The Timeless Delight: The Original Toll House Cookie Recipe
Indulge in a piece of baking history with the Original Toll House Cookie Recipe, a classic that has satisfied sweet cravings for generations. Created by Ruth Graves Wakefield, this recipe has stood the test of time, offering that perfect blend of crispy edges, soft centers, and rich, melty chocolate. Now you can recreate this iconic cookie right in your own kitchen.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home, the anticipation of that first bite, and the joy on your family’s faces as they enjoy the same treat that has delighted so many for decades. Ready to bake up some magic? Let’s dive in!
A Bit of History: The Accidental Masterpiece
Did you know the Original Toll House Cookie was created by accident? In 1937, Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, ran out of Baker’s chocolate for her Butter Drop Do cookies. Thinking on her feet, she chopped up a Nestle semi-sweet chocolate bar, hoping it would melt into the dough. But the chocolate held its shape, resulting in gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness—and thus, the chocolate chip cookie was born!
Nestle was so impressed by the recipe’s success that they made a deal with Ruth: the recipe would appear on their chocolate bar wrappers, and in exchange, Ruth would receive a lifetime supply of chocolate. Talk about a sweet deal! Today, we can all enjoy this beloved cookie thanks to Ruth’s delicious mistake.
Fun Fact: The Original Toll House Cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 when she ran out of baker’s chocolate and used broken Nestlé chocolate instead.
The Original Toll House Cookie Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Servings: About 60 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12 oz package) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Stat: Did you know that over 7 billion chocolate chip cookies are eaten in the U.S. annually? The Toll House cookie is a timeless favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and eggs: Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Stir in the Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (and nuts if using).
- Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
PAN COOKIE VARIATION: PREPARE dough as above. Spread into greased 15″x10″ jelly-roll pan. Bake in preheated 375-degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack.“The smell of baking cookies is often a trigger for a positive childhood memory.” – Julee Morrison-cookbook author
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugars, resulting in a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies with less spreading, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with different chocolates: Love dark chocolate? Swap out the semi-sweet morsels for dark chocolate chips or even a mix of both!
Variations on the Classic Recipe
Want to put your own spin on this timeless recipe? Try these fun variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Replace 1/2 cup of butter with peanut butter for a rich, nutty twist.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Add 1 cup of oats to the dough for extra texture and chewiness.
- Dark Chocolate Mint Cookies
- Substitute dark chocolate chips and add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a holiday-inspired treat.
FAQs About Original Toll House Cookies
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! Just reduce the amount of added salt by about 1/4 teaspoon.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How do I store the baked cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Fun Fact: Nestlé bought the rights to Ruth Wakefield’s recipe for $1 and a lifetime supply of chocolate chips!
Ready to Bake?
Why stop at cookies? Transform your baking game with more delicious recipes! Check out my Pinterest board here for inspiration or grab my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, packed with 100 easy recipes to help you master the kitchen. Don’t miss out—grab your copy today and level up your cookie game!
So, what do you think? Will you be baking the Original Toll House Cookie soon?
Original Toll House Cookie Recipe
Looking to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies? The Original Toll House Cookies recipe is a must-try! With rich chocolate chips, a chewy texture, and the iconic flavor you’ve come to love, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to recreate this timeless classic in your kitchen. Grab your apron and get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12 oz package) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and eggs: Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Stir in the Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (and nuts if using).
- Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugars, resulting in a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies with less spreading, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with different chocolates: Love dark chocolate? Swap out the semi-sweet morsels for dark chocolate chips or even a mix of both!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 60 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 67mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 1g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.