Toll House Cookie Recipe

The Best Chocolate Chips for Toll House Cookies

Selecting the right chocolate chips is essential for achieving authentic Toll House cookies. Here are the best options:

Traditional Chips

NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic and most authentic choice, offering a perfect balance between sweetness and cocoa flavor.

Recommended Combinations

For a richer flavor experience, you can use:

2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips as a base to achieve the traditional flavor of the original cookies.
A mixture of semi-sweet chips and chopped dark chocolate to create a more intense and sophisticated depth of flavor.
A combination of three different chocolates to obtain a more complex and satisfying taste experience.

Ideal Amount

The improved recipe suggests using 3 cups of chocolate chips (one cup more than the original recipe) to achieve a more generous distribution in each cookie.

Quality Tips

Use high-quality chocolate chips that contain real cocoa butter.
The chips should be the right size so they don't completely melt during baking.
If you can't find Toll House chips, you can chop good quality chocolate into small pieces.

Tips for Correctly Measuring Ingredients and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Precision in measuring ingredients is essential for the success of your cookies. Here are the most important tips:

Required Tools

Measuring cups for dry ingredients that allow precise and consistent measurement of flours and sugars.
Liquid measuring cups (transparent) with clear markings for exact volume readings.
Measuring spoons specifically designed for small quantities like yeast and spices.
Digital scale (optional but recommended) for exact measurements in grams.
Spatula or straight knife for leveling that ensures uniform and precise measurements.

For Dry Ingredients

Fluff the flour with a fork before measuring to avoid compaction and inaccurate measurements.
Use a spoon to transfer flour to the measuring cup, ensuring a more precise and controlled measurement.
Level with a straight knife without compacting to maintain consistency in each measurement.
Never use the measuring cup to scoop directly from the flour package, as this compacts the ingredient.

For Sugar

Granulated sugar: Can be measured directly with the measuring cup, ensuring a level surface for precision.
Brown sugar: Must be firmly packed into the measuring cup to eliminate air spaces and obtain the correct measurement.
Always level with a straight knife to maintain consistency in all your measurements.

For Liquids

Place the measuring cup on a flat surface to ensure accurate measurement and avoid errors.
Measure at eye level for greater precision, ensuring the exact amount required.
Don't tilt the cup while measuring as this can significantly alter the measurement.
For sticky ingredients like honey, spray the cup with oil before measuring for easy removal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't measure over the mixing bowl to avoid accidental excess that could ruin the recipe.
Don't shake dry ingredients in the measuring cup as this can result in inaccurate measurements.
Don't assume all measuring cups are accurate, verify their measurements before first use.
Don't interchange liquid cups with dry cups as they're designed for different types of measurement.

Why Dough Resting Time is Important

The resting time for Toll House cookie dough is a fundamental step that directly affects the quality of the final result. Here's why it's so important:

Texture Benefits

The flour uniformly absorbs moisture from the liquid ingredients, making the dough firmer and more manageable.
During resting, the dough loses free moisture, resulting in a drier and more concentrated consistency.
The process allows ingredients to fully integrate, improving the final cookie structure.

Flavor Improvements

The resting time dramatically intensifies the cookie flavor.
Ingredients have time to blend and develop more complex and intense flavors.
The longer the dough rests, the better the final product's flavor will be.

Recommended Time

The minimum recommended time is 12 hours in refrigeration.
Ruth Wakefield's original recipe indicated that the dough should rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Some experts suggest that resting can be extended up to 24-48 hours for best results.

Technical Aspects

Refrigeration allows the fat to solidify, modifying the dough's rheology.
The cold helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.
The ideal refrigeration temperature should be between 2-4°C (35-39°F) for best results.

How to Get Perfect Crispy Edges and Soft Centers

Achieving the perfect texture in Toll House cookies requires attention to several key factors:

Oven Temperature

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) with top and bottom heat, without fan.
The correct temperature allows the edges to brown while the center remains soft.
A separate oven thermometer helps ensure the exact temperature.

Baking Time

Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges start to brown but the center remains soft.
Remove the cookies when the center still appears slightly raw, as they will continue cooking with residual heat.
The exact time will depend on the cookie size and dough temperature.

Key Techniques

Use an ice cream scoop to form uniform balls that ensure even baking.
Leave at least 2-3 inches between each cookie to allow proper spreading.
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven for uniform cooking.

Proper Cooling

Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven.
Carefully transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
This process allows the texture to stabilize, maintaining the contrast between the edge and center.

Required Ingredients

To prepare authentic Toll House cookies, you'll need these carefully selected ingredients that have been part of the traditional recipe since 1938.

Chocolate chips: 2 cups - Use a mixture of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® semi-sweet chips and chopped dark chocolate for perfect flavor depth.
All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups - Provides the basic structure and gives consistency to the cookies.
Unsalted butter: 1 cup - Adds flavor, moisture, and helps create crispy edges.
Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup - Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
Brown sugar: 3/4 cup - Adds moisture and a characteristic caramelized flavor.
Large eggs: 2 units - Act as a binder and provide structure.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon - Enhances flavors and adds aroma.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon - Helps with leavening and texture.
Salt: 1 teaspoon - Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.

