How to Make Toll House Cookies

• Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your perfect batch of Toll House cookies, whether you prefer them soft and chewy or slightly crisp around the edges.

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the dough and prevents any lumps.

Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

Add the Chocolate Chips (and Nuts): Fold in the chocolate chips and, if you're using them, the chopped nuts. The chocolate chips should be evenly spread throughout the dough, giving you that perfect burst of chocolate in every bite.

Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.

Bake: Pop your cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they hold their shape but are still warm and gooey when you bite into them.

Pro Tips:

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a thicker, chewier texture.
• Watch the Bake Time: For softer cookies, pull them out of the oven a little earlier. If you prefer a crisper cookie, let them bake for a minute or two longer.
• Even Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop to ensure your cookies bake evenly. This way, every cookie will have the same size and shape.