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Italian Chocolate Totos

My great aunt used to make these and when she passed away, the recipe was lost. I found this on the internet about 10 years ago, and it was very close.  I haven't made them in a while since my guys have nut allergies, but my dad asked for them this year.



After looking at similar recipes I figured out the missing ingredient is the black pepper.  It gives the cookies a little depth and heat.  I also recommend grating the other spices fresh, it makes a big difference.  Making these brings back lots of good memories for me! 

Italian Chocolate Totos

Chocolate Totos

Ingredients

For the dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 black pepper
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 sticks butter -- softened
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For Chocolate Frosting:
  • 2oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon butter -- softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup hot milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift 3 cups flour twice. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and cocoa.
  2. Cream 1 cup butter or margarine; blend into flour mixture. Add 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and nuts.
  3. Mix thoroughly with hands until well blended. (Dough should be the consistency of pie crust, but not sticky.)
  4. For each cookie, pinch off about 1 teaspoon dough. Roll by hands into balls, each about one-inch in diameter. Place on greased baking sheets. Do not flatten.
  5. Bake about 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from baking sheets; cool on racks.
  6. When cool, drizzle each generously with chocolate frosting. Sprinkle with crushed nuts.
To make Chocolate Frosting:
  1. Melt the chocolate squares over low heat. Cream with 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups of confectioner's sugar. Gradually add hot milk, beating until smooth.

Other recipes you may enjoy:

chocolate, walnuts
cookies, dessert
Italian American

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