Nestlé Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, a special dessert for gatherings, or simply a comforting bite at home. This recipe, inspired by the classic Nestlé Toll House cookies, will guide you through making the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies that are crispy on the edges and chewy in the center.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans are great choices)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and reach the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help with even baking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the baking soda throughout the flour, ensuring that your cookies rise properly.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract. Mixing in the eggs separately helps to ensure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 7: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Gently fold in the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using). Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 8: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is okay; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 10: Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them to blend together more easily and creates a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Experiment with Chocolate: Try using a combination of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate, for a delicious variety.
- Taste Test: Always bake a test cookie to see how the dough bakes. This way, you can adjust the time or oven temperature if necessary.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a chewy texture.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace 1/2 cup of the butter with 1/2 cup of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract and use mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a refreshing flavor.
Storage Instructions
To keep your cookies fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To enjoy, let the frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds until warm.
Conclusion
This Nestlé Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. With its easy-to-follow steps and delicious results, you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh cookies wafting through your home!
