Toll House Cookie Recipe: Classic Homemade Treats
Table of Contents
The smell of cookies baking fills the air. The chocolate melts in your mouth. These moments take us back to our childhood. The Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe has been loved for generations.
Creating these iconic treats in your kitchen connects you to history. From the Toll House Inn’s original recipe to today, it’s a timeless favorite. It shows the power of quality ingredients and love in every batch.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to making cookies, try the Toll House recipe. It’s rich, sweet, and chewy. These cookies will make everyone happy. Let’s explore the secrets of this classic recipe and make your own batch of Toll House cookies.
The History of Toll House Cookies
The Toll House chocolate chip cookie is a beloved American treat. It was created by accident in the 1930s. Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, was making chocolate cookies. She ran out of cocoa powder and used broken baker’s chocolate instead.
This unexpected move led to the first chocolate chip cookies. The Nestle Toll House cookie recipe is based on Ruth’s original. The chocolate chips didn’t melt but created a new favorite.
Ruth Wakefield and the Toll House Inn
Ruth Wakefield and her pastry chef, Sue Brides, made the chocolate crunch cookie in 1938. They used Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate bars. The recipe included butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs.
It also had baking soda, vanilla, flour, salt, chopped nuts, and chocolate bars. The cookies were baked at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes. This made 100 cookies.
Ruth’s recipe was so popular that Nestle started making chocolate morsels for it. This made the cookies widely available.
“The chocolate chip cookie is claimed to have originated in the United States in 1938.”
The Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies recipe was first published in 1936. It quickly became a favorite in America. Soldiers in World War II shared these cookies in care packages. This helped make the cookies even more popular worldwide.
Ingredients for the Original Toll House Cookie Recipe
The classic Toll House cookie recipe is easy to make. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Also, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and semi-sweet chocolate chips are required.
Some recipes suggest adding chopped nuts, like walnuts, for extra crunch. This adds a delightful twist to the classic cookie.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 1/4 cups (281 grams) |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (226 grams) |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup (150 grams) |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 3/4 cup (165 grams) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels | 2 cups (340 grams) |
| Chopped Nuts (optional) | 1 cup (125 grams) |
The original Toll House cookie recipe is a timeless favorite. Its simple ingredients make it a beloved treat. Whether you add nuts or not, these cookies are sure to please.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
To make the classic Toll House cookies, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step adds air, making the cookies soft and chewy. After blending the butter and sugars, mix in the vanilla extract and eggs.
Then, add the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and salt. Don’t overmix to avoid tough cookies. Finally, add the chocolate chips. You can also add chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough onto the sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden.
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and keeps them soft.
By following these steps, you’ll make the perfect Toll House chocolate chip cookies. They’re a classic treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
toll house cookie recipe
Making the perfect Toll House cookie is easy with a few tips. Follow these steps for soft, chewy cookies full of chocolate flavor.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is key to perfect cookies. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. This prevents spreading and makes the cookies thicker and chewier.
Use a Cookie Scoop
For even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or spoon. This helps them bake evenly and keeps their shape.
Bake in Batches
Bake cookies in batches to keep them from spreading too much. While one batch bakes, keep the rest in the fridge.
Mix Chocolate Chips
For more chocolate flavor, mix semi-sweet and white chocolate chips. This mix adds a sweet contrast to your cookies.
Follow these tips for perfect Toll House cookies every time. Enjoy these treats with loved ones for a special experience.
Variations and Add-Ins
The classic Toll House cookie recipe is loved by many. But, there are countless ways to make these treats your own. You can try nut-free versions or add in decadent mix-ins. The choices are endless for customizing your chocolate chip cookies.
Nuts or No Nuts?
The original recipe includes chopped walnuts. But, many prefer their cookies without nuts. To make a nut-free version, just skip the walnuts. You can add more chocolate chips or 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the dough.
If you enjoy the texture and flavor of nuts, try different types. Pecans, almonds, and macadamia nuts are great in toll house cookie variations.
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Add-Ins | Percentage of Popularity |
|---|---|
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 100% |
| Chopped Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds, Macadamia) | 75% |
| Peanut Butter Chips | 50% |
| Toffee Bits | 40% |
| M&M’s | 30% |
Whether you like nut-free cookies or enjoy the crunch of nuts, Toll House cookies can be tailored to your taste. They are perfect for making your own special treats.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Toll House cookies are a classic treat that can be made ahead and stored. They’re perfect for when you want fresh cookies or have dough ready to go. This recipe offers several convenient options for your baking needs.
Storing Baked Toll House Cookies
Baked Toll House cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re great for parties, gatherings, or when you need a cookie fix.
Freezing Toll House Cookie Dough
The Toll House cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into portions, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a container. Bake frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the Toll House cookie dough can improve its flavor and texture. Professional baker Jacques Torres suggests refrigerating the dough for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days. Even just 50 minutes of chilling can make a big difference in taste and texture.
With these make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy Toll House cookies whenever you want. Whether baking them right away or saving the dough, these tips ensure you get the best taste of this classic cookie.
Serving and Enjoying Toll House Cookies
The best way to enjoy Toll House cookies is warm, right from the oven. A cold glass of milk is the classic choice that goes well with their rich chocolate and buttery taste. But, these cookies also pair well with other drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, or cold brew.
Pairing with Milk or Other Beverages
Dunking your Toll House cookies in cold milk is the quintessential experience. The cool milk contrasts perfectly with the warm cookies. Or, you can enjoy milk and cookies together for a harmonious treat.
For a different taste, try cookies with a cup of coffee. The coffee’s bitter notes mix well with the cookies’ sweetness. Or, dip them in hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
For a cool twist, pair cookies with cold brew coffee. The smooth coffee and soft cookies make for a unique treat.
“There’s nothing quite like the classic pairing of a warm, freshly baked Toll House cookie and a glass of cold milk. It’s a match made in heaven!”
Enjoying Toll House cookies is all about savoring each bite. Let the comforting, nostalgic flavors remind you of why these cookies are a classic favorite for so many.
Toll House Cookie Legacy
The Toll House cookie is a beloved American icon and a favorite around the world. It was first made by accident at the Toll House Inn in the 1930s. Since then, it’s been on Nestle chocolate chip bags, introducing many to its delicious taste. Today, it’s a favorite in homes everywhere, showing the lasting impact of Ruth Wakefield’s creation.
The cookie’s success comes from its perfect mix of flavors and textures. It uses granulated sugar and brown sugar, along with room-temperature butter and eggs. This mix makes a cookie that’s rich and chewy, melting in your mouth. The use of high-protein flour and careful creaming of butter and sugars also adds to its unique texture.
The Toll House cookie has become a special tradition for many. The recipe, over 80 years old, has been adapted by countless bakers. They’ve added their own twists, from different mix-ins to changes in baking time and temperature. This shows how versatile and loved the Toll House cookie remains.
Ruth Wakefield, the creator, and her husband ran a successful restaurant, The Toll House, in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1967. Her cookbook, “Tried And True Recipes,” was a huge hit, printed 39 times. This helped make the Toll House cookie even more popular.
Today, the Toll House cookie is still a favorite, showing the lasting impact of Ruth Wakefield’s creation. It’s enjoyed with milk or on its own, bringing joy to many. It’s a reminder of the comfort and tradition that cookies can bring to our lives.
“The Toll House cookie has become a cherished tradition in households globally, a testament to the enduring appeal of Ruth Wakefield’s iconic creation.”
Conclusion
The Toll House cookie recipe is a beloved classic in America. It has delighted generations with its crispy edges and soft centers. Baking this classic toll house cookie recipe is a special treat for any occasion.
With the right ingredients and some baking tips for perfect cookies, you can make these homemade chocolate chip cookies at home. Enjoy the comforting flavors that have made the Toll House cookie a favorite for over 80 years.
The Toll House cookie’s story is fascinating. It was invented by accident at the Toll House Inn and became very popular. Today, it’s a true American classic loved by all ages.
So, preheat your oven and get your ingredients ready. Bake a batch of these classic toll house cookie recipe treats. Your home will fill with the warm aroma of a culinary icon.
Creating your own batch of Toll House cookies is easy and rewarding. They’re perfect with a cold glass of milk or as part of a dessert spread. These homemade chocolate chip cookies will make everyone smile. So, start baking and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic toll house cookie recipe today!