With its perfect balance of crisp edges, chewy center, and pockets of melted chocolate, the chocolate chip cookie has become a cornerstone of American baking and a global favorite. The history of chocolate chip cookies isn't as old and mysterious as you might think. From its humble beginning in a Massachusetts kitchen to its status as a cultural phenomenon, the chocolate chip cookie has left a mark on history.
This article will discuss the fascinating origin of chocolate chip cookies and their rapid rise to fame. Keep reading to learn who invented them and how they became so popular.
- Who Invented Chocolate Chip Cookies & When?
- How Did Chocolate Chip Cookies Become Popular?
- Exploring Modern Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
- Fun Facts About Chocolate Chip Cookies
- The Lasting Impact of Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who Invented Chocolate Chip Cookies & When?
The invention of the chocolate chip cookie is credited to Ruth Graves Wakefield, a skilled baker and entrepreneur who, along with her husband Kenneth Wakefield, owned and operated the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts.[1] So, when were chocolate chip cookies invented? The story of who invented the chocolate chip cookie and how takes us back to 1938, a year that would unknowingly change the course of dessert history.
Ruth Wakefield was renowned for her delicious desserts, a major draw for guests at the Toll House Inn. The inn, a popular stop for travelers, was known for its excellent food and Wakefield's recipes. It was here that the chocolate chip cookie was born.[1]
There are two popular theories regarding the invention of these cookies. The more romantic version suggests that it was a happy accident. According to this tale, Wakefield was making her usual cookies but was out of an important chocolate ingredient. She chopped up a bar of Nestlé chocolate in a pinch, expecting the pieces to melt and spread throughout the cookie. To her surprise, the chocolate chunks held their shape, creating a new type of cookie — the chocolate chip cookie.[1]
However, given Wakefield's expertise and systematic approach to baking, many food historians argue that the invention was likely more intentional. Under this theory, Wakefield, who, like any chef, probably experimented with her recipes, deliberately set out to create a new type of cookie.[2]
Regardless of whether it was luck or deliberate experimentation, the result was the birth of the chocolate chip cookie.
How Did Chocolate Chip Cookies Become Popular?
The popularity of the chocolate chip cookies skyrocketed almost immediately after their invention. Word of mouth spread quickly about the delicious new treats being served at the Toll House Inn, and soon, Wakefield's recipe was in high demand.[1]
Recognizing the potential of her creation, Wakefield struck a deal with Nestlé in 1939.[2] Nestlé offered Wakefield a lifetime supply of chocolate and one U.S. dollar in exchange for the rights to print the new recipe on their chocolate bar packaging and the Toll House name.[1] This was a win-win situation for both. Wakefield received widespread recognition and a constant supply of high-quality chocolate, while Nestlé gained a powerful marketing tool that would boost chocolate sales for decades to come.
Nestlé wasted no time in capitalizing on the popularity of the new cookie. They began marketing bags of chocolate chips specifically for use in chocolate chip cookies, making it easier for home bakers to recreate Wakefield's recipe. The company also started printing the Toll House recipe on the back of their chocolate chip packages, a tradition that continues today.[1]
In 1940, Wakefield published her cookbook, "Toll House Tried and True Recipes," which featured the chocolate chip cookie recipe. The book became a bestseller, going through 39 printings.[1] This widespread recipe distribution further cemented the chocolate chip cookie's place in American kitchens.
World War II popularized these cookies even more. Massachusetts soldiers stationed overseas would receive care packages containing Toll House cookies. These treats were shared, inadvertently creating new fans of the cookie far from its place of origin.[1]
The popularity of chocolate chip cookies continued to soar, and it was declared the official cookie of Massachusetts in July 1997.[3]
Today, the appeal of chocolate chip cookies shows no signs of waning. National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day takes place on August 4th, and cookies remain a favorite for home bakers and commercial producers. From school bake sales to gourmet bakeries, the chocolate chip cookie continues to be a beloved treat more than 80 years after its invention.
Exploring Modern Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
Since their creation, chocolate chip cookies have inspired countless variations and unique cookie recipes. Bakers and food enthusiasts have experimented with different ingredients, techniques, and presentations to create their own twist on this classic treat.
While semi-sweet chocolate chips remain popular, bakers now use dark, milk, white chips, or even a combination. Some recipes call for chocolate chunks or disks instead of chips for a different texture and melt pattern.
The original recipe called for nuts, which are still common. The type of nuts you can use depends on your personal preference. Walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and almonds are all popular choices.
Additionally, while all-purpose flour is standard, some bakers experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat, almond, or coconut flour for different flavors and textures. Many alternative recipes have also been developed using gluten-free flour and egg substitutes to cater to various dietary needs.
Of course, chocolate chip cookies come in all sizes. Originally a tiny treat, you can find oversized cookies almost anywhere that sells the traditional chocolate chip cookie.
When creating your own variation of this classic cookie, don't forget to keep cookies fresh so they can be enjoyed long after they've been baked.
Fun Facts About Chocolate Chip Cookies
The chocolate chip cookie may seem simple, but its history and impact are anything but. Let's bite into some deliciously interesting tidbits about everyone's favorite cookie:
- The original recipe called for chocolate bars to be cut along scores. There were no chocolate chips until Nestlé began manufacturing them for cookie baking.[1,4]
- The world's largest chocolate chip cookie weighed 40,000 pounds and was baked in 2003 in Flat Rock, North Carolina. It measured 101 feet in diameter.[5]
- The original name for Wakefield's creation was "Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies." This is because there was no such thing as "chocolate chips" at the time.[4]
- Americans consume over 7 billion chocolate chip cookies annually.[6]
- The Guinness World Record for the most chocolate chip cookies baked in one hour is 6,018.[7]
The Lasting Impact of Chocolate Chip Cookies
As we've explored the journey of the chocolate chip cookie from its creation to its current status as a global favorite, it's clear that this humble treat has become much more than just a dessert. The experimentation with flavors, textures, and dietary alternatives ensures that the chocolate chip cookie continues adapting.
For those inspired by this rich history, Mrs. Fields® offers a delightful range of options. Whether you're planning a cookie exchange, seeking to keep cookies on hand for your family, or exploring different types of cookies, Mrs. Fields® provides classic and unique choices.
Our sweet treats allow you to easily bring the warmth and joy of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies into your home, continuing the legacy that began in Ruth Wakefield's kitchen over 80 years ago.
References
- "Whittemore Library: Whittemore Library Blog: Library Blog." Library Blog - Whittemore Library Blog - Whittemore Library at Framingham State University, libguides.framingham.edu/c.php?g=934037&p=0&t=52693.
- "The History of the Chocolate Chip Cookie." The Sugar Association, www.sugar.org/blog/the-history-of-the-chocolate-chip-cookie/.
- The History of the Chocolate Chip Cookie, www.oxfordasd.org/cms/lib/PA02218845/Centricity/Domain/1093/History of the Chocolate Chip Cookie.pdf.
- "The Story behind the Original Toll House Cookies." The New Vintage Kitchen, March 2nd 2023, vintagekitchen.org/2023/03/01/so-where-was-this-toll-house-and-why-did-they-make-chocolate-chip-cookies/.
- "Largest Biscuit / Cookie." Guinness World Records, June 7th 2016, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-biscuit-cookie.
- "It's National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day: Find the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in Boston." Boston University, August 4th 2021, www.bu.edu/articles/2021/national-chocolate-chip-cookie-day-2021/.
- Guinness World Records. "Most Cookies Baked in One Hour." Guinness World Records, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-cookies-baked-in-one-hour/.