Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies are spicy balls made with walnuts, mini chocolate chips, cocoa, and orange flavoring. These Christmas cookies aren't overly sweet. Instead, the sweetness comes from the chocolate orange glaze and rainbow sprinkles. The treats are so popular you'll find them on cookie trays for every special occasion.
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Chocolate Toto - an Italian cookie by many names
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies by any other name still taste as good. Many know them as Dudu's or Tetú's. If you ask for Meatball Cookies, they'll know what you mean.
Inquire about an Italian Christmas Cookie recipe, and you'll get directions for Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies. Ask for Ball cookies? You'll get the same. Chocolate Wedding Cookies? Ditto.
Every nonna and mamma will swear that theirs is the only traditional recipe. It doesn't matter. They all taste delicious.
Italian Christmas Toto - Black Pepper and Chocolate Cookie
Germany has a tiny spice cookie, Pfeffernüsse, that is a lot like Toto. They both have pepper in the ingredients as well as a gingerbread aroma and taste. The German biscuit, though, does not have cocoa or walnuts in it.
Mamma didn't make cookies. Our Christmas treats were fritole, strucolo, or pan dolce. Desserts were for special occasions only.
Helen, my mother-in-law, was a human cookie factory. She would start her cookie baking right after Thanksgiving and not quit until the week before Christmas. She wouldn't see or hear from "friends" all year long, but they did show up at her doorstep after all the cookies were made. ????
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies -- quick and easy holiday cookie
I thought that the Christmas cookies would be hard to handle, but I was wrong. The dough is not sticky, and it's easy to roll out.
Forming the balls is a breeze! Honey and I were able to get four dozen made in no time. Once they cooled, we dipped the spicy cookies in a chocolate orange flavored glaze. The flavoring I used was Fiori di Sicilia from King Arthur Flour.
I put Fiori di Sicilia in my pinza. The aroma and taste is a combination of vanilla and orange. It's fantastic in any sweet bread or cookie recipe that calls for either vanilla or orange.
Another classic Italian holiday cookie is the Lemon Ricotta Cookie. This recipe is also easy to make and looks fantastic on the cookie dessert tray. And if you're looking for a stunning, unusual cookie recipe, it's the Neapolitan Cookies with the gorgeous three stripes. For the powdered sugar lover we have the buttery Italian Wedding Cookies and the chewy almond Italian Ricciarelli cookies.
Here are some great Christmas Ideas for Home Bakers.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED...
We love Fiori di Sicilia flavoring. I've been using it for years and the scent and taste is amazing. It smells so good I'd use it as perfume. One Whiff and I know you'll be as enamored of it as we are.
What's new? check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
Thank you for being part of All Our Way!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
📖 Recipe
Italian Chocolate Toto Cookies |Traditional Christmas Treat
Video
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups 406.25 grams All-Purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups 300 grams sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ cup 21.5 grams unsweetened cocoa
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper not too coarsely ground
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 153.75 grams solid vegetable shortening
- ½ to ⅔ cup 122-162 ⅔ grams milk
- 1 teaspoon Fiori di Sicilia Orange and Vanilla flavoring
- ⅔ cup 78 grams chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mini-chocolate chips or 175 grams (6 oz.)
- GLAZE:
- 1 ½ cups 180 grams confectioner's sugar, sifted
- 1 Heaping Tablespoon of Cocoa
- 3 to 3 ½ Tablespoons milk
- Colored sprinkles for decorating
- 1 teaspoon Fiori di Sicilia flavoring orange and vanilla flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Lightly spray parchment paper and place on cookie sheets.
- Sift all the dry ingredients together on to wax paper. Repeat this several times to thoroughly combine the ingredients -- I did it 4 times.
- Put the dry ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. Add the shortening. Pulse the processor several times until the mixture resembles coarse meal. (You may do this by hand but it's quick and easy with the processor.
- Combine the Fiori di Sicilia with ½ cup of milk.