How to Make Toll House Cookies Step by Step

The key to perfect Toll House cookies lies in following each step with precision and patience. This traditional recipe will guarantee the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft center.

Step 1: Initial Preparation

Sift the flour (2 1/4 cups) using a fine strainer over a bowl, this will remove any lumps and ensure a more uniform texture in the cookies.
Leave the butter (1 cup) and eggs at room temperature for 30 minutes, this will allow them to incorporate better with the rest of the ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the sifted flour with baking soda (1 teaspoon) and salt (1 teaspoon).
Mix gently with a whisk to ensure dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Set aside this mixture while preparing the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter until soft and creamy.
Gradually add granulated sugar (3/4 cup) and brown sugar (3/4 cup), beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Incorporate vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) and beat until completely integrated.

Step 4: Adding Eggs

Add eggs (2 units) one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula to incorporate all the mixture.
The dough should look smooth and homogeneous before continuing.

Step 5: Combining Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, beating at low speed.
Add chocolate chips (2 cups of semi-sweet and dark chocolate mixture).
Mix gently with a spatula until the chips are well distributed.

Step 6: Dough Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring it's in direct contact with the dough.
Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, ideally 24 hours to better develop flavors.
The dough should be firm and cold to the touch before baking.

Step 7: Shaping and Baking

Form uniform dough balls using an ice cream scoop to ensure cookies of the same size.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2-3 inches of space between each one.
Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges are golden but the center still looks soft.

Step 8: Cooling and Storage

Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven.
Carefully transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
Once cool, store them in an airtight container to maintain their perfect texture.

Following these detailed steps and respecting the resting and baking times, you'll get perfectly balanced Toll House cookies, with that characteristic crispy edge and soft center that makes them irresistible.

Ideas for Serving Toll House Cookies

Toll House cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are the best options to enhance their flavor:

Hot Beverages

A glass of cold or hot milk that enhances the chocolate flavor and softens the texture, creating a comforting experience.
Freshly brewed black coffee that complements the sweet notes of the cookies and enhances the chocolate flavors.
Hot chocolate that intensifies the chocolate experience and creates a perfectly indulgent combination.

Ice Cream and Creams

Vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich that combines temperatures and textures.
A scoop of chocolate ice cream with crumbled cookies on top that adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Fresh whipped cream as a light accompaniment that balances the richness of the cookies.

Spreads

Peanut butter to add a salty touch that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the cookies.
Nutella to double the chocolate flavor and create a more intense and satisfying experience.
Dulce de leche for a more indulgent experience that adds caramel notes.

Fruits

Fresh strawberries that provide acidity and freshness, creating a perfect contrast with the chocolate.
Sliced bananas to create mini sandwiches that add creaminess and natural sweetness.
Raspberries that contrast with the sweetness of the cookies and add a touch of sophisticated acidity.

Special Presentations

As a base for cheesecakes, adding a crunchy and chocolatey dimension to the dessert.
Crushed over plain yogurt to create a balanced combination between sweet and tart.
In parfaits alternating with layers of cream and fruit for an elegant and delicious presentation.

How to Properly Store Cookies to Keep Them Fresh

To keep Toll House cookies in optimal condition, follow these essential tips:

Proper Cooling

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing to ensure no residual moisture remains.
Never store cookies while they're still warm, as trapped moisture will affect their texture and can create condensation.
Cooling should be done at room temperature on a wire rack to allow air circulation and complete moisture evaporation.

Correct Container

Use airtight glass containers or traditional metal cookie tins that maintain a controlled environment and prevent air entry.
Place parchment paper or paper towels between each layer of cookies to prevent sticking and maintain their original shape.
Add a small bag of rice or a piece of white bread to the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain perfect texture.

Temperature and Environment

Store cookies in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent chocolate from melting or cookies from softening.
The ideal storage temperature is between 64-75°F (18-24°C) to maintain the crispy outside and soft inside texture.
Avoid humid places or areas with sudden temperature changes that can affect cookie consistency.

Storage Time

At room temperature: stay fresh for 1-2 weeks if properly stored in an airtight container.
In the freezer: last up to 3-4 months if well-packed and protected against freezer burn.
For freezing: wrap cookies individually and store them in an airtight container to maintain flavor and texture.

Additional Tips

Don't mix soft and crispy cookies in the same container as moisture can transfer between them.
Rotate cookies occasionally to maintain uniform freshness and prevent bottom ones from softening.
If they become soft, you can revive them by heating them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their original texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do my Toll House cookies turn out flat?

A: Cookies can become flat due to using butter that's too soft or melted, over-mixing the dough, or not chilling the dough before baking. To prevent this, use room temperature butter, don't overmix, and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Q: How long do Toll House cookies last?

A: At room temperature, they stay fresh for 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. In the freezer, they can last up to 3-4 months if properly packed. Raw dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I achieve cookies that are soft inside and crispy outside?

A: Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes until the edges are slightly golden but the center still looks soft. Let them rest on the hot baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Q: Can I substitute butter with another ingredient?

A: You can use margarine (cookies will be flatter and softer), shortening (more fluffy but lacks butter flavor), or coconut oil. If using margarine, use it cold directly from the refrigerator and avoid light versions.