Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie filled with melting chocolate chips—pure bliss, right? If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Toll House cookie recipe that brings comfort and joy with every bite, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s embark on a delightful baking journey to create these classic cookies that have been cherished for generations.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Toll House cookie recipe is more than just a set of instructions—it’s a ticket to homemade comfort and happiness. You’ll adore how the cookies have perfectly crisp edges while the centers stay soft and chewy, packed with luscious chocolate chips. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or anytime you crave a sweet treat. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while baking these cookies is simply irresistible.

A stack of warm Toll House cookies with gooey chocolate chips on a rustic plate.

Ingredient Overview

The secret to this Nestle Toll House cookie recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Using real butter adds a rich flavor that margarine just can’t match. Brown sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also adds a hint of molasses that deepens the taste. Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses as a substitute. Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.

Special Tips for This Recipe

To create the ultimate Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe, make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. This ensures it creams smoothly with the sugars for a better texture. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much. Mixing different types of chocolate chips, like semi-sweet and dark chocolate, can enhance the flavor. And here’s a little secret: sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt on top before baking amplifies the sweetness of the chocolate.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together and set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Creaming butter and sugars in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after you add each one to ensure they’re fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you’re using them.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.

Step 8: Scoop the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 2g
Sugars: 15g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 120mg

Tips for Success

Measure Ingredients Carefully: Accurate measurements ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies after 9 minutes to prevent them from overbaking and becoming too crisp.

How to Store

Refrigerator

Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh.

Freezer

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Put them in freezer-safe bags, and they’ll keep well for up to three months.

To Reheat

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Substitutions and Variations

Make It Nut-Free

If you have a nut allergy or prefer your cookies without nuts, simply omit them from the recipe. You can add extra chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.

Experiment with Flavors

Try Different Chocolate Chips: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or butterscotch chips for a new flavor twist.
Add Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity addition.

Toll House cookies with white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from being too salty.

Q: Why did my cookies turn out flat?

A: If your cookies spread too much and become flat, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 72 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got the ultimate Toll House cookies recipe in your hands, ready to bring joy to anyone who tastes them. These cookies are the perfect blend of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers filled with delicious chocolate chips. So grab your apron and start baking—you won’t regret it! We can’t wait to hear how your cookies turn out, so feel free to share your baking adventures with us.