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ITALIAN CHOCOLATE TOTO COOKIES

Sana Umer
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies are rich, spiced chocolate cookies with a soft cake-like texture. Traditionally made for Christmas and Easter, they’re topped with a simple vanilla glaze and sprinkles for a festive and nostalgic treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 30 Cookies
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds optional

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Coloured sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

  • In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and vanilla.

Combine and Add Nuts:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in nuts if using. The dough will be thick.

Shape and Bake:

  • Roll into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until just set. Cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

  • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip tops of cookies into glaze and add sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead: Cookies stay fresh up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Flavor Variations: Add orange zest or use anise extract for a traditional twist.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect with coffee, tea, or as part of a holiday cookie tray.
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place. Glazed cookies can be layered with parchment.
Keyword chocolate spice cookies, glazed chocolate cookies, Italian holiday cookies, Italian toto cookies