Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

November 28, 2024

This classic Nestle chocolate chip cookie recipe delivers irresistibly chewy cookies with semi-sweet chocolate chips in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite!

Close-up of freshly made Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie garnished and ready to serve

There’s something magical about biting into a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. The warmth, the gooey chocolate chips, and the slight crunch of golden edges make every bite unforgettable. The Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is not just a cookie recipe—it’s the recipe that has stood the test of time. With the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and chocolatey goodness, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves baking. Today, I’m sharing the ultimate guide to baking these cookies to perfection, so you’ll have everyone coming back for more.

If you're a fan of home-baked classics, don't miss these other incredible recipes on ShowRecipe.com. Try the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce or the Air Fryer Crunchy Cream Potatoes for savory options, and for a sweet treat, the Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake is a showstopper.

The Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is the original chocolate chip cookie recipe, crafted by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s. Using simple pantry staples like butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips, this recipe gained fame for its perfect balance of chewiness and crisp edges. Over the decades, it has become a cornerstone of American baking traditions and a beloved treat for families worldwide.

This particular recipe delivers a cookie with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center. The semi-sweet chocolate morsels make every bite decadent but not overly sweet. The dough itself is buttery, with just enough salt to keep the sweetness in check, making it impossible to stop at just one cookie.

For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this base recipe is also perfect for adding your own twist. Some love swapping in Nduja Sausage flavors for savory-sweet desserts, while others enjoy pairing cookies with refreshing drinks like the Nunu Drink for a cozy evening.

Ingredients for Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies

The magic of these cookies lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Here's a detailed look at what you'll need and why they’re essential:

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups)

The foundation of the dough, flour provides structure and texture. Using all-purpose flour ensures the perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness. For a twist, you can swap in gluten-free flour like in the Georgina Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake.

2. Baking Soda (1 tsp)

This helps the cookies rise slightly, creating that beautiful soft center and slightly crispy edges. Fresh baking soda is key—check the expiration date to avoid flat cookies.

3. Salt (1 tsp)

Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. It’s subtle but crucial for that perfect flavor profile.

4. Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)

Butter is the heart of the dough, providing richness and moisture. Always use unsalted butter to control the salt levels in your recipe.

5. Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)

Sugar contributes to the cookies' crisp edges and sweetness. Granulated sugar gives the cookie a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

6. Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed)

Brown sugar is responsible for the chewy texture and adds a hint of molasses flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.

7. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)

Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and complements the chocolate beautifully. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best results.

8. Eggs (2 large)

Eggs bind the dough together and add richness. Room-temperature eggs blend more easily into the mixture for a smooth dough.

9. Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (2 cups)

These classic morsels make the recipe what it is! Semi-sweet chocolate offers just the right amount of sweetness and richness in every bite.

10. Optional: Chopped Nuts (1 cup)

Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but you can skip them if you prefer.

Classic Flavor: The balance of buttery dough and semi-sweet chocolate is timeless.
Versatile: Perfect for after-school snacks, holiday cookie swaps, or gifting.
Beginner-Friendly: Straightforward steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Customizable: Add extra mix-ins like white chocolate chips or dried cranberries to make it your own.

These cookies are ideal for gatherings like birthday parties, baby showers, or even casual get-togethers. Pair them with savory appetizers like Captain D’s Slaw or Boba Shop Fries for a well-rounded spread.

How to Make Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making the perfect chocolate chip cookies requires a balance of technique and care. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Dough

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step is key to the cookies’ texture, so take your time.

2. Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the dough hold together and ensures even distribution of moisture.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cookies.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Gently fold in the semi-sweet morsels and nuts (if using). Distribute them evenly for consistent bites.

5. Chill the Dough

While not mandatory, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour is a game-changer. It helps solidify the butter, leading to thicker cookies that don’t spread too much. It also enhances the flavors, similar to marinating.

Baking the Perfect Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and avoids underdone centers.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. These prevent sticking and promote even browning. Skip greasing, as the butter in the dough provides enough fat.

3. Shape the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underdone.
For softer cookies, stick to 9 minutes; for crispier edges, go up to 11 minutes.

5. Cool on a Wire Rack

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the cookies to firm up without overcooking.

Tips for Success

Weigh Your Ingredients: If you have a kitchen scale, weighing your flour (about 280g) ensures accuracy and avoids dense cookies.
Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temp eggs incorporate better, creating a smoother dough.
Check Your Oven: Use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent temperatures.
Experiment with Chocolate: Add chunks of dark chocolate or mix semi-sweet with milk chocolate for variety.

Pair these cookies with a refreshing drink like Bug Juice Camp Drink for a nostalgic treat or enjoy them alongside a warm Makmoura Recipe for a cozy evening snack.

Serving Ideas

The beauty of the Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is its versatility. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

With Ice Cream: Use two cookies to make irresistible ice cream sandwiches. Vanilla or chocolate chip ice cream works best.
Dipped in Chocolate: Melt chocolate and dip half of each cookie, letting it harden for a stunning presentation.
Cookie Crumble Topping: Crush cookies and sprinkle them over desserts like Houston Key Lime Pie or Artsy Chic Cake.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe has stood the test of time because of its precise balance of ingredients and foolproof method. From the right mix of sugars to the generous chocolate chip ratio, every element is carefully crafted to yield cookies that deliver on flavor and texture.

Plus, these cookies are a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can freeze the dough in pre-portioned balls and bake them fresh whenever you want. They’re ideal for unexpected guests or sudden dessert cravings.

For a fun variation, you could even experiment with turning these cookies into Crookies—a croissant-cookie hybrid that’s all the rage.

Seasonal and Festive Uses

These cookies are a hit year-round but truly shine during the holidays. Bake them for:

Christmas Cookie Swaps: Add festive sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Birthday Parties: Serve alongside playful treats like Tajin Sorbet.
Back-to-School Lunchboxes: Pack them up with a note for a sweet surprise.

You can also give them as gifts. Pack a dozen in a pretty tin or pair them with a jar of Sure-Jell Strawberry Jam for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing

Storing Baked Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft (the bread absorbs excess moisture).

Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

This recipe makes a batch of around 60 cookies, perfect for sharing or saving for later. If you’re planning a big event, consider serving them alongside savory options like Daylily Fritter Recipe for a balanced menu.