• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Mug Cake Recipes
  • Military Care Packages
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Mug Cake Recipes
  • Military Care Packages
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    Italian Chocolate Cookies

    By Wendy Sondov · Published: Feb 21, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Italian Chocolate Cookies are soft and cake-like, with chopped chocolate bits and a bit of cinnamon. These luscious treats are topped with crisp vanilla icing.

    Puffy chocolate cookies with white icing and multicolored sprinkles on a plate.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    This traditional Italian cookie, also known at tutu cookies, is like a little domed cake. The texture is soft and slightly chewy. Then the glaze goes on top, providing a little crunch and a burst of warm vanilla when you take a bite.

    Some versions of this popular cookie call for addional spices like nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This recipe emphasizes the chocolate flavor.

    A small amount of espresso powder intensifies the rich chocolate flavor without adding any discernable coffee flavor to the cookies. Think of it as a flavor enhancer for chocolate.

    Chopped semi-sweet chocolate (or mini chocolate chips) add even more chocolate flavor to the dough.

    Iced and sprinkled, Italian Chocolate Cookies are pretty enough to be served as Christmas cookies or for other special occasions.

    They are also excellent care package goodies. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay soft and delicious for at least 2 weeks.

    A thick, cakey cookie cut in half to show inside crumb.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients: flour, eggs, shortening sugar, chocolate , cinnamon, baking powder, soda, cocoa, yogurt, milk, vanilla, espresso powder.

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

    Instructions: melt shortening, mix dough ingredients, scoop dough balls, bake.
    1. Microwave shortening until melted.
    2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the ingredients to form a dough. Stir the chopped chocolate into the chocolate cookie dough. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour-overnight.
    3. When the cookie dough is chilled and ready to bake use a medium cookie scoop, to form golf-ball sized dough balls.
    4. Place on prepared baking sheet about 2” apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
    Icing instructions: mix icing ingredients together, dip cookies, place on rack, add sprinkles.
    1. To make the icing, mix together confectioner’s sugar, milk, vanilla ( and cinnamon if using) to form a thick icing.
    2. Hold the cookies on the bottom edges and dip the tops of the cookies into icing. Shake gently to remove excess icing. If using sprinkles or decorating sugar, sprinkle on immediately after icing each individual cookie. The icing begins to set quickly.

    Storage

    These cookies are soft and cake-like. They will remain soft for at least 2 weeks if stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

    Tips and variations

    • The chopped chocolate can be replaced with mini chocolate chips or chopped regular sized chips.
    • Butter can be substituted for the shortening, but the cookies will not stay fresh as long.
    • Turn these cookies into Italian chocolate spice cookies, by adding ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice.
    • For a touch of citrus, add the orange zest from a medium orange to the dough.
    • Espresso powder and instant coffee are not the same. Don't substitute.
    • Consider replacing some or all of the chopped chocolate with chocolate covered raisins or chopped nuts.
    • Chilling this dough is essential in order for the cookies to hold their shape and to allow the flavors to develop.
    • These cookies are a popular Italian holiday cookie and look beautiful on a Christmas cookie tray.
    Overhead view of iced and sprinkled cookies on a serving platter.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is espresso powder the same thing as instant coffee?

    No, they are not the same. Espresso powder is a finely ground powder made with dark roasted coffee beans that have been ground, brewed, dried and ground again. Coffee flavor is more concentrated in epresso powder.

    Can I substitute butter for the shortening?

    Yes, you can substitute ½ cup butter for the ½ cup shortening or you can substitute 1 cup of butter instead of the oil and shortening. Cookies made with butter don't stay fresh as long as cookies made with oil and shortening.

    Can I add fruit or nuts to this recipe?

    Replace all or part of the 1 cup of chopped chocolate with the add-in's of your choice.

    Do these cookies have another name?

    There are many variations of this cookie that come from different parts of Italy. Other names for these chocolate treats include tutu (tetu) cookies, mostaccioli cookies, and meatball cookies.

    Closeup of chocolate cookie coated in white icing with multicolored nonpareil sprinkles.

