The Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie is a cherished classic that has been warming hearts and filling bellies with gooey, chocolatey goodness for decades. As a staple of American baking culture, these cookies are perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or as a homemade gift for loved ones. Crafting these delicious treats not only leaves your kitchen smelling divine, but it also provides an exceptional bonding opportunity for family and friends. The Nestle Toll House recipe includes simple ingredients, foolproof directions, and impressive results – making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels. Join us as we embark on a journey to create the quintessential chocolate chip cookie, learn about its origins, and discover interesting tidbits along the way.
Ingredients
The ingredients in the Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie are easy to find and likely already in your pantry. You will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, 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 Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preparation Steps
Creating the perfect Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie is a simple, satisfying experience. Follow these steps for scrumptious success:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown and just set in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
History and Curiosities
The humble beginnings of the Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie can be traced back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield, the co-owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, decided to add chopped pieces of a Nestle semi-sweet chocolate bar to her cookie dough. To her surprise – and the delight of her guests – the chocolate did not fully melt into the dough, resulting in the first-ever chocolate chip cookie.
Due to the cookie’s immense popularity, Nestle struck a deal with Ruth Wakefield, which granted her a lifetime supply of chocolate in exchange for the rights to print her recipe on their packaging. From that moment on, the Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie became a beloved staple in households across America. As time went on, the recipe has seen various adaptations – from using different types of chocolate and nuts to accommodating dietary restrictions – the Nestle Toll House recipe remains tried, true, and timeless.
Fun fact: the words “Toll House” are a reference to the inn’s history as a toll collection site where passengers would pay a fee, enjoy a homemade meal, and rest before resuming their journey. Just like the cookies that carry their name, the Toll House Inn was a symbol of warmth, comfort, and delicious home-cooked fare. In a way, every time you bake a batch of these delicious cookies, you are participating in a tradition that dates back nearly a century, creating a little piece of history right in your own kitchen.
