The Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is an all-time classic favorite among cookie enthusiasts. Not only are these cookies mouthwateringly delicious, but they also have a fascinating history that dates back to the 1930s. In this article, you will learn how to create these incredible cookies step by step, and we will dive into the captivating story behind them and their cultural significance. So, let’s get started on this scrumptious journey!
Ingredients for the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make the perfect batch of Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Step by Step Recipe for the Perfect Batch
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating the perfect batch of Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. Remember, precision and timing are key factors in achieving the best results.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cookie removal and cleanup.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 3: In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, light-brown sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take approximately 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add vanilla extract and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one by one. Mix well after each addition.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, and stir until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread during baking.
Step 8: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should be slightly soft to the touch.
Step 9: Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies!
The History and Curiosities of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
The story of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie began in 1938 when Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, decided to create a new type of cookie for her guests. She chopped up a Nestlé chocolate bar and added the pieces to her cookie dough, expecting the chocolate to melt and create a chocolate-flavored cookie. To her surprise, the chocolate pieces held their shape and her new creation became a sensation.
Word of these delicious cookies spread, and soon people from all over were coming to try Ruth’s incredible invention. As a result of this cookie’s popularity, Nestlé started producing chocolate morsels, which led to the creation of the iconic chocolate chips we know and love today.
Ruth Wakefield’s original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe was first published in her 1938 cookbook, “Toll House Tried and True Recipes,” and its popularity hasn’t waned since then. In fact, it remains the most iconic and beloved chocolate chip cookie recipe to this day.
These cookies are deeply ingrained in American culture and have grown to be a favorite treat at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and casual get-togethers. The versatility of this cookie – from the choice of ingredients to the flexibility of the baking process – has made it a timeless favorite, earning a special place in the hearts of cookie lovers around the world.