- Pour the dry ingredient mixture into a large bowl. Add the chopped nuts and chcolate chips and stir to combine.
- Add the milk to the dry ingredients and work it in with your hands until it is well blended. If it seems too dry add the additional milk until the dough holds together but isn't sticky.
- On non-stick silpat or a wooden board knead the dough a few times. Then cut into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a long rope. Cut that rope into 12 even pieces. Make a ball out of each piece and then put the ball on the parchment paper.
- Place 1 inch apart on the paper. Continue with each rope.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are firm.
- While the cookies are cooling make the glaze.
- Sift the Confectioners' sugar and cocoa several times until both are combined. Put the mixture in a bowl and add the 3 Tablespoons milk and the flavoring. Beat until smooth. Add additional milk if necessary to make a thin frosting.
- Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops into the icing, place on racks that are over wax paper (to catch the drips), and sprinkle with the colored spinkles.
- Let the frosting dry completely before layering the cookies between wax/parchment paper. They will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutrition
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Jessica
I just stored my dough, they seemed super dry, so I got it to mix all together but the tiniest bit sticky, will the middle still cook? I had to make 4 batches so I hope they still work!
Marisa Franca
Hi Jessica! You shouldn't have a problem. Let me know how you like them.
Vera pugliese
Make Toto all year my recipe is made with 5 lb of flour
Marisa Franca
Ciao Vera! I wish I knew where you lived -- I may accidentally drop by JUST when you were finished with them. Did you know my maiden name is Pugliese? Great name!! Un abbraccio forte!
Farrukh Aziz
I can eat these any time, any season. The addition of pepper is a must, for a little spice! Definitely my go-to recipe for toto cookies! 🙂
chiara passion
WOW, amazing Instructions for this Yummy cookie. Love it, Marisa ❤️
Marisa Franca
Grazie, Chiara! Sei molto gentile. Buona giornata! xoxo
Karen
Can I use butter in place of shortening? Thx
Marisa Franca
Hi Karen! You can but they don't hold their shape as well. Let me know how they turn out.
Dee | Grammy's Grid
YUM, looks good! Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up with me at my party #AThemedLinkup 35 for Christmas Recipes, open until December 7 at 12:05 am. Shared on social media.
Lisa Littlefield
I made these without the ground pepper and they were still delicious!!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lisa! So glad you like the cookies - the pepper just give them a bit of spice. Merry Christmas xoxo
Veena Azmanov
Awesome name, delicious looks and presentation yummy.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Veena! Have a wonderful Holiday season.
Susan P
Do I have to use a food processor or can I mix it all in my Kitchen Aid mixer?
Marisa Franca
Hi Susan! The dough is tough and the processor cuts in the shortening so that it is distributed evenly. You may try it, but I don't know whether you would get a really good result.
Marisa Franca
Hello Betty! There aren't any.
April
Walnuts, cocoa and orange flavoring - all of these mix together so well! A fantastic recipe for this Christmas and something I would want to give a try to!
Veena Azmanov
These sound so incredible Marisa. I love how simple they are to make. Best of all I love the name - toto cookies. I bet they were gone in an instant.
Pavani
Your Italian toto cookies look so festive and delicious. My chocolate and sprinkle loving daughter will LOVE these.
Claudia Lamascolo
These are a perfect blend of spices and work so well on the holiday cookie tray. My son loves cinnamon and spice cookies so I know he would flip over these . They really look delicous. I think I will surprise him with these. Thanks Marisa
Denise
These sounds like the perfect cookie to take to my cookie swap. Every year we try to make something different and I've never seen anyone make a spicy orange cookie. And I know what a good cook you are so they have to be delicious!
Jolina
Cookies are one of my favourite things about Christmas 🙂 So many new cookie flavours to discover! I can't want to make these. Can I sub butter for the shortening?
Gloria
I have never had these cookies. I LOVE the name, and they look delicious. It is fun trying different Christmas foods from around the world. I will have to give this recipe a try. You can never have too many cookies this time of year.
