There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked batch of Toll House cookies—the way the buttery dough caramelizes around melty chocolate chips, filling the kitchen with that nostalgic, sweet aroma. Whether you grew up dunking them in a cold glass of milk or sneaking a few straight from the cooling rack, these classic homemade cookies never fail to bring comfort and joy.
But here’s the thing—getting that perfect balance of crispy edges and a gooey center? It’s easier than you think! With just a few simple tweaks, you can achieve bakery-style Toll House cookies right in your own kitchen. So, whether you’re baking for a cozy family night, a holiday treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is here to deliver chocolate chip perfection every time. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of This Toll House Cookies Recipe
There’s a reason Toll House cookies have stood the test of time—they’re the perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-style results every time. Here’s why you’ll love it:
✔ Classic, Nostalgic Flavor
These cookies have that signature homemade taste we all know and love—rich, buttery dough with pockets of melty chocolate chips in every bite.
✔ Perfectly Chewy with Crispy Edges
By using the right balance of brown and white sugar, you get the best of both worlds: a crispy golden edge with a soft, chewy center that keeps you coming back for more.
✔ Foolproof & Easy to Make
No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just simple ingredients, one bowl, and a straightforward method that works every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is fail-proof when you follow the right steps.
✔ Customizable to Your Taste
Want to mix things up? You can easily:
- Swap in dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a gourmet touch
- Use gluten-free flour for a dietary-friendly version
✔ Freezer-Friendly for Anytime Cravings
These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you want—no waiting, no hassle.
Whether you love them warm and gooey straight from the oven or slightly chilled with a glass of milk, this Toll House Cookies Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience.
Ingredients for the Best Toll House Cookies
Before we dive into baking, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these Toll House cookies absolutely perfect. Each one plays a key role, so don’t skip or substitute unless noted!
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookies, giving them structure.
- Baking soda – Helps with rise and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (softened) – Creates that rich, buttery taste and contributes to a perfect texture. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level.
- Granulated sugar – Adds crispiness to the edges.
- Brown sugar (light or dark) – Provides moisture and chewiness. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper caramel flavor.
- Large eggs – Bind the dough together for a soft yet structured cookie.
- Pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor. Always use pure vanilla for the best results!
The Star Ingredient
- Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The classic choice, giving you just the right amount of sweetness and meltiness. Want to switch things up? Try dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
Optional Mix-ins for Extra Flavor
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) – Adds a slight crunch and nutty richness.
- Cinnamon or espresso powder – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Sea salt flakes – A light sprinkle on top brings out the chocolatey goodness.
💡 Pro Tip: If you like extra thick cookies, slightly increase the flour or chill the dough before baking. This prevents spreading and gives you that irresistible chewy center!
With your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making the perfect Toll House cookies!
How to Make Toll House Cookies
Baking the perfect Toll House cookies is all about the right technique and a little patience. Follow these simple steps to get that chewy center, golden crisp edges, and rich chocolatey flavor in every bite.
1. Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Before you start mixing, make sure to:
✔ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – A hot oven ensures even baking.
✔ Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
✔ Bring butter and eggs to room temperature – This helps create a smooth, well-blended dough.
2. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
Give it a quick whisk to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds slight crispness.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed – Creates that signature chewy texture.
Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step traps air into the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla for Flavor
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
💡 Pro Tip: Scraping the sides of the bowl ensures every ingredient is evenly blended!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing—this keeps the cookies soft and prevents them from becoming tough.
6. Stir in the Chocolate Chips
- Fold in 2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- If you like extra chocolatey cookies, add a few extra chips on top before baking!
7. Scoop and Space the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each scoop 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- For thicker, bakery-style cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
8. Bake to Perfection
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love extra gooey cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool!
Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your freshly baked Toll House cookies!
Pro Tips and Variations
Baking the perfect Toll House cookies isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about those little tweaks that make them extra special. Whether you want chewier, crispier, or flavor-packed cookies, these expert tips and fun variations will help you customize your batch to perfection!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Toll House Cookies
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and room-temp eggs blend more easily, creating a smooth, evenly mixed dough that bakes beautifully.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Dough – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
✔ Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies – If you prefer cookies that hold their shape, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This slows spreading and creates a denser, chewier texture.
✔ Scoop Dough Evenly – Using a cookie scoop ensures all cookies bake at the same rate and come out evenly sized.
✔ Underbake for a Softer Center – Remove cookies when the edges are golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, giving you that perfectly gooey bite.
✔ Let Them Rest Before Moving – Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and prevents breakage.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Toll House cookies!
Brown Butter Upgrade – Swap regular butter for browned butter to add a nutty, caramelized depth of flavor. Just melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown, let it cool, and proceed with the recipe.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Use a blend of chocolate chips—dark, milk, and white chocolate—for a rich, indulgent twist.
Salted Cookie Perfection – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the cookies just before baking for a sweet-salty contrast that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Nutty Crunch – Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a little extra texture and nuttiness.
Espresso Kick – Add ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
Gluten-Free Swap – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-friendly version that still tastes amazing!
