Toto Cookies are a classic Italian sweet that proves the simple things are sometimes the best things. These chocolate-spiced cookies have been passed down through generations, making an appearance at holiday gatherings and special occasions. With their tender, cake-like texture, deep cocoa flavor, and subtle hints of warm spice, they toe the line between a cookie and a biscuit (in the best of ways). They’re finished with an icing that has just a touch of rum or whisky to balance the flavor out. Yes, they’re every bit as tasty as they sound!

The dough comes together with baking staples and a handful of walnuts. I typically have every ingredient on hand to make these, always a happy realization! Your standard mixing of dry ingredients into a rich, buttery base yields a thick dough. Give it a quick chill in the fridge, then roll the dough into small balls. Pop them in the oven and watch them bake up to crackled perfection. The smell of them baking is enough to have anyone’s mouth watering. Rich chocolate along with cinnamon and cloves, absolutely heavenly.

But what truly sets Toto Cookies apart is their signature icing. A simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of whiskey or rum creates a glaze that hardens into a sweet and crunchy crust. Spoon it generously over each cooled cookie and let gravity do the work (this is not a fussy process, and that’s part of the charm!).

Whether you make them as part of a holiday cookie platter or enjoy them with a cup of coffee on an everyday afternoon, Italian Toto Cookies are sure to hit the spot. Give this classic Italian recipe a try and I’m sure it will become a new favorite.