    Related recipes

    Chocolate Biscotti are the ultimate cookie for coffee lovers. These crunchy, dunkable chocolate espresso cookies will amaze you with their flavor!

    Soft, flourless Italian Almond Cookies packed with almond flavor. You will love this old family recipe.

    Italian Easter Cookies (Taralli Dolci Di Pasqua) are lightly sweet cookies with a crunchy sugar icing flavored with citrus. These delicious cookies go well with tea or coffee.

    Italian Butter Cookies are melt in your mouth cookies with just the right amount of crunch. These classic Italian cookies are found in every Italian bakery!

    Italian Jam Cookies are rolled up sugar cookies with a fruity jam center. Use your favorite jam flavors!

    Italian Lemon Pound Cake is a soft, dense loaf cake topped with a lemony syrup and a crisp lemon glaze.

    Ready to bake? Join the free membership group to get new recipes and a newsletter delivered to your inbox! You can also stay in touch on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I’d love to stay in touch!

    Iced chocolate cookies with sprinkles piled on a plate.

    Italian Chocolate Cookies

    These  soft, cake-like chocolate spice cookies,  with chopped chocolate bits, are topped with crisp vanilla icing. A traditonal Sicilian cookie recipe.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 40 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Chill time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 2 hours
    Servings: 46
    Calories: 174kcal
    Author: Wendy Sondov

    Ingredients

    Cookies

    • 1 cup shortening or butter
    • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process
    • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
    • 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
    • 3 large eggs
    • ⅓ cup plain yogurt
    • 7 tablespoons milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup chopped semisweet chocolate or mini chocolate chips or chopped regular semi-sweet chocolate chips

    Icing

    • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
    • 6 tablespoons milk
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
    • ¼ cup sprinkles or decorating sugar optional

    Instructions

    Cookies

    • In a small bowl, microwave the vegetable shortening until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
    • In a large bowl whisk together flour, cocoa, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the shortening and sugar until combined, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Mix in the eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla.
    • Reduce the speed of the mixer and slowly add the dry ingredients until just combined.
    • Stir in the chopped chocolate.
    • Cover the dough wih a sheet of plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight.
    • When the cookie dough is chilled and ready to bake: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
    • With a medium, 1 ½ tablespoon, cookie scoop, form golf-ball sized portions. Roll each dough ball between your palms to smooth,
    • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2” apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes. (Finished cookie balls will have surface cracks.)
    • Cool completely on wire racks before icing.

    Icing

    • In a medium bowl, mix together confectioner’s sugar, milk, vanilla and cinnamon to form icing with the consitency of white glue.
    • Hold bottom edges of a cookie and dip the top of each cookie into the icing, top down. Shake gently to remove excess icing. Place on a wire rack over a sheet of wax paper to catch any drips. Add sprinkles immediately after icing each individual cookie. The icing begins to set quickly.
    • Leave the cookies out several hours to overnight to allow the icing to set completely before wrapping.
    • These cookies are soft and cake-like. They will remain soft for at least 2 weeks if stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

    Notes

      • The chopped chocolate can be replaced with mini chocolate chips or chopped regular sized chips.
      • Butter can be substituted for the shortening, but the cookies will not stay fresh as long.
      • Turn these cookies into Italian chocolate spice cookies, by adding ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice.
      • For a touch of citrus, add the orange zest from a medium orange to the dough.
      • Espresso powder and instant coffee are not the same. Don't substitute.
      • Consider replacing some or all of the chopped chocolate with chocolate covered raisins or chopped nuts.
    Packing tips
    • Wrap pairs of cookies, with bottoms together, in plastic wrap.
    • Place in airtight containers or a plastic freezer bag.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

    First Published: May 3, 2013. Last Updated: February 21, 2023. Updated for improved photos, additional information, and better reader experience.

    Cookie cut in half to show soft cake-like interior.

