I also have the recipe, and do not make them with the anise.
Any flavoring will do, and if you want you can ad FINELY ground nuts, or FINELY shaved chocolate to the mix.
Too thick and they make a mess.
On a side note, one of our boys scout troops were to make cookies from another country for the holiday celebration.
Imagine 7-8 10 year olds in your kitchen making Pizzelles. Yes, it was a "little" messy, but it was fun.
Happy baking
Susan