. If your cookies are sticking, brush a little cooking oil onto the design plates-- especially in the grooves.
• The thickness (or runniness) of a pizzelle batter varies from recipe to recipe. Don't be alarmed if this batter is thicker (or runnier) than you're used to.
• It may take you a couple rounds to figure out how much batter is too much or too little for your iron.
• You can spoon the batter on to the iron or dispense it using a pastry bag. Both work, but the pastry bag definitely gives you more control and is less messy.
• Always dispense batter into the center of the pizzelle molds. This ensures round and complete cookies but also helps cut down on possible dripping and messes.

Traditionally, pizzelles are dusted with confectioners sugar. These cookies look and taste great as is, but are also great with a dusting of sugar.

I always make my last few pizzelles into special little bowls for ice cream or fruit. Simply remove your cooked pizzelle from the iron and gently place it into the bottom of a small bowl. As it cools, it will harden into a very handy bowl shape. Remove the pizzelle from the bowl when cool and use as a "bowl" for eye-catching desserts. I filled these pizzelle bowls with some whipped cream and fresh strawberries. I added some colorful Valentine sprinkles for a festive touch.

This is such a fun spin on a traditional favorite. If you're looking for new pizzelle recipes or easy red velvet desserts, this cookie recipe is sure to satisfy your search and your taste buds. Whether flat, rolled and filled like canolis, or shaped into bowls or cones and filled with fruit, these cute little Valentine treats are sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Happy Valentine's Day!