Introduction
Nestlé Toll House cookies are an all-time favorite, combining the classic flavors of buttery dough and chocolate chips. This step-by-step guide ensures that your cookies turn out perfectly every time. We’ll follow Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) guidelines to make this blog post valuable and credible.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (160g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Add-ins:

  • 2 cups (340g) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1 cup (optional) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Electric mixer (or a whisk and some arm strength!)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready once your dough is prepped.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars
    • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs
    • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
    • Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts.
  7. Scoop Dough
    • Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Space them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake
    • Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft. Avoid overbaking.
  9. Cool Cookies
    • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Baking Tips for Perfection

  • Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
  • Chill the Dough: For a chewier texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and better texture.
  • Customize: Experiment with different add-ins like white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or toffee bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the bake time.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies spread when the butter is too warm. Chill the dough if this happens.

3. How can I make softer cookies?
Reduce the baking time slightly and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Conclusion

With this foolproof guide, you’ll master the art of baking Nestlé Toll House cookies in no time. Whether you’re making them for family gatherings, bake sales, or a midnight snack, these cookies will be a hit.

Don’t forget to share your baking creations and tips in the comments below! 🍪

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