Toll House Cookie is a classic chocolate chip cookie that is soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, packed with chocolate chips in every bite.
My Toll House Cookie recipe is easy and homemade, tested many times to make sure it turns out soft, chewy, and full of chocolate chips every time, and always works for me. I am happy to share it with you.
If you enjoy this recipe, you should also try my other cookies, like Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies or Quaker Oatmeal Cookies. They are just as easy, homemade, and delicious!
Ingredient Overview
These are the basic ingredients you need for this recipe. You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Butter
Butter gives your Cookie richness and flavor. When you cream it properly, it helps create a soft and tender texture.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens your Cookie and helps it brown evenly. It also plays a role in how chewy the cookie feels when you bite into it.
Note: I use both brown and white sugar because brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor, while white sugar helps the cookies spread and gives a slight crispiness.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They help your Cookie hold its shape while staying soft inside.
Milk
Milk adds gentle moisture to the dough. It helps smooth out the texture so your Cookie dough mixes easily.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips define the Toll House Cookie. They melt slightly during baking. I also use chocolate chips in my Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie Recipe, and they make the cookies even richer.
Flour
Flour provides structure. It allows your Cookie to hold together while baking and cooling.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps the cookie rise just enough. It keeps the Cookie light instead of dense.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor in every Toll House Cookie.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth. It rounds out the flavors and makes your Cookie taste complete.
Step by Step Preparation
Mix Ingredients
Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This traps air and helps make your Toll House cookies soft. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the milk to keep the dough smooth.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then slowly add it to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined so your Toll House cookies stay tender.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough so that they are evenly distributed. This way, every Toll House cookie you bake will have chocolate in every single bite, giving you that perfect balance of soft cookie and melty chocolate each time.
Shape and Bake
Scoop portions of dough and place them on a baking tray, leaving space between each one so your Toll House cookies bake evenly. Bake until the edges are set and lightly golden, while the centers stay soft for that classic texture.
Tips: Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and stay extra soft inside.
Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies rest before moving them. This allows the Toll House Cookie to finish setting without breaking.
Helpful Tips
Baking a Toll House Cookie is simple, but a few small choices make a big difference.
- Use room temperature butter so it creams smoothly.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the Toll House Cookie tender.
- Slightly underbake if you prefer a softer center.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring.
- Use consistent scoop sizes for even baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If your Toll House Cookie spreads too much, the butter may be too warm. If the cookies feel dry, you may have added too much flour. Paying attention to texture as you mix helps you avoid these issues.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature Storage
Store your Toll House Cookie in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for several days.
Refrigerator Storage
If you want to extend freshness, you can refrigerate baked Toll House Cookie batches. Make sure they are sealed well to prevent drying.
Freezer Storage
You can freeze a baked Toll House Cookie or raw dough. Freezing dough allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Serving Ideas
A Toll House Cookie tastes great on its own, but you can serve it in creative ways.
- Pair with a glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Serve warm with ice cream for a simple dessert.
- Use Toll House Cookie crumbles as a topping for other sweets.
- Package cookies as homemade gifts.
Classic Toll House Cookie Recipe to Bake Now
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Wire cooling rack
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons (or using a cookie scoop) and place onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but centers still appear soft.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
FAQs
Can You Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to slightly reduce any added salt in the recipe to avoid overwhelming the flavor.
Why Are Your Cookies Coming Out Flat?
Flat cookies could mean too much butter, not enough flour, or that the dough was too warm when placed on the tray. Try chilling the dough and measuring ingredients more precisely.
Can You Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely. Pre-scoop dough balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen with just a minute or two added to the time.
What’s the Best Chocolate to Use?
Semi-sweet chips offer the best balance. However, you can elevate the flavor with bittersweet chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a creamier bite.
How Do You Make Cookies Chewier?
Increase the ratio of brown sugar to white sugar. You can also add an extra egg yolk or bake slightly underdone and let them finish setting outside the oven.
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