Deborah
Oh Marissa, these look splendid. Love the sprinkles, too. Makes them so colorful and festive. Thanks for sharing.
Jen
What a sophisticated little cookie. I love the addition of the spices, it makes these cookies special. I can't wait to make them.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
The hints of clove and cinnamon are wonderful! I also love the orange in the chocolate glaze- a perfect cookie for a holiday platter!
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thank you Marisa for linking up with us at the #BloggingGrandmothers End of the Year Link Party 2018! Party ends January 5, links are unlimited so feel free to add more!
Noel Lizotte
Christmas cookies are one of the best things about the season! These look so delicious, I'm sure a plate of them is emptied in a hurry!
Jyothi (Jo)
These looks perfect for the holiday season. I love that there is black pepper in the cookies, never tried using black pepper in cookie recipe. They sound delicious and i'm saving this recipe
Donna
Ooh I love the freshly ground black pepper in there, it would give the cookies just that little bit of a kick. Delicious, especially when paired with the sweetness of the chocolate and the earthiness of the walnuts! These sound delicious, and are getting me super excited to start my couple weeks of cookie baking!
Amanda
Oh my goodness, these look divine! I don't think I've ever had this type of Italian cookie (shocking!) and now they will definitely need to make an appearance on my cookie trays this year. Black pepper in cookies is always such a nice pop of spice (love the German variety), but I adore that it's paired with chocolate here. Can't wait to make them and share them with my friends and family!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
Yes! Meatball Cookies! I grew up calling these meatball cookies, but I'd forgotten all about them. It's been so long since I've had them. I think Chocolate Toto Cookies is a much nicer name. I could practically bathe in Fiori di Sicilia! That extract makes cookies and baked goods so wonderful.
Traci
Wow! I've never had Toto cookies, but I am sure loving the sweet and savory combo of ingredients in this recipe. This looks like the perfect thing to fulfill my cravings of experimenting with new flavors and methods. Justin time for holiday baking too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Debra
I've never heard of these type of cookies. All those spices---especially the pepper---would be so tasty mixed in with the chocolate. I love the how beautiful the finished product is too. Gorgeous.
Mackenzie
I've never had toto cookies before, but you had me at black pepper! I love that the sweetness comes from the glaze and sprinkles and lets the flavors in the cookie really shine. This is definitely going into my cookie exchange!
Tina
The first time I saw black Pepper in a cookie recipe I thought I misread it. I was so intrigued, I had to make it. Turns out the heat from the black pepper is similar to ginger snaps. It's kind of brilliant really. Your Italian cookies look and sound amazing, I love your photography, you make everything look so amazing. Thanks for sharing this!
Tina
These look delicious! My grandmother like your mother-in-law would make cookies for weeks. As a child and as an adult I was amazed every year when she would pull out a giant assortment on a plate while we visited. As a child I loved helping to bake them even more. I love these chocolate spiced cookies sound, they will make a great Christmas treat!
Carmy
These cookies are drool worthy! They look so chocolate-y and delicious. I never thought to combine chocolate with black pepper through. What an interesting thought, I'll have to try this recipe ASAP.
Christina Shoemaker
My mother in law is the same! Starts baking cookies and treats sometime after Halloween and goes through New Years! When we visit her kitchen counter is covered with tins filled with so many different kinds of sweet things! These cookies sound like such a perfect balance of savory and sweet. I’m sold!!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Christina! Are you sure we're not related through marriage? Sounds like we could be talking about the same Mother-in-Law. She sure was the best mother-in-law a girl could have. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Dana
Black pepper! I love a savory punch to sweets, so that sounds amazing. I mean, you can't really go wrong with Italian cookies anyway. I truly can't wait to try these. They sound so different and fun!
Tracy
Helen sounds like she was my kind of lady! Meatball cookies, huh? Oh I love you Italians! I think I have everything I need to make these in my pantry - adding them to my cookie list this year!
