Italian Frosted Chocolate Cookies

Decadent Italian Frosted Chocolate Cookies: A Delightful Treat

Indulge in the rich and irresistible flavors of Italian Frosted Chocolate Cookies! These delightful treats combine the warmth of spices, the richness of cocoa, and the freshness of orange to create a truly unforgettable cookie experience. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence for dessert or looking to impress at your next gathering, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, they’re a breeze to make at home. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy with these delectable frosted chocolate cookies!

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 Large orange

Refrigerated

  • 5 Eggs

Condiments

  • 1/2 cup Margarine

Baking & Spices

  • 7 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Allspice, ground
  • 1/4 cup Baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, ground
  • 1 1/2 tsp Cloves, ground
  • 3 cups Confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups White sugar

Nuts & Seeds

  • 1/2 cup Walnuts

Drinks

  • 1/4 cup Orange juice

Dairy

  • 1/2 (8 ounce) package Cream cheese
  • 7/16 cup Whole milk

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the margarine, vegetable shortening, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and orange juice, mixing until smooth.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
  2. Fold in the chopped walnuts and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shaping the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  3. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a round cookie shape.

Baking the Cookies

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
  2. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies using a spatula or knife.

Serving and Enjoying

  1. Garnish each frosted cookie with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated orange zest, if desired.
  2. Serve these Italian Frosted Chocolate Cookies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a truly indulgent treat!

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Glazed Option: For a glossy finish, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies instead of using cream cheese frosting.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version of these cookies.
  • Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits such as lemon or lime for a unique flavor twist.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version

  • Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia to reduce the carb content.
  • Use unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips with a high cocoa content to keep the carb count low.
  • Replace orange juice with orange extract for a keto-friendly alternative.

Low-Carb Version

  • Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute to lower the overall carb content of the cookies.
  • Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lower-carb option.
  • Opt for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk in the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Yes, these cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them unfrosted for up to 3 days, then frost them before serving.

Q: Can I omit the nuts from the recipe? A: Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use nuts, you can simply omit them from the recipe. The cookies will still turn out delicious without them.

Q: Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice? A: Yes, you can substitute orange extract for fresh orange juice if you prefer. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

In conclusion, these Italian Frosted Chocolate Cookies are a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or looking for a dessert to impress guests at a dinner party, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. With their rich chocolate flavor, subtle hints of orange, and creamy frosting, they’re a true delight for the senses. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies today and treat yourself to a taste of Italy!

Savor the decadent flavors of these Italian Frosted Chocolate Cookies and experience the joy of homemade baking at its finest. With their soft and chewy texture, they’re a delightful treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy every blissful bite of these irresistible cookies!