Italian 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
Scale
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.
Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/italian-chocolate-toto-cookies/