Nestle Toll House cookie recipe has been a household favorite for decades. Known for its perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures, this cookie recipe is loved by people of all ages. Its origins trace back to 1939, when Ruth Wakefield, the creator of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, first developed the recipe. This iconic recipe calls for simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate chips, but the result is far from basic. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, it’s no wonder that Nestle Toll House cookies remain a staple in kitchens across the world. Whether for a family treat or a party snack, these cookies have stood the test of time.
Ingredients
To make the famous Nestle Toll House cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Possible Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For lower sugar, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or Erythritol.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed and set aside. -
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). -
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. -
Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. -
Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. -
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center. -
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies.
- Not letting the dough cool slightly before baking can cause the cookies to spread too much.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures that they blend together more evenly and create a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: The cookies will continue to cook as they cool, so it’s important to take them out of the oven while they still look slightly underdone.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg).
- Add-Ins: Experiment with adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate chips for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Milk: The classic pairing for Nestle Toll House cookies is a tall glass of cold milk.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: These cookies are perfect for making ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor and create a fun treat!
- Coffee or Tea: For a cozy, afternoon snack, enjoy the cookies with a cup of coffee or tea.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per cookie (based on the standard recipe):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer!
2. How do I store the cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
3. Why are my cookies too flat?
This might be due to warm dough or overly soft butter. Make sure to chill your dough if it’s too soft.
Closing Thoughts
Nestle Toll House cookie recipe is a timeless classic that never disappoints. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit! Don’t hesitate to try some variations or add your own unique spin. We’d love to hear how your batch turned out, or if you have any questions. Happy baking!
