Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Copycat Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies perfectly replicate the iconic cookies we all grew up loving—soft centers, crisp edges, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy evening treat, this classic recipe hits the sweet spot every time.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourbaking soda saltunsalted butter (softened)granulated sugarspacked brown sugareggsvanilla extractsemi-sweet chocolate chipschopped nuts (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually beat in the flour mixture until fully incorporated.

Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 48 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 9-11 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a flavor twist.

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.

Replace the nuts with toffee bits or dried fruit.

Chill the dough for thicker cookies with a chewier center.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake as needed.Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Over-creaming the butter or using too-warm dough can cause spreading. Try chilling the dough first.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.

How do I make these cookies chewy?

Use more brown sugar than white, and don’t overbake them.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, the recipe halves well for smaller batches.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Portion it into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, they hold up well and stay soft for days—perfect for cookie tins or gift bags.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat, but expect a denser texture.

Do I need to soften the butter?

Yes, soft butter helps create the right texture when creamed with the sugars.

Can I use a hand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works fine—just beat until everything is well combined.

Conclusion

Copycat Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything a chocolate chip cookie should be—classic, comforting, and irresistibly good. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re a timeless favorite that deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation.