Toll House Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy to Make!

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. It’s an instant comfort, a nostalgic reminder of childhood afternoons spent eagerly waiting by the oven. But did you know that the beloved Toll House cookies—the classic chocolate chip cookies we all love—were actually a happy accident?

This recipe isn’t just about following steps; it’s about recreating that warm, homey feeling with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this Toll House cookie recipe will deliver soft, chewy, and perfectly crisp cookies every time.

But before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, let’s take a quick journey back in time to uncover how these iconic cookies came to be.

The Story Behind Toll House Cookies

A Sweet Mistake That Changed Baking History

In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, was famous for her homemade desserts. One day, while making a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies, she ran out of baker’s chocolate. Thinking on her feet, she chopped up a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar, expecting it to melt into the dough.

To her surprise, the chocolate held its shape, creating gooey pockets of deliciousness throughout the cookie. The result? The first-ever chocolate chip cookie—and it quickly became a hit! Nestlé later struck a deal with Ruth, printing her recipe on their chocolate bar packaging in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.

And just like that, the Toll House cookie recipe became a household favorite, leading to the birth of the Nestlé Toll House brand we know today.

Ingredients for Perfect Toll House Cookies

Quality Ingredients Matter

For the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

The Star Ingredient:

• 2 cups (12 oz) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch
• A pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty balance

Why These Ingredients Work

• Brown sugar adds moisture for a chewier texture.
• Granulated sugar creates that crispy edge.
• Baking soda helps the cookies rise while keeping them soft.
• Butter gives them that irresistible buttery flavor.

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need.

Essential Baking Tools for This Recipe

Must-Have Kitchen Equipment

Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
• Electric mixer or whisk – To cream the butter and sugars properly.
• Baking sheets – Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop or spoon – For uniform cookie sizes.
• Cooling rack – Prevents cookies from becoming soggy.

Once your kitchen is set, it’s time for the fun part—making the dough!

Step-by-Step Toll House Cookies Recipe

Now that we have all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to bake the perfect batch of Toll House cookies! Follow these steps for soft, chewy, and golden-brown cookies that melt in your mouth.

1. Mixing the Dough

• 1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the cookies go in.
• 2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
• 3️⃣ In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy. (Using an electric mixer makes this process much easier, but a whisk works too!)
• 4️⃣ Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, making the cookies light and fluffy.
• 5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
• 6️⃣ Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). At this point, your dough should be thick, soft, and packed with chocolatey goodness!

2. Scooping and Shaping the Cookies

• 1️⃣ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
• 2️⃣ Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
• 3️⃣ For perfectly round cookies, roll the dough into small balls before placing them on the tray.

Pro Tip: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much, making them extra chewy!

3. Baking to Perfection

• 1️⃣ Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they will continue baking as they cool.
• 2️⃣ Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set properly while staying soft inside.

And there you have it—freshly baked Toll House cookies with gooey chocolate chips and a buttery, crisp edge!

Pro Tips for Soft and Chewy Cookies

Want to take your Toll House cookies from good to absolutely perfect? Follow these baking secrets to get soft, chewy, and evenly baked cookies every time.

• Use room temperature butter – If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugars. If it’s too melted, your cookies will spread too much. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
• Chill the dough – For even better texture, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and intensifies the flavor.
• Slightly underbake them – The cookies will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet even after they’re out of the oven. If they look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out, don’t worry—they’ll set perfectly as they cool.
• Use a mix of chocolate chips – Try combining semi-sweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips for a richer, more complex chocolate flavor.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet first – Before transferring them to a wire rack, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This helps them firm up without becoming too crisp.

How to Customize Your Toll House Cookies

Want to put your own twist on the classic Toll House recipe? Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try!

• Double Chocolate Cookies – Replace 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a nutty, creamy taste.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Substitute 1 cup of flour with rolled oats to add extra chewiness and fiber.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies – Drizzle melted caramel over the cookies after baking and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.
• Nutty Delight – Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to give the cookies a crunchy bite.
• Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced bakers sometimes run into problems when making cookies. Here’s how to troubleshoot common Toll House cookie mistakes:

• Cookies spreading too much? – Your butter might be too warm. Try chilling the dough before baking. Also, check that you’re using the right amount of flour—too little can cause spreading.
• Cookies too hard or dry? – You may have overbaked them. Remove them as soon as the edges turn golden and let them finish baking on the tray.
• Cookies too cakey? – Too much flour or overbeating the eggs can make cookies puff up instead of spreading. Mix gently and measure ingredients accurately.
• Chocolate chips sinking to the bottom? – Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour before mixing them into the dough. This prevents them from sinking while baking.
• Cookies taste bland? – Make sure you’re using real vanilla extract instead of artificial flavoring, and don’t skip the salt—it enhances the sweetness!

How to Store and Freeze Toll House Cookies

Baked a big batch and want to keep your cookies fresh for longer? Here’s how to store and freeze Toll House cookies the right way.

Storing at Room Temperature

• Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, preventing them from drying out.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Want to enjoy fresh cookies later? Freezing is the best way to preserve flavor and texture.

• 1️⃣ Let the cookies cool completely after baking.
• 2️⃣ Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes (this prevents them from sticking together).
• 3️⃣ Transfer the frozen cookies to a ziplock bag or airtight container.
• 4️⃣ Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• 5️⃣ To eat, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to get that fresh-from-the-oven warmth!

Freezing Cookie Dough

Prefer baking fresh cookies on demand? Freeze the dough!

• 1️⃣ Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
• 2️⃣ Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag.
• 3️⃣ Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• 4️⃣ When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Curious about the calories and nutrition in each Toll House cookie? Here’s a general breakdown based on a standard recipe (36 cookies per batch):

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and add-ins like nuts or extra chocolate.

Pairing Suggestions: The Best Drinks for Toll House Cookies

Want to take your cookie experience to the next level? Pair them with these delicious drinks:

• Classic Choice: A cold glass of milk—the ultimate cookie companion!
• For Coffee Lovers: Enjoy with hot coffee, cappuccino, or a vanilla latte.
• Cozy Comfort: Dunk your cookies in hot chocolate for an extra chocolaty treat.
• Refreshing Twist: Try pairing with iced caramel coffee or a vanilla milkshake.
• Adult Upgrade: Serve warm Toll House cookies with a sweet dessert wine like Port or a creamy Baileys Irish Cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate Toll House cookie recipe that’s guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen. Whether you like them crispy, chewy, extra chocolatey, or with a fun twist, this recipe is easy, foolproof, and absolutely delicious.

Baking these cookies isn’t just about making dessert—it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re baking with kids, surprising a loved one, or just treating yourself, homemade Toll House cookies are always a great idea.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and start baking!

Happy baking!