Copycat Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving that warm, gooey, classic cookie taste straight from childhood, these Copycat Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are exactly what you need. They capture everything you love about the original—crispy edges, soft centers, melty chocolate in every bite—without any fancy steps or complicated ingredients. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe brings the nostalgic magic of the original Toll House cookie right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just Like the Original: This copycat recipe is spot-on. It tastes just like the cookies you remember growing up with—maybe even better, since they’re homemade!
• Quick and Foolproof: The dough comes together in minutes with basic pantry staples. You’ll have warm cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies hit that sweet spot between chewy and crispy. Soft in the middle, golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for sharing (if you can bear to), and they stay delicious for days, making them perfect for gifting or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these cookies irresistible—and a few tips to get the most out of each one:

• Butter: Softened, not melted—this is key for that rich flavor and classic cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies just the right amount of crunch.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor. Light or dark brown sugar both work—dark gives a richer taste.
• Eggs: Bring everything together and help with that soft, chewy bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip it—it rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie. Don’t overmix or overmeasure, or the cookies may turn cakey.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them their soft, puffy centers.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The heart of the cookie. Go classic, or chop a bar of chocolate for meltier pools.
• Optional Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty depth, but you can absolutely leave them out.

Variations

Want to give the classic a twist? Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

• Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking or mix in caramel chips.
• Chunky Monkey: Mix in banana chips and chopped walnuts for a fun twist.
• Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt: Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt post-bake.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—these cookies are pretty forgiving and still taste amazing.
• Vegan Option: Substitute vegan butter, use flax eggs, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

How to Make Copycat Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that tender texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure it’s all fully combined before moving on.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this into the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix—just until it comes together.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake at 375°F for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

Step 6: Cool Slightly

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Try not to eat them all at once!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Especially butter and eggs—they incorporate more smoothly and give you a better dough.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill for 30 minutes before baking. It prevents spreading and intensifies the flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: They should look a little soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Double the Batch: This dough freezes beautifully, so make extra and freeze some balls of dough for future cookie emergencies.

How to Serve

These cookies are incredible fresh out of the oven, warm and slightly gooey. Pair with:

• A cold glass of milk (classic and unbeatable)
• Vanilla ice cream for a killer dessert sandwich
• Coffee or espresso for a grown-up treat
• Hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy combo

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and flavorful.

Freezing

Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 1–2 minutes.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked texture. So good.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 72 hours ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and let it sit at room temp for about 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Why are my cookies too flat?
This usually means your butter was too soft or the dough was too warm. Chilling the dough helps prevent this. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Technically yes, but the flavor just isn’t the same. Butter gives these cookies that rich, classic taste. If you must, use margarine with a high fat content.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Right after baking, while they’re still hot, use a round cookie cutter or a spoon to gently shape the edges. It’s a bakery trick that really works!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about these Copycat Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re simple, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just need a moment of cookie joy, this recipe always delivers. Try it once and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

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