If you’re looking for a sweet treat that has stood the test of time, look no further than the Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe. This iconic recipe has made homes across the USA smell like warm chocolate and butter for generations. But what makes these cookies so special? The combination of simple ingredients and the perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies will hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll explore the Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe, including step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, and some fun variations. Are you ready to bake?
Table of Contents
Jump to recipe
- Ingredients
- Prep Time, Cook Time, and Serving Size
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for Baking the Perfect Cookies
- Fun Variations on the Classic Recipe
- Storing Your Cookies: Keeping Them Fresh
- Nutritional Information
- FAQs About the Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Nestle Toll House Cookies
To whip up these delicious cookies, you’ll need some simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12 oz) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but highly recommended for an extra crunch!)
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Serving Size
Serving Size: Makes about 60 cookies (5 dozen)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 to 11 minutes per batch
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect Nestle Toll House Cookies every time:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A well-preheated oven is key to even baking and that signature golden-brown cookie.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until well-mixed, then set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This process creates a light and airy texture for the dough.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to blend the ingredients.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Morsels and Nuts
Gently fold in the Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. For softer cookies, remove them when the centers are still slightly underbaked.
Step 9: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, use softened butter. If your butter is too cold, your cookies may not spread properly.
- Don’t Overbake: It’s tempting to leave the cookies in longer, but for chewy centers, remove them when they’re still a little soft in the middle.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control how much the cookies spread.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh baking soda and flour ensures the cookies rise properly and taste their best.
Fun Variations on the Classic Recipe
While the traditional Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe is unbeatable, there’s always room for a little creativity. Try some of these fun variations:
1. Double Chocolate Delight:
Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture and use Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate Morsels for a double-chocolate experience!
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip:
Swap 1/4 cup of butter for creamy peanut butter to create a rich, nutty version of these classic cookies.
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip:
For a heartier cookie, add 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to the dough. The oatmeal adds a chewy texture that complements the chocolate chips.
4. Holiday Twist:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to your dough for a festive, seasonal twist.
Storing Your Cookies: Keeping Them Fresh
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft.
How Long Do They Last?
- Room Temperature: Up to 1 week.
- Refrigerated: Up to 2 weeks.
Can You Freeze the Dough? Absolutely!
Freezing cookie dough is a great way to have fresh-baked cookies on hand whenever the craving hits. Here’s how:
- Scoop the Dough: Follow the recipe until the dough is ready. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze: Freeze the dough balls on the sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Bake: When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Frozen cookie dough can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (without nuts):
- Calories: 108
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the size of your cookies and any variations you try.
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FAQs About the Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe
1. Can I substitute butter with margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Butter gives a richer taste and helps the cookies spread more.
2. Why did my cookies come out flat?
Cookies may turn out flat if your butter was too soft or melted, or if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Try chilling the dough to prevent spreading.
3. How can I make my cookies chewier?
For extra chewy cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or replacing some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. Underbaking them slightly also helps keep them chewy.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Nestle Toll House Cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free, like the chocolate chips.
5. How do I store leftover cookie dough?
You can store leftover dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months as described in the freezing section.
Conclusion
There’s a reason why the Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe is a household favorite—it’s easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. With the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, sweet, and rich flavors, these cookies are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re following the classic recipe or experimenting with fun variations, your cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!