Toll House Cookies
Learn how to bake perfect classic Toll House Cookies with crispy edges and gooey centers. This timeless recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like rich butter, a blend of brown and white sugars, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips to create comforting, chewy cookies with a balanced sweetness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy-to-follow guide ensures delicious cookies every time, with options to customize and adapt for dietary needs.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
- Total Time: 24-26 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made Vegan and Gluten-Free with substitutions)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts, optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients precisely and allow the butter to soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for classic aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly while keeping a chewy texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for better mixing and lighter texture.
- Do not overmix the dough; stir dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes improves flavor and helps reduce spreading.
- Bake one tray at a time for even heat distribution and consistent results.
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts to avoid allergens.
- Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate for flavor variations.
- Add rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Toll House cookies, classic chocolate chip cookies, easy cookies, homemade cookies, chewy cookies, cookie recipe