Classic Nestle Toll House Cookies

Nestle Toll House cookies. The name alone evokes images of warm, gooey chocolate chip perfection. These iconic cookies have been a beloved treat for generations, and for good reason. Their simple yet irresistible combination of flavors and textures is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This guide will take you through the relaxed process of baking these classic cookies, offering tips and variations along the way. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to indulge in some serious baking fun!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Cream Together the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Creaming is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lighter and fluffier cookies.

Beat in Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are well combined, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Stir in Chocolate Chips

Finally, stir in the chocolate chips using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Chill the Dough (Optional)

While chilling the dough is optional, it can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you have time, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.

Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between the cookies as they will spread during baking.

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

Soften Butter Properly: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to cream with the sugars.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.

Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate chips will significantly impact the flavor of your cookies.

Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch.

Try Different Mix-ins: Get creative with your mix-ins! Try adding chopped candy bars, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruits.

Make Giant Cookies: For a special treat, scoop out large balls of dough and bake them into giant cookies.

Freeze Dough for Later: Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for later use. This is a great way to have cookie dough ready whenever you have a craving.

Conclusion

Baking Nestle Toll House cookies is a simple and rewarding experience. With a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy these classic treats fresh from the oven.

Remember to have fun and experiment with different variations to find your favorite combination of flavors. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!