Italian Toto Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Italian Toto Cookies are rich, chocolatey delights with a perfect blend of warm spices and crunchy walnuts. These tender cookies are beautifully finished with a sweet whiskey glaze, making them a special treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 whole egg
• 1 additional egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon whiskey or rum

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Slowly mix in the milk, then add the whole egg, additional egg white, and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until fully incorporated. Fold in the finely chopped walnuts.
4. Step 4: Chill the dough for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Step 8: For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and whiskey or rum until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping and adding to the dough.
• Substitute almond extract for vanilla to add a different flavor dimension.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic glaze, replace the whiskey or rum with a splash of vanilla or almond extract.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The icing may soften over time, so you may want to add it just before serving if storing longer. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, pecans or hazelnuts work well as alternatives to walnuts and will add their own unique flavor and texture.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling into balls for baking.

Italian Toto Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 352 reviews

Italian Toto Cookies are rich, chocolatey cookies infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, studded with chopped walnuts, and finished with a sweet whiskey or rum-flavored icing. These traditional cookies have a tender crumb and a luxurious, slightly spiced flavor profile, perfect for enjoying with coffee or as a delightful treat any time of day.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 whole egg
• 1 additional egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon whiskey or rum

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, and salt in a medium-sized bowl to ensure a uniform mixture and remove any lumps.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the milk while continuing to beat, then mix in the whole egg followed by the additional egg white and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cookies’ tender texture. Fold in the finely chopped walnuts evenly throughout the dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up, which helps in rolling out and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an ungreased baking sheet with parchment paper or simply use it as is.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch but still soft in the center.
8. Prepare and Apply Icing: While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and whiskey or rum in a small bowl until smooth to create a glaze. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the icing over the tops for a sweet, flavorful finish.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
• Use finely chopped walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
• Adjust the amount of milk in the icing if needed to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute whiskey or rum with vanilla extract in the icing.

Keywords: Italian Toto Cookies, chocolate cookies, walnut cookies, spiced cookies, baking, dessert recipe