The word pizzelle means, loosely, small, flat, and round in Italian. These waffle-type cookies are made by pouring batter between the two plates of an iron, which is then held over a fire or heated electrically. Pizzelle were first made in the south-central area of Abruzzi (now the Region of Abruzzo) in the 8th century. Two small towns each claim to have originated the treat, which are featured in their yearly festivals.