Lisa
Chocolate and orange are such a classic combination and happen to be one of my personal favorites. I'm always looking for new Christmas cookies to make -- and each year, I try a different one. I'm going to order this vanilla orange flavoring so that I can try your recipe. BTW - your photos are mouthwatering -- and I love those sprinkles on top!
Gloria
Not only do these cookies sound delicious, that whole collection of treats do too. I have not started my holiday baking yet, but I have been making my list of ingredients for shopping. I just might have to fit these into the collection. After all you can never have too many holiday sweets.
swathi
That chocolate toto cookies looks delicious, my kids will love it. I am going to give it try for my kids .
Veena Azmanov
I love chocolate and black pepper in my chocolate cookies. Love the name of these cookies - toto. So cute. I can't wait to try these soon.
Melissa
I love these cookies, they have been a staple at all the Italian showers and events I have gone to for years! My Mother-in-Law used to make them all the time <3 I will have to whip some up for my hubby this Holiday season so we can share those special memories.
Tammy
What a fantastic cookie, Marisa! The combination of the orange and black pepper is really intriguing and I love it!! I cannot wait to give that a try. You know I put a little black pepper in my pumpkin spice mix so Im totally on board with the pepper in dessert idea! <3
Claudia Lamascolo
How funny grandma made the same kind of chocolate cookies with cloves and cinnamon they are a favorite in our home and everyone calls them something different, she called them chocolate meatballs cookies. Yours would be devoured in a new york minute here!
Lauren Vavala
My grandmother used to make a TON of Italian cookies every Christmas. As a child, I surely didn't appreciate them enough. Saving this to try soon - I' so curious to see if it's similar to one she used to make!
April
I really appreciate the recipes where the sweetness comes from things like orange glaze. I think this is one of the best ways to add sweetness - it is healthy and incredibly flavorful. Well done!
Dan Zehr
Oh, what a nice Christmas cookie. Great idea for a festive table. It look so yummy! I want to try it immediately. Wonderful combination of ingredients.
Francine Zangari
Actually, mine is a question. My problem is getting my glaze to stay hard. Does your frosting stay hard? Mine sweat after awhile. Never tried with milk. Making a wedding tray today, so going to give it a try. Thanks! ❤️
Marisa Franca
Hi, Francine! No, mine don't sweat and the frosting does stay hard. I haven't had a problem with it. Try it with the milk and make sure it isn't cold and you put it where it is super warm. I'm thinking of hot humid weather and cold cookies. Let me know how it turns out.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Cleo! Well, I can't fault you for loving everything Italian, I do too. ???? The cookies store beautifully and travel like troopers. Perfect for gift giving.
Kate
These look so delicious! I've never tried anything like them before. I'll have to try them for this Christmas!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kate! You won't be disappointed! 🙂
Ashima
Cinnamon, cloves and peppers in a cookie! I have to try this cookie recipe soon. I love the combination of chocolate and pepper but have never tried them in a cookie..
Thanks for sharing!
Sara
I love the idea of adding pepper! These look great!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sara! The pepper gives the cookies just a little spice but enough to make them special. Merry Christmas ????
Sarah
Hello,
So lovely !
Sarah, http://www.sarahmodeee.fr/
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Sarah! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours
Traditions at Christmas are some of the best reasons to get baking. These toto cookies are just perfect for little bites of deliciousness, not overly sweet but a treat all the same.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Helen! It's always fun to try something new but holding on to traditions too. Hope your mum is doing better.
Amanda Mason
These look yummy!!! I love a good cookie and I bet these would be perfect for a cookie exchange! how unique!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Amanda! They're great because they not only taste delicious but they travel and store well.
Paul
So many flavors in just one cookie! I can't imagine how that will taste like but they do look delicious. It's a good way to try something new besides the same old butter, flour and milk cookies. Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Paul! You are right -- they are different but in a totally delicious way. Wish I could send you some. ????
Monica | Nourish & Fete
These look delicious - I just love that the cookie itself is not overly sweet. Also, I never thought of buying extracts like this online from KAF, but what a wonderful idea!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Monica! The Fiori di Sicilia is different enough that it imparts a unique flavor to whatever you bake. Love using it!!
