Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for that perfect, nostalgic bite of cookie that’s both chewy and crunchy, sweet with bursts of chocolate happiness, you’re in for a treat. This Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is the ultimate classic that has warmed hearts and kitchens for generations. With its simple ingredients and foolproof method, these cookies come out golden, soft in the center, and loaded with melty chocolate chips that make every bite truly magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

As much as the magic lies in the baking, the secret to these cookies is in their straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a special role—from the rich butter that gives softness, to the blend of sugars that crafts the perfect texture and caramelized flavor, to the vanilla extract that ties it all together with a warm aroma.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the sturdy base and structure for the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies a light and tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: An extra lift to make sure the texture is just right.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances richness beautifully.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings creaminess and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds crispness and a touch of crunch to every bite.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Gives the cookie that caramel depth and chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Essential for binding and adding richness to the dough.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the chocolate.
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic, melty chocolate pieces that make these cookies iconic.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you like variety.

How to Make Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 375°F. Make sure to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly with a beautiful golden bottom.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps create cookies with a uniform texture and rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration is key to the cookie’s tender crumb and chewiness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, so that everything emulsifies perfectly. Stir in the aromatic vanilla extract to add that signature flavor depth that makes this Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so beloved.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mix, beating on low speed just until it comes together. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so a gentle hand is best.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

With a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and your choice of nuts if you’re including them. This step ensures every cookie is loaded with gooey chocolate and that lovely nutty crunch.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to portion out dough balls roughly 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. For that bakery charm, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges get that perfect golden-brown hue but the center still looks slightly underbaked. This is the sweet spot for a chewy center with crispy edges—pure cookie bliss.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This cooling time lets the cookies set up properly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely without breaking.

How to Serve Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are wonderful on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make them extra special for gatherings. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a fun twist to the classic.

Side Dishes

A glass of cold milk or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea pairs beautifully with these cookies. For an indulgent dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible cookie sundae.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking several cookies tied with a rustic ribbon for a simple gift idea, or sandwich a thick layer of peanut butter or Nutella between two cookies for a decadent treat. These little touches make this Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe shine beyond the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture so they stay fresh longer.

Freezing

You can freeze cookie dough balls by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen with an extra minute or two added to baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well, just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. They’ll regain that soft, fresh-baked warmth that makes this Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute the nuts if I have allergies?

Absolutely! You can simply leave out the nuts or use allergy-friendly alternatives like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. The cookies will taste just as delightful without nuts.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies flatten excessively, try chilling the dough before baking or reduce the butter slightly. Also, make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh to ensure proper rise and texture.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chips for dark, milk, white chocolate, or even chunks for a different flavor profile. Each variation adds a unique twist to the classic recipe.

How do I get chewy cookies instead of crispy?

For softer, chewier cookies, underbake them slightly and use more brown sugar than white sugar. Properly managing baking time and ingredient ratios is key for texture control.

Can this Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe be doubled?

Definitely. Just double all ingredients and scoop dough the same way, but keep an eye on baking time since oven temperatures can fluctuate with larger batches.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about making and sharing a classic like this Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s easy enough for beginners but so satisfying for seasoned bakers, delivering that perfect cookie each time. So go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy that warm, chocolatey goodness—your next favorite moment awaits!

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