When you think of the ultimate homemade cookie, chances are you picture a warm, gooey toll house cookie recipe straight from the oven. These cookies have been a household favorite for decades, made famous by the Nestlé Toll House brand and beloved for their soft centers, golden edges, and rich chocolate chips. It’s not just a cookie—it’s a piece of American baking history that continues to win hearts across generations.
Why You’ll Love This Toll House Cookie Recipe
- Classic & Timeless – The original recipe has stood the test of time for good reason.
- Simple Ingredients – You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
- Customizable – Add nuts, extra chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Perfect Texture – Crisp edges with a soft, chewy center every single time.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Toll House Cookie Recipe
- Butter – Provides richness and helps create that tender, chewy texture.
- Granulated & Brown Sugar – The mix adds depth of sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
- Eggs – Bind the dough together and add moisture for softness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the dough, giving structure and balance.
- Baking Soda & Salt – Keep the cookies light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced.
- Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The star ingredient that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Toll House Cookie Recipe
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients – Cream butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs – Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Dough – Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips – Fold in Nestlé Toll House chocolate morsels (and nuts, if desired).
- Scoop & Bake – Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake Until Golden – Bake 9–11 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
Expert Tip: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish cooking on the baking sheet.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Double Chocolate – Swap half the flour for cocoa powder.
- Healthier Swap – Use whole wheat flour or coconut sugar for a wholesome spin.
- Salted Caramel Upgrade – Drizzle caramel and sprinkle sea salt on warm cookies.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer Friendly – Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this toll house cookie recipe, you’ll definitely want to try a few more sweet cookie creations. For a cozy fall twist, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, spiced, and loaded with chocolate goodness. If you’re after something fun and colorful, give these Jello Sugar Cookies a try—they’re chewy, vibrant, and perfect for parties. And for a whimsical treat that tastes just as dreamy as it sounds, you can’t go wrong with Cotton Candy Cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store prepared dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter too warm or not enough flour can cause spreading. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine works in a pinch with slightly different results.
How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Use a cookie scoop and shape the dough into balls before baking.
The toll house cookie recipe isn’t just another dessert—it’s a tradition worth keeping alive in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, school lunches, or just a late-night treat, these cookies never disappoint. Give this classic a try, and don’t forget to share your batch with loved ones—or keep them all for yourself!
Toll House Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture until combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.