Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of classic homemade cookies. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and studded with delicious pockets of melty chocolate, these cookies are a timeless treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Originally created by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s, this iconic recipe has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved favorite in homes across the world. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats.

The magic behind Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates a rich, flavorful dough, while the chocolate chips provide the perfect amount of sweetness and texture. The simple, easy-to-follow recipe makes them ideal for bakers of all levels, from beginners to experts. Whether you’re making a batch to enjoy with your family or sharing them with friends, these cookies will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Flavor

These cookies have a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, making them a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few basic ingredients, these cookies are simple to prepare, making them perfect for beginner bakers or experienced ones looking for a reliable recipe.

3. Chewy and Crispy Texture

The combination of chewy dough and crispy edges creates the perfect texture that everyone loves in a chocolate chip cookie.

4. Perfectly Balanced Chocolate

The semi-sweet chocolate chips are the ideal size for melting just right, providing pockets of rich, gooey chocolate in every bite.

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the number of chocolate chips or add in other ingredients, like nuts or dried fruit, to make them your own.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

Add Nuts: For a crunchy twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough before baking.
Dark Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a richer flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Chip Cookies: Add peanut butter chips for a delicious nutty flavor alongside the chocolate.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Mix in some old-fashioned oats for a hearty, chewy texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized amounts of cookie dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overcooked quickly.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Check the Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to avoid overbaking.
Add More Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey experience, don’t be afraid to add more chocolate chips to the dough.

How to Serve

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are best served warm and fresh from the oven when the chocolate is still gooey and melty. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. These cookies are perfect for a casual treat or as part of a dessert spread at a party or gathering. You can also serve them alongside ice cream for a decadent ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious if stored properly.

Freezing

You can freeze either the cookie dough or the baked cookies for later use. To freeze cookie dough, scoop dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To reheat baked cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s best to use butter for the classic taste and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

2. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with more brown sugar for a chewier texture and deeper flavor, though the cookies may spread more.

3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure that your baking sheet is not too warm when placing the dough on it.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour.

5. How do I make these cookies softer?

For softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and remove the cookies from the oven when they’re still slightly undercooked in the center.

6. Can I use mini chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips can be used if you prefer a more evenly distributed chocolate-to-dough ratio.

7. Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by over-softening the butter or overmixing the dough. Make sure to mix gently and use butter at room temperature, not melted.

8. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, you can easily add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. Stir them into the dough along with the chocolate chips.

9. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a combination of different types of chocolate for a unique twist.

10. How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and don’t overbake the cookies. Removing them from the oven when they’re just set in the middle helps preserve their chewy texture.

Conclusion

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and chocolatey goodness. With a simple list of ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can create the perfect batch of homemade cookies every time. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies never fail to satisfy. With endless possibilities for customization and a timeless flavor, this recipe is one that will be loved by all. Happy baking!