When you think of classic American desserts, the Toll House cookie likely comes to mind, thanks to its rich, buttery flavor and gooey chocolate morsels. Originating from the 1930s, this recipe stands out not just for its simplicity but also for its potential to adapt to your personal taste. You might wonder what makes this cookie so universally loved and why it even earned the title of Massachusetts' official state cookie. Exploring the history and the variations could reveal some surprising insights that might change the way you bake.
Key Takeaways
- The classic Toll House cookie recipe features essential ingredients like flour, butter, sugars, eggs, and NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Dark Chocolate Morsels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking results.
- Cream together the butter and sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla before adding dry ingredients.
- Bake cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are golden brown; allow them to cool for 2 minutes on the sheet.
- Customize your cookies by adding nuts, using different types of chocolate, or incorporating spices for unique flavors.
History
The Toll House cookie, which you might know as the classic chocolate chip cookie, has an interesting history that dates back to the 1930s.
Created by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, this cookie's original recipe was published in a Boston newspaper in 1938. That publication led to a surge in popularity for chocolate chip cookies across the nation.
Nestlé saw its potential, acquiring the rights and featuring the recipe on their chocolate chip packaging, which further solidified its status.
Over time, this beloved cookie became a staple dessert in American households.
In 1997, Massachusetts recognized the Toll House cookie as the official state cookie, celebrating its cultural significance and enduring legacy.
Recipe
Toll House Cookie Recipe
Toll House cookies are a classic American treat that has delighted generations. Originating from Ruth Wakefield's Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, these cookies are known for their rich buttery flavor and gooey chocolate morsels. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, they're ideal for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a simple snack.
The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with different types of chocolate or nuts according to your preference. Making Toll House cookies is straightforward and requires minimal preparation time. The key to achieving that perfect chewy texture is to not overmix the dough and to pay attention to the baking time.
With just a few simple steps, you can have warm, freshly baked cookies ready to enjoy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to please everyone!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 2/3 cups NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Dark Chocolate Morsels
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
To prepare the cookies, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the chocolate morsels and nuts if using. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. For cookie bars, spread the dough evenly in a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
When baking Toll House cookies, it's important to keep an eye on the time, as baking too long can result in a crunchy texture instead of the desired chewy finish. If you prefer softer cookies, consider slightly underbaking them and letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
For additional flavor, you can experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Enjoy your homemade treats!
Cooking Steps
Let's get started on those delicious Toll House cookies!
First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 375°F, so it's ready when your dough is mixed.
Then, you'll mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before gradually adding the dry ones for that perfect cookie batter.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 375°F
Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is crucial for achieving perfectly baked Toll House cookies. This optimal baking temperature ensures your chocolate chip cookies turn out golden brown and chewy.
Allow the oven to fully preheat for about 10-15 minutes, using an oven thermometer to check for accuracy, as some ovens can be off. For even baking, prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
Once your cookies are in the oven, remember to rotate the sheets halfway through the baking time. This simple step promotes even browning, ensuring every cookie bakes to perfection.
Follow these tips, and you'll enjoy delicious, homemade Toll House cookies every time!
Step 2. Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly
As you prepare your cookie dough, mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly is essential for achieving that perfect texture.
Start by creaming the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and light, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer.
Next, add one large egg at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mix. This ensures a uniform texture.
Don't forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix it in thoroughly with the wet ingredients.
Your goal is to achieve a creamy and homogeneous consistency, which is crucial for the final cookies' flavor and moisture distribution.
Step 3. Add Dry Ingredients Gradually
With the wet ingredients thoroughly mixed, you can now focus on adding the dry ingredients gradually.
Start by mixing the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution. Then, incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients slowly, about one cup at a time. This method prevents overmixing, which is key for achieving a tender cookie texture.
As you add the dry ingredients, be sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to combine all components fully. This gradual process allows you to control the dough's thickness, ensuring your cookies spread properly during baking.
Step 4. Fold in Chocolate Morsels
Once your cookie dough reaches a soft consistency, it's time to fold in the chocolate morsels.
Gently add 2 cups of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels to your cookie dough, making sure they're evenly distributed.
If you're using chopped nuts, now's the moment to incorporate 1 cup of them, but don't forget to add an extra 2 tablespoons of flour to maintain the dough's balance.
Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the chocolate morsels; this step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies.
Once everything's combined, you'll be ready to scoop the dough onto baking sheets, setting the stage for delicious Toll House cookies!
Step 5. Scoop Dough Onto Baking Sheet
Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet using a rounded tablespoon for uniformity.
Make sure to space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. This allows them to spread perfectly as they bake.
For optimal results, line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
If you're adding optional chopped nuts, consider including an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough to keep the texture just right.
Before you place the baking sheet in the oven, preheat it to 375°F. This step is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown finish on your cookies, loaded with delicious chocolate chips and nuts.
Enjoy your baking!
Final Thoughts
While baking can sometimes feel daunting, the Toll House cookie recipe proves that simplicity and deliciousness can go hand in hand.
With its perfect blend of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter, you'll create cookies that aren't only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while semi-sweet chocolate morsels melt into golden brown perfection.
Bake them on your baking sheets at 375°F for 9 to 11 minutes, and you'll have a batch ready for sharing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days, or freeze them for future cravings.
Whether you stick to the classic or try variations, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
In the vast and diverse world of coffee, coffee alternatives, and tea, Olivia has found her calling. As an author and a dedicated coffee and tea aficionado, her work for Cappuccino Oracle reflects her profound love and understanding of the intricate complexities found within these beverages. Olivia’s passion for the subject serves as both a catalyst for her creativity and a connection point with her audience.
