Toll House Cookie Recipe: The Toll House cookie is one of the most iconic and beloved cookies in the world. This chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts and has since become a household favorite. Known for its perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and gooey chocolate, this cookie is a true classic.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making the perfect batch of Toll House cookies right in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Toll House Cookies
- Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Large eggs (2)
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups)
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
- Optional: Chopped nuts (1 cup, like walnuts or pecans)
Each of these ingredients has a role to play in creating the rich, balanced flavor that makes Toll House cookies so iconic. For the best results, use high-quality chocolate chips, fresh eggs, and real butter for maximum flavor and texture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Cooling rack
These tools will help streamline the process, making it easy to mix, shape, and bake your cookies to perfection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Toll House Cookie
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace
Start by creating a clean and organized workspace. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready once your dough is portioned. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or give them a light coat of non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Clear any clutter from your workspace to make the mixing and portioning process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid lumps, resulting in a smooth, even dough. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly, as this ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed, which leads to an even rise and flavor in each cookie.
Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream the butter and sugars together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies the right balance of crisp edges and chewy centers. Creaming should take about 2–3 minutes to achieve the desired texture.
Step 4: Adding the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Crack the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract, which enhances the flavor of the dough. Continue mixing until the eggs and vanilla are fully incorporated, creating a smooth, cohesive dough.
Step 5: Gradually Adding the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, mixing on low speed after each addition. Adding the flour gradually prevents over-mixing, which can make cookies tough rather than tender. Mix just until the flour is fully incorporated, stopping as soon as you no longer see white streaks of flour in the dough.
Step 6: Folding in the Chocolate Chips
Once the dough is well-mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough, being careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing at this stage can cause the cookies to be too dense. If you’d like, add a cup of chopped nuts here for added texture and flavor.
Step 7: Portioning the Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Each scoop should be around one tablespoon in size, spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching, creating perfectly round cookies.
Step 8: Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. For a chewy cookie, remove them just as the centers appear slightly underdone. If you prefer a crispier cookie, leave them in for an extra minute or two. Remember that cookies continue to bake on the sheet after they’re removed from the oven.
Step 9: Cooling and Setting the Cookies
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from becoming too soft and helps the cookies retain their shape and texture. Allow the cookies to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying them, as this lets the chocolate chips set slightly.
Step 10: Storing Your Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing either the baked cookies or the dough. If freezing the dough, portion it into balls first, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Tips for Perfect Toll House Cookies Every Time
- Avoid Over-mixing: This is key to a tender cookie.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and even texture.
- Bake on Middle Rack: This helps cookies bake evenly without browning too quickly.
Customizing Your Toll House Cookies
Feel free to get creative! Try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist, or mix in a handful of coconut flakes for extra texture.
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
For those seeking a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour or replace some of the butter with applesauce. You can also try reducing the sugar slightly for a less sweet treat.
Serving Suggestions for Toll House Cookies
Toll House cookies pair beautifully with a glass of milk or hot coffee. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra decadent dessert.
FAQs about Toll House Cookie Recipe
1. What makes Toll House cookies unique?
Toll House cookies are celebrated for their rich, chewy texture and perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors. The classic recipe includes semi-sweet chocolate chips, which give the cookies a signature taste and texture loved by all ages.
2. Can I use different types of chocolate in Toll House cookies?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, you can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. Some bakers also enjoy adding chopped nuts or caramel bits for extra flavor.
3. How can I make Toll House cookies softer or chewier?
To create softer, chewier cookies, try slightly underbaking them, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough. Another trick is to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to enhance the chewiness.
4. How should I store Toll House cookies to keep them fresh?
Store baked Toll House cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper.
5. Can I freeze Toll House cookie dough?
Yes, Toll House cookie dough freezes well! Simply scoop the dough into portions, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Toll House cookies are a timeless treat that’s easy to make and loved by all ages. This step-by-step guide ensures that you’ll bake a batch that’s golden, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness. Don’t be afraid to customize and make them your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy a Toll House cookie.
References
To support the accuracy of the Toll House Cookie Recipe and provide readers with additional resources, here are some reputable sources for further reading and recipe inspiration. These links can guide you to expert tips and variations, ensuring you achieve the best cookie results every time.
- AllRecipes – Discover user-tested variations and read reviews to help refine your cookie-making skills. AllRecipes Toll House Cookies.
- Nestle Toll House Official Site – Find the original recipe and expert baking tips straight from the inventors of the Toll House Cookie. Nestle Toll House.
- Food Network – Browse a variety of recipe adaptations and get insights from professional chefs on how to tweak the classic Toll House Cookie recipe to your taste. Food Network Toll House Cookies.
Using these references will not only enrich your understanding but also allow you to try different versions to make your perfect Toll House Cookie.