    You might also like:

    Piped butter cookies in a variety of shapes.Italian Butter Cookies White Chocolate Coconut Biscotti Cookies with cross hatched top on wooden cutting board.Cinnamon Divinity Cookies Spritz Cookies Recipe with Shortening
    « Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
    Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars »
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com

      May 07, 2013 at 2:19 am

      Soft, pillowy deliciousness! I love the sparkling sugar crystals on top! So festive!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 07, 2013 at 10:38 am

        Thanks, Kiran! Pillowy is the perfect description for these cookies. 🙂 The original recipe doesn't use sprinkles but life is just a little more festive, as you said, with some sprinkles. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Suzie

      May 06, 2013 at 7:37 pm

      Those are so pretty! They sound fantastic but, almost everything you make does 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 06, 2013 at 10:13 pm

        Suzie, you are so sweet! Thank you for being my own personal cheering section. I am actively trying to include as many desert safe recipes as possible now that it is moving toward summer. Its a challenge, but I am learning (slowly) some tricks. 🙂

        Reply
    3. CateyLou

      May 06, 2013 at 10:32 am

      These look so soft and delicious! I love the sugar on top, so pretty.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 06, 2013 at 12:58 pm

        Thanks, CateyLou! They are definitely soft and also delicious. 🙂 The sparkly golden sugar is a beauty bonus. 🙂

        Reply
    4. shannon

      May 06, 2013 at 6:22 am

      i am so intrigued by these cookies; i don't think i've ever made anything like them and they're beautiful! Meira is a beautiful name; it took forever for us to pick Stella's name (sort of the same issues you had with husbands and pretty straightforward options). i halfheartedly picked boys' names knowing that a girl was happening. 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 06, 2013 at 8:15 am

        I know it isn't scientific, but I really felt like I had already met my daughter when she was born. After hanging out together for 8 months (preemie) I kind of knew her. 🙂 Stella(meaning star) is also a beautiful name! (And there won't be 12 other little girls with the same name when she starts school!) I also had never made cookies like these before. The amount of baking powder in the recipe surprised me until I baked batch #1 and saw the cake-like texture. They are just so easy to make, taste good, and stay soft for so long. In the interest of public service I tried them with butter and with Crisco, with chips, raisins, and plain. All were tasty. My batch with espresso powder was disappointing. Not enough maybe? At some point I will tweak that. 🙂

        Reply
        • shannon

          May 22, 2013 at 6:29 am

          aw, thank you! i thought the same thing when i named her: there shouldn't be any duplicates in her class. 🙂 Espresso powder can be tricky, because you never want to add too much (bitter!) but if you don't add enough, it can lack in the flavor department. I've found that if i go a bit beyond my comfort zone with it, it turns out well.

          Reply
    5. crazyforcrust

      May 05, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      These cookies look unbelievably good!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 05, 2013 at 9:45 pm

        Thanks, Dorothy! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen

      May 05, 2013 at 2:35 pm

      I love your Daughters name! I too love names with meanings. Chandra is Sanskrit the original language of India and it means Shining brighter than the moon. What I also love is the look of these cookies! The look very delicious!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 05, 2013 at 3:20 pm

        Chandra, what a beautiful meaning! Not only does it communicate a beautiful visual but somehow contains in one word how much your parents love you. While pondering this philosophical response, have a cup of tea and a cookie. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Ashley

      May 05, 2013 at 8:42 am

      I love those gorgeous sparkly sprinkles on top! These sound wonderful - the perfect cross between a cookie and cake!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 05, 2013 at 9:53 am

        Thanks, Ashley! Like most Italian cookies, these are perfect with your beverage of choice. Mine is coffee but milk, tea, or wine would do. 🙂 The sparkly gold decorating sugar is cookie bling. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen

      May 04, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      Ooh yum, your cookies look so delicious! I love your daughter's name too - so pretty!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 04, 2013 at 6:04 pm

        Thank you, Rosie. 🙂 Because my kids have two last names (hyphen in the middle) we chose not to give middle names, but we debated over Rose as my daughters middle name. Its a beautiful name, sounds good with Meira, and was my husband's grandmother's name. 🙂 So, I love your name too!

        Reply
    9. Miss Messy

      May 04, 2013 at 7:18 am

      They look amazing! Little yummy cakes 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 04, 2013 at 11:40 am

        Thanks! They are so easy to make and stay tasty a long time too. 🙂 I am glad you stopped by because now I found your blog that is full of yummy looking treats I can't wait to try!

