Name: Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

The Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe is a beloved classic that has delighted generations of dessert lovers across America and beyond.

With the irresistible combination of rich, buttery cookie dough and the famous Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookie bars bring all the comforting flavors of Toll House cookies into a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar form.

The original Toll House recipe dates back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn, serendipitously invented the chocolate chip cookie, giving birth to a timeless dessert tradition.

Transforming this legendary cookie dough into bars has become a popular way to share the magic of Toll House with family, friends, and at festive gatherings.

Not only are these bars easy to bake, but they offer all the classic chewiness and golden-brown goodness with a fraction of the effort of scooping individual cookies.

Rich with vanilla flavor, studded with melty chocolate chips, and perfectly balanced in sweetness, the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe offers nostalgia and pure delight in every bite.

Whether you're baking for a bake sale, an after-school snack, or a holiday tray, these cookie bars guarantee a warm welcome and smiles from all. With easy-to-find pantry staples and a reliable baking method, you'll achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

If you've ever loved a chocolate chip cookie, prepare to elevate the experience with the satisfying bite and soft texture of these classic cookie bars.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs

2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Stir in the Nestle Toll House chocolate chips. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch pan using a spatula.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan.
Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles for serving. Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutritional Information

The Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe results in a satisfying treat that boasts a delicious flavor profile while delivering a robust energy boost. Each bar, based on a recipe yielding approximately 24 bars per 9x13-inch pan, contains roughly 190-220 calories depending on size.

The bars provide about 3 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat (primarily from butter and chocolate chips), and 25-30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Sugars make up a sizable portion of the carbohydrate content, mainly from both granulated and brown sugar as well as chocolate chips.

Dietary fiber content is moderate, ranging between 1 to 2 grams per bar, which mainly comes from the flour and any optional nuts included. These cookie bars provide a modest amount of calcium and iron from the flour and chocolate chips.

The use of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, boosts healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients, adding nutritional value. It's important to note that these cookie bars are indulgent treats and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

They contain no artificial flavors if you opt for pure vanilla extract and real butter. For those monitoring sodium intake, using unsalted butter and keeping an eye on the teaspoon of salt in the recipe can help control sodium levels.

The recipe is easily adaptable for different dietary needs, such as gluten-free flour blends or dairy-free substitutes.

Overall, while the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe is best relished for its nostalgic taste and irresistible texture, it also offers a quick pick-me-up energy source for after-school treats, party platters, or occasional indulgences.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

The rich, buttery profile and sweet chocolate accents of the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe pair beautifully with a range of beverages. For those enjoying an afternoon treat, a cold glass of milk is a traditional favorite-it balances the sweetness while enhancing the cookie's chocolatey notes.

For coffee lovers, a freshly-brewed cup of medium or dark roast coffee highlights both the vanilla and chocolate flavors, providing a pleasant counterbalance to the dessert's richness.

If you're seeking an adult pairing, try a silky port wine or a glass of tawny sherry; their dried fruit and caramel overtones create a harmonious match with the buttery cookie bars.

Hot cocoa or chai latte makes for a cozy, comforting companion in colder months, amplifying the warmth and sweetness of the bars. Even a chilled cold brew or a vanilla crème soda can provide a delightful twist, particularly when serving a crowd with varied beverage preferences.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Achieving the perfect Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe is simple, yet a few professional tips can ensure outstanding results. For extra chewy bars, avoid overbaking; remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the center is just set.

Let them cool fully to achieve clean bar cuts without crumbling. For richer flavor, use brown butter in place of regular melted butter, and try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, softer bars.

If you prefer a gooier center, bake at the lower end of the suggested time range. Incorporating nuts brings added texture and depth-try toasted pecans, walnuts, or even macadamias for a subtle twist. Elevate your bars with white or milk chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, or a swirl of caramel.

For a holiday variation, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dried cranberries. Fans of peanut butter can substitute ½ cup of the butter with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible nutty flavor. To make the recipe dairy-free, opt for plant-based butter and allergy-friendly chocolate chips.

For gluten-free needs, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Individual cookie bars can be wrapped and frozen for up to two months, making them a convenient option for meal prep or future snacks.

Keep cookie bars moist by storing them with a piece of bread or a slice of apple in the container-this trick helps maintain that freshly-baked softness. Whether you crave dense, fudgy bars or light, cakier squares, this recipe is easily customizable to suit every taste and occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serving the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe is as effortless as it is rewarding. After fully cooling, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the cookie bars into your preferred size-classic squares are perfect for lunchbox treats, while larger rectangles make an impressive dessert portion.

For parties and holiday gatherings, arrange the cookie bars on a platter layered with parchment or doilies for an inviting, bakery-style presentation. For a family movie night or casual get-together, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae.

Dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors and add gourmet appeal. If making for a bake sale or picnic, individually wrap the bars in parchment or cellophane for convenient grab-and-go servings.

These versatile bars travel well and retain their soft texture for several days when stored in an airtight container. For festive themes, consider decorating with colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or small candy pieces pressed on top before baking.

No matter the occasion, the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe shines as a shareable, crowd-friendly dessert that's always met with excitement and appreciation.

Health Benefits

While the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe is intended as an indulgent treat, it offers a few surprising health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The inclusion of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and valuable micronutrients like magnesium and Vitamin E.

Eggs in the recipe contribute protein and essential vitamins, while the flour and chocolate chips supply energy in the form of carbohydrates. By using real butter and pure vanilla extract, you avoid artificial flavors and preservatives.

For those with dietary restrictions, substitutions such as dairy-free butters, plant-based chocolate chips, or gluten-free flours are effective, making the cookie bars accessible to more people with varying needs.

If controlling refined sugar is a priority, swap up to half of the sugar with coconut sugar, use dark chocolate chips with higher cacao content, or experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (adjusting flour as needