Italian Toto Cookies
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Every Christmas growing up, there was one cookie that always vanished first. Before the sugar cookies, before the chocolate crinkles, even before the spritz—it was the Italian Toto Cookies. Soft, lightly spiced chocolate cookies dipped in a glossy vanilla glaze that crackles just enough with each bite.
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My grandmother would line them up in perfect rows on a lace-covered table, each one shining like a tiny ornament. The house smelled of cocoa, warm spices, and sweet vanilla, while laughter floated from the kitchen as the glaze set. Even now, one bite takes me straight back to those cozy December afternoons.
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Today, Toto Cookies are a staple in my own kitchen. I bake them for holidays, family gatherings, and quiet winter nights. But truthfully, they’re just as perfect for coffee breaks or whenever you need a sweet, comforting bite.
This recipe delivers soft, cake-like chocolate cookies with a silky glaze that melts in your mouth—proof of why they’ve been passed down through generations.
Italian Toto Cookies 🎄🍪
Ingredients
| Cookie Dough | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted & cooled | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Whole milk | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Almond extract | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Chocolate Glaze | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1½ cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¼ cup |
| Milk | 3–4 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
4. Form Dough
- Slowly add dry mixture into wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, scoopable dough forms.
5. Shape Cookies
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
6. Bake
- Bake 12–14 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden and tops are set but pale.
- Transfer to a rack and cool completely before glazing.
7. Make Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
8. Glaze Cookies
- Dip each cookie top into glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on rack.
- Allow glaze to firm up for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but keep well in an airtight container.
- The glaze sets beautifully, giving each cookie a festive, shiny finish.
- Perfect for holiday trays, coffee breaks, or gifting.
