These Italian Toto Cookies are a beloved old-world treat — soft, chocolate-spiced cookies with a touch of nuts and a delicate glaze. Often called “Totos” or “Italian Christmas Cookies,” they’re a holiday tradition passed down through generations. Warm flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, and cloves make them irresistibly rich and aromatic, while the simple icing adds the perfect sweet finish.
Who Is This Recipe For
This recipe is perfect for:
- Bakers who love traditional Italian desserts.
- Holiday hosts looking for a crowd-pleasing cookie.
- Anyone craving a cozy, spiced chocolate cookie with a touch of nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ A classic Italian-American Christmas cookie that’s rich and soft.
✅ Filled with warm spices and chocolate — the perfect winter flavor combo.
✅ Easy to make ahead — they taste even better the next day.
✅ Great for cookie exchanges, gifting, or festive platters.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 whole egg
- 1 additional egg white
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon whiskey or rum
Preparation
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually mix in milk, then the egg, egg white, and vanilla extract.
- Form the dough: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Chill: Refrigerate dough for about 15 minutes to make it easier to roll.
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, until cookies are set but still soft. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Make the Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and whiskey (or rum) until smooth.
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, then place back on a rack to set.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing for best results.
FAQs
Can I skip the alcohol in the glaze?
Yes — replace it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a family-friendly version.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Try almonds, pecans, or even pistachios for a twist.
Do these cookies harden?
They’ll firm up slightly after glazing but stay soft inside — just like traditional Italian Totos should.
Conclusion
These Italian Toto Cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and old-fashioned charm to any holiday table. With their deep chocolate flavor, cozy spices, and light glaze, they taste just like Nonna used to make — perfect for Christmas or anytime you want to bake something special.
