The Toll House cookie Recipe is a beloved classic that has delighted generations with its chewy texture, crisp edges, and gooey chocolate chips. The original recipe, created by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s, has become synonymous with the perfect chocolate chip cookie. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, the method, some helpful tips, and answer a few commonly asked questions to help you bake the best Toll House cookies at home.
Ingredients for Toll House Cookies
To make the classic Toll House cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Toll House Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed or stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Toll House cookies with a glass of cold milk!
Tips for the Perfect Toll House Cookie
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy center.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Incorrectly measuring flour can lead to dense cookies. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate chips you use will affect the final flavor of your cookies. Opt for good-quality chocolate for the best taste.
Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate Toll House Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a double chocolate version. You can also use white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace 1/2 cup of the butter with 1/2 cup of peanut butter for a deliciously nutty variation.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of rolled oats for added texture and a hearty flavor.
- Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball before baking for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Questions (FAQs) ABOUT Toll House Cookies
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted Butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Use only 1/2 teaspoon of salt instead of a full teaspoon.
How Can I Make My Cookies Extra Chewy?
To make your Toll House cookies extra chewy, try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. The additional fat helps to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Can I Freeze Toll House Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough by scooping it into individual portions and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Chocolate Chips?
If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can chop up a chocolate bar into small pieces or use other types of chips, like butterscotch or white chocolate. Get creative!
Why Are My Cookies Flat?
If your cookies are turning out flat, it could be due to several reasons:
- Butter Too Soft: If your butter is too soft or melted, the cookies may spread too much during baking. Use butter that is softened but still cool to the touch.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to flat cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Sheet Too Warm: If you place cookie dough on a warm baking sheet, they will spread too quickly. Always use a cool baking sheet.
Can I Make Toll House Cookies Without Eggs?
Yes, you can make Toll House cookies without eggs by using an egg substitute. Common substitutes include 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dry Cookies: If your cookies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or adding too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and bake the cookies just until the edges are golden.
- Cookies Not Spreading: If your cookies aren’t spreading, your dough might be too cold, or you may have added too much flour. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking or double-check your flour measurements.
The Toll House cookie recipe is a timeless favorite that never fails to bring smiles to those who taste it. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!