        Reply
    10. Joanne

      May 04, 2013 at 6:22 am

      It is funny how you were both so convinced the other was wrong that you conceded to each other's name choices! These cookies (or mini cakes) sound delicious - no matter what they're called!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 04, 2013 at 11:32 am

        It is funny in retrospect, Joanne. But in the end, I was right, as usual. 🙂 These cookies really are a excellent soft and chewy change from regular crunchy flat cookies.

        Reply
    11. Sinead

      May 03, 2013 at 4:35 pm

      Meira is such a pretty name 🙂 These cookies look so delicious, I love the golden sugar on top

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 03, 2013 at 5:30 pm

        Thank you, Sinead! I think your name is pretty as well, and has a beautiful meaning, "God is gracious". The meaning behind a name is like a hidden treasure. 🙂 These cookies traditionally have just the white icing but the sparkling golden sugar needed a home. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain

      May 03, 2013 at 12:25 pm

      Wendy these look like little chocolate puffs of cookie perfection!! 😀

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 03, 2013 at 12:33 pm

        They are yummy, and soft, and chewy, and addictive, Jess. They are an excellent munchie for late night exam studying. 🙂

        Reply
    13. noyomoco

      May 03, 2013 at 10:31 am

      These look delicious! They look like beautiful, little cakes 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 03, 2013 at 11:50 am

        Thanks, Jennifer! They are a cookie-cakelette. 🙂 Soft like a cake but sturdy like a cookie. The chocolate cinnamon flavor is great with a cup of coffee! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Eva @ Eva Bakes

      May 03, 2013 at 9:17 am

      These almost look like baked donuts! I'll take a dozen, please. 🙂

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 03, 2013 at 9:27 am

        They have a different texture than baked donuts, Eva. More chewy, I think, but fluffy in the same way. You will probably need a dozen, anyway. The first is a sample. The next 11 are due to the addictive quality of these cookies. 🙂

        Reply
    15. Monica

      May 03, 2013 at 7:45 am

      Meira is a beautiful name. And these cookies are so interesting. I love your creative substitutions and those gold sprinkles/sugar on top of them. My all-time favorite Italian "cookie" is the tri-color or rainbow cookies. Those are also more like petite fours or cake, and calling them "cookie" doesn't seem to give them enough credit...but I guess, ultimately, it's all about the taste.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 03, 2013 at 7:50 am

        Thanks, Monica. 🙂 The sprinkles are just because I like bling on my cookies (though they do add crunch) 🙂 I am wondering if the whole "cookie" concept with Italian "cookies" has to do with translation. Maybe English had a more limited idea of what constitutes a cookie. But, definitely the bottom line is the taste!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Wendy, a baker, care package maker, and smile creator. On The Monday Box you’ll find care package inspiration and recipes for delicious treats that make it easy for you to share home baked love. Let’s spread happiness, one cookie at a time!

    More about me →

    Passover

    • The World’s Best Passover Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread
      The World’s Best Passover Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread
    • Peanut Butter S'mores Cookies (Gluten Free)
    • Plain and chocolate drizzled coconut macaroon cookies.
      Coconut Macaroons without Condensed Milk
    • Gluten Free Brownie Brittle
    • Almond Flour Cookie Bars with swirls of melted chocolate inside.
      Almond Flour Cookie Bars
    • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies covered in confectioners sugar on a slate background.
      Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    Favorite Biscotti Recipes

    Most Popular

    • Closeup of raisin biscuit squares with golden crust speckled with raisins.
      Golden Raisin Biscuit Cookies
    • Honey Applesauce Cake
    • Espresso Chocolate Shortbread Cookies- melt-in-your-mouth buttery shortbread made even better with added espresso and chocolate! | The Monday Box
      Espresso Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
    • Chocolate cake mix mug cakes and bowls of cake toppings
      Cake Mix Mug Cake
    Amazing 1 Minute Mug Cakes

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    As Seen On

    Copyright © 2012 - 2023 The Monday Box, All Rights Reserved.