Elena
I love unusual flavor combos and these cookies sound like I would love them! Definitely on my list to try.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Elena. I know you'll love them. ????
Lois. O
I dunno if it's my morning hunger or my monitor but the cookies looked almost 3-dimensional in depth. Great use of light! It took all my willpower to stop from reaching out to grab one and punching a hole through my monitor! And yes peppers with chocolates work better than one would think!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Lois!! The cookies have just the right amount of spice. Hope you try them.????
Donna
Oooh perfect timing! We love to make lots of new cookie recipes during the month of December and we are starting tomorrow, adding these to the list!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Donna! You'll be surprised at how easy they are to make. xoxo
Carrie Ditton
Oh my goodness these are perfect for a cookie exchange. Pinned to make later this week!
Marisa Franca
Great, Carrie! I think you'll want to put them on your regular Christmas cookie list. xoxo
Carol Borchardt
So beautiful and the perfect holiday cookie! I love learning about all the different Christmas traditions!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Carol! I love learning about Christmas traditions too. It seems so many families have their traditional cookies. ????
prasanna hede
Such a delicious treat fro Christmas! Adding black pepper in cookies is something new for me to try 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hello, Prasanna! Many countries have spice cookies with pepper. It is surprising that it's in a dessert.
Lori Hill
Those look delicious! I so wish I had some right now! Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lori! Thank you for commenting - the link party is great for sharing.
Helene
Somehow I always associate orange combined with chocolate with Italy. It's maybe because these two really go well together. I have not herd of these cookies before Marissa. How cool would it be if I could surprise my former Italian boss with these homemade cookies! 🙂
Marisa Franca
I agree, Helene! Citrus is really big in Italy and orange is quite popular at Christmas. Your Italian boss will give you an abbraccio forte!
Jolina
These look amazing Marisa! I'm so intrigued by the use of pepper. Can't wait to try it out. PS: love your story about your human cookie factory 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jolina! Sometimes we are quite the assembly line. ????
Michelle
Those cookies look and sound amazing. I love the chocolate orange combo in the glaze, too!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
These are beautiful! I love Italian cookies and the flavors of orange, vanilla and chocolate here go so well together! I'm intrigued with the use of black pepper; can't wait to try it!
Arlene Mobley
I love the flavor combo of these cookies. Orange and chocolate taste so good together. Then add some spice from black pepper! I bet they are delicious.
Veena Azmanov
I have never made a cookie with black pepper in it. This does have some interesting flavor profile. I have never tried Italian wedding cookies either so now I HAVE TO! on my wish list to make soon. I'm so late with my Christmas preparations this year it's going to be stressful.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! Would you believe there are a lot of European cookies with pepper in them. But you really can't taste pepper, just a slight spice. They are great! If you need to make cookies to send to someone -- these are it.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I am totally loving the flavour profile in these cookies. I have not started baking yet...so now I am getting stressed. My grandson is already asking "Gramma what are you going to bake". They are coming for a sleepover this weekend....maybe I should get him to help me.
Marisa Franca
Gloria, this would be perfect. They are so easy to roll and make into balls. Grandson could help. He could help dip -- after all Hubby could do it so I'm sure your grandson would be stellar. 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina
One of my absolute favorites!! Wouldn't be Christmas without them!!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Annie! And to think I've just discovered them. To think of all that I've been missing!! ????
Denise Wright
What an interesting combination of flavors! I've never met a cookie I didn't love and this is no exception. I think my hubby would love these. He's not a sweets person but these may be the perfect balance for him.
Marisa Franca
I know about the super sweet! We're the same way. I think these have just the right amount of sweetness.Even Hubby, I think, would enjoy them.
Jovina
It is cookie making time! Yummy. These look so good Marisa.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jovina! Looking forward to seeing your variety! ????
marye
I love chocolate and black pepper together! These look delish, Marisa! Pinning so I can try them AFTER the holidays when I catch up.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Marye! They are good and they store great.