When you think of chocolate chip cookies, Toll House cookies probably come to mind. These famous treats have become a staple in households worldwide, but why are they called Toll House cookies, and how did they become so iconic? To answer that, we need to dive into the history of the Toll House cookie and explore the fascinating story behind this beloved dessert.
The Toll House cookie history begins at the Toll House Inn, where Ruth Wakefield created the first batch of what would become the world-famous Toll House cookie. Thanks to her culinary creativity, this cookie became a household favorite, sparking a national love for Toll House cookies.
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The Origins of the Toll House Cookie
The name Toll House comes from the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield and her husband bought the inn. Originally, the inn served as a rest stop where travelers paid tolls and enjoyed a meal. It was here that Ruth Wakefield made history, though not with tolls, but with cookies.
Ruth Wakefield and Her Culinary Genius
Ruth Wakefield wasn’t just a baker. She was a dietitian and food lecturer who brought her skills to the Toll House Inn. One day, while baking butter drop cookies, she ran out of baker’s chocolate. As a quick fix, she chopped up a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar, hoping it would melt into the dough. Instead, the chocolate pieces stayed intact, creating the very first chocolate chip cookie. She called them Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies.
This “accidental” creation soon became a local favorite. Guests loved the cookies, and word about them quickly spread throughout New England.
The Famous Cookie Recipe
In 1936, Ruth Wakefield published the Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie recipe in her cookbook, Toll House Tried and True Recipes. It was the first time the recipe was made available to the public. People were eager to try it, and the cookies gained widespread fame.
But how did this local treat become a national sensation? The answer lies in Nestlé’s involvement.
The Nestlé Partnership and the Invention of Chocolate Chips
As the Toll House cookie grew in popularity, Nestlé noticed a sharp increase in chocolate sales in New England. People were buying their semi-sweet chocolate bars specifically to make Ruth Wakefield’s cookies. Recognizing an opportunity, Nestlé approached Wakefield with a proposal. They wanted to print her chocolate chip cookie recipe on their chocolate packaging. In exchange, they offered her a lifetime supply of chocolate. Wakefield agreed.
Nestlé also decided to make the baking process easier. Instead of having to chop up a chocolate bar, they introduced chocolate chips—small morsels perfect for baking. This was a game-changer. Now, anyone could easily make Toll House cookies at home.
Why Is It Called a Toll House Cookie?
The cookie is named after the Toll House Inn where it was created. The inn had a long history as a place where travelers paid tolls. While the inn itself was famous, it’s Ruth Wakefield’s cookies that truly put it on the map. Over time, the name Toll House became synonymous with chocolate chip cookies.
The Legacy of the Toll House Cookie
The Toll House cookie remains one of the most popular cookies today. Its recipe has hardly changed since the 1930s, and it’s still printed on the back of Nestlé Toll House chocolate chip bags. The simple ingredients—butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, and chocolate chips—combine to make a cookie that is loved by millions.
Variations and Customizations
Though the original recipe has endured, bakers have experimented with it over the years. Some like to add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. Others switch out the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips. These variations allow each baker to make the recipe their own while still honoring the classic Toll House cookie.
A Cultural Icon
The Toll House cookie is more than just a recipe. It’s a cultural icon, representing comfort and tradition. For many, baking a batch of Toll House cookies is a family tradition passed down through generations. The cookies evoke nostalgia, bringing back memories of baking with family and enjoying fresh cookies right out of the oven.
The Original Toll House Cookie Recipe
If you’ve never baked a batch of Toll House cookies, here’s the original recipe, as shared by Ruth Wakefield.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (12 oz.) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
This recipe yields about 5 dozen cookies. For a thicker, chewier texture, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Common Questions About Toll House Cookies
Why is it called a Toll House cookie?
It’s named after the Toll House Inn, where Ruth Wakefield invented the recipe in the 1930s.
Who invented the chocolate chip cookie?
Ruth Wakefield created the first chocolate chip cookie by adding chopped Nestlé chocolate bars to her cookie dough.
What is the original Toll House cookie recipe?
The recipe includes ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, and Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips. You can find the full recipe above.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Conclusion
The Toll House cookie has an incredible history that spans almost a century. From its creation at a small inn in Massachusetts to its rise as an American icon, this cookie has stood the test of time. Whether you follow the classic recipe or put your own twist on it, Toll House cookies are sure to bring warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to your home. So the next time you bake a batch, remember the fascinating story behind this iconic treat.
For more recipes that have stood the test of time, explore this guide to classic desserts.