💡 Pro Tip: Love cookie dough? Freeze individual dough balls and bake them fresh whenever a craving hits—just add an extra minute to the baking time!
No matter how you customize them, these Toll House cookies are guaranteed to be soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness every single time.
Serving Suggestions
Freshly baked Toll House cookies are irresistible on their own, but why stop there? Elevate your cookie experience with these delicious serving ideas that will make every bite even better!
Classic Pairings
✔ Milk & Cookies – Nothing beats the iconic combo of warm chocolate chip cookies and a cold glass of milk. Whether it’s regular, almond, or oat milk, the creamy contrast makes each bite even more indulgent.
✔ Coffee or Hot Chocolate – Dunk your cookies in a steaming cup of coffee, cappuccino, or hot cocoa for a cozy, comforting treat.
✔ Vanilla Ice Cream – Turn your cookies into an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla (or your favorite flavor) between two cookies. Freeze for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect consistency.
Creative Dessert Ideas
Chocolate Drizzle – Melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over your cookies for an elegant, extra-chocolaty touch.
Crumbled Cookie Sundae – Crush a few cookies and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce for a decadent sundae.
Cookie Dough Pancakes – Chop up baked cookies and fold them into pancake batter for a fun breakfast-meets-dessert dish.
Cookie Pie Crust – Crush cookies and mix them with melted butter to create a delicious crust for cheesecakes and pies.
Perfect for Gifting & Entertaining
Homemade Cookie Jars – Stack cooled cookies in a glass jar or decorative tin, tie it with a ribbon, and gift them to friends and family.
Dessert Charcuterie Board – Arrange cookies alongside brownies, fruit, chocolate dips, and nuts for a beautiful dessert platter.
Warm & Fresh for Guests – If you’re serving cookies at a party, warm them slightly in the oven for 3–5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) before plating. This brings back that freshly baked taste!
No matter how you enjoy them, these Toll House cookies are guaranteed to be the star of any sweet moment. So, go ahead—grab one (or a few) and indulge in the ultimate chocolate chip experience!
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a freshly baked Toll House cookie—that perfect mix of crispy edges, a chewy center, and melty chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven with a glass of milk, turn them into ice cream sandwiches, or share them with friends and family, these cookies always bring a touch of homemade happiness.
What makes this classic chocolate chip cookie recipe truly special is how versatile and foolproof it is. With just a few tweaks—like chilling the dough, adjusting the sugar ratio, or adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—you can customize them to your taste while still preserving that iconic Toll House flavor.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought cookies and bake a batch from scratch. Not only are they easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma—a scent that signals pure, homemade goodness.
Now, go ahead and preheat that oven—because nothing beats the taste of a warm, chocolate-loaded Toll House cookie straight from your own kitchen!
Toll House Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookies giving them structure.
- Baking soda – Helps with rise and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter softened – Creates that rich, buttery taste and contributes to a perfect texture. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level.
- Granulated sugar – Adds crispiness to the edges.
- Brown sugar light or dark – Provides moisture and chewiness. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper caramel flavor.
- Large eggs – Bind the dough together for a soft yet structured cookie.
- Pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor. Always use pure vanilla for the best results!
The Star Ingredient
- Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The classic choice giving you just the right amount of sweetness and meltiness. Want to switch things up? Try dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
Optional Mix-ins for Extra Flavor
- Chopped nuts walnuts, pecans – Adds a slight crunch and nutty richness.
- Cinnamon or espresso powder – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Sea salt flakes – A light sprinkle on top brings out the chocolatey goodness.
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
- Before you start mixing, make sure to:
- ✔ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – A hot oven ensures even baking.
- ✔ Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- ✔ Bring butter and eggs to room temperature – This helps create a smooth, well-blended dough.
Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Give it a quick whisk to ensure even distribution.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds slight crispness.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed – Creates that signature chewy texture.
- Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step traps air into the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.
Add Eggs and Vanilla for Flavor
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
FAQs
Got questions about making the best Toll House cookies? Here are some common concerns and expert answers to help you bake with confidence!
1. Why do my Toll House cookies spread too much?
If your cookies turn out too thin or spread too much, it could be due to:
✔ Butter that’s too soft or melted – Use room-temperature butter, not melted, to maintain structure.
✔ Skipping the chilling step – If the dough is too warm, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
✔ Not enough flour – Make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method to prevent too much or too little flour.
2. Can I freeze Toll House cookie dough?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
✔ Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
✔ Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months.
✔ Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw!
3. What’s the best type of chocolate for these cookies?
The classic choice is Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can switch it up:
✔ Milk chocolate – For a creamier, sweeter bite.
✔ Dark chocolate – Adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast.
✔ Chocolate chunks – Melt more dramatically for a gooey texture.
4. How do I make my cookies softer or crispier?
✔ For softer cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbake them for a chewy center.
✔ For crispier cookies: Use more granulated sugar, slightly less flour, and bake them 1–2 minutes longer for extra crunch.
With these expert tips, you’re ready to bake the best-ever Toll House cookies with confidence!