Italian Toto Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Italian Toto Cookies are a delightful treat, combining a tender crumb with the crunch of nuts and a bright hint of lemon zest. Made easily in a slow cooker, these cookies are perfect for those who want a homemade dessert without the oven heat. Enjoy them as a snack or a sweet finish to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
5. Step 5: Pour the dough into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for about 120 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away and the center is set.
7. Step 7: Allow the cookie cake to cool in the slow cooker, then lift it out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or bars.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting chopped hazelnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
• If you prefer a sweeter cookie, consider drizzling with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice after baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat briefly in a microwave or oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the dough in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until set and golden around the edges.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. Keep in mind this may affect the cookie’s tenderness.

Italian Toto Cookies Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

Italian Toto Cookies are delightful nut-studded bars with a tender, buttery crumb enhanced with lemon zest. This slow cooker recipe yields soft, flavorful cookies perfect for sharing or snacking any time of day.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the cookie bars easier after cooking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and homogenous.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender. Then fold in the chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough.
5. Transfer Dough to Slow Cooker: Pour the cookie dough into the lined slow cooker, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer for even cooking.
6. Slow Cook the Cookies: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for about 120 minutes, or 2 hours, until the edges start to pull away from the sides and the center is set indicating the cookies are done.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely in the slow cooker, then carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the cookie slab and slice into squares or bars for serving.

Notes

• Use parchment paper to make removing the cookies easy and to prevent sticking.
• You can substitute walnuts or almonds as preferred for the chopped nuts.
• Ensure not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model; start checking doneness at 1 hour 45 minutes if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Italian Toto Cookies, slow cooker cookies, nut cookies, lemon zest cookies, easy cookie recipe, slow cooker dessert, walnut cookies, almond cookies