Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe

Few things evoke childhood memories and the comforting feeling of home like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Among the myriad of cookie recipes out there, one stands out as a quintessential classic: the Nestlé Toll House Cookie. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing joy to cookie lovers everywhere. Let’s dive into the history and steps to create these iconic cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

A Brief History

The Nestlé Toll House Cookie recipe dates back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, created the original chocolate chip cookie. The story goes that she intended to make a batch of chocolate cookies but ran out of baker’s chocolate. In a pinch, she substituted it with broken pieces of a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar, expecting the pieces to melt and disperse through the dough. Instead, the chocolate retained its shape, creating delightful pockets of melted goodness in every bite.

This accidental invention quickly gained popularity. In 1939, Ruth Wakefield reached an agreement with Nestlé: her recipe would be printed on the chocolate bar’s packaging, and in return, she received a lifetime supply of chocolate. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the Nestlé Toll House Cookie remains a staple in kitchens around the world.

The Recipe

Here’s the classic Nestlé Toll House Cookie recipe that has stood the test of time. It’s simple, straightforward, and yields the most delicious, chewy, and perfectly sweet cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Blend in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the chocolate morsels and nuts if desired.
5. Scoop the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Enjoy: Serve with a glass of cold milk and enjoy the nostalgic taste of these timeless cookies.

Tips for the Perfect Cookie

• Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps create the ideal texture for your cookies.
• Even Mixing: Beat the sugars and butter until fully combined and creamy to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
• Avoid Overbaking: For chewy cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly undercooked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Customization: Feel free to add your own twist to the classic recipe. Try adding a dash of cinnamon, a handful of oats, or substituting the semi-sweet chocolate with dark or white chocolate chips.

Conclusion

The Nestlé Toll House Cookie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history that continues to bring happiness to countless families. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing a treat for a special occasion, or simply indulging in a moment of nostalgia, these cookies are sure to delight. So, next time you’re in the mood for baking, give this classic recipe a try and experience the timeless magic of Nestlé Toll House Cookies.

Happy baking!