Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies, also known as “Tetù,” are traditional Italian treats that combine rich chocolate flavor with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or as a delightful everyday dessert. With their tender crumb and icing glaze, they’re a nostalgic favorite for many Italian households.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste: Brings the flavors of traditional Italian bakeries to your kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a recipe that feels both accessible and indulgent.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, cake-like cookies with a smooth glaze that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spices or toppings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for sharing at family gatherings, parties, or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- Water or milk (for the glaze)
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, chopped nuts
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, to form a soft dough. Add chopped nuts if desired.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of water or milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze and let them set on a rack.
- Optional Garnish: Before the glaze dries, decorate with sprinkles or chopped nuts for an extra festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spice levels with nutmeg or allspice for a more robust flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts for an allergy-friendly option.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and milk, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Glaze them after thawing.
- Reheating: Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
FAQs
1. What are Toto cookies traditionally served with?
Toto cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
3. Why is my glaze too runny?
You may have added too much liquid. Add more powdered sugar to thicken it to the desired consistency.
4. Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will give the cookies a deeper chocolate flavor.
5. Are Toto cookies supposed to be soft or crunchy?
They are traditionally soft and cake-like with a tender crumb.
6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for best results.
7. How do I prevent the glaze from cracking?
Ensure the cookies are completely cool before glazing, and use a smooth, even application.
8. Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds a traditional touch, you can skip it or dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.
9. What nuts work best for this recipe?
Chopped walnuts or almonds are commonly used, but pecans or hazelnuts are also excellent choices.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily to make a larger batch for gifting or parties.
Conclusion
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies are a delightful blend of warm spices, chocolate, and nostalgia. Whether you’re honoring a family tradition or trying them for the first time, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With their tender texture, simple preparation, and endless variations, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring yourself. Try them today and bring a touch of Italy to your table!
PrintItalian Chocolate Toto Cookies
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies are traditional Italian treats, especially popular during the Christmas season. These soft, cake-like cookies are flavored with cocoa, warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and often feature additions such as walnuts, chocolate chips, and orange zest. They’re typically finished with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 to 3½ tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (or vanilla extract)
- Colored sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and mini chocolate chips. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make the dough easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and orange extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable; adjust the consistency with additional milk or sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack and immediately decorate with colored sprinkles.
- Allow the glaze to set completely before storing or serving.
Notes
- For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the orange extract in the glaze with vanilla or almond extract.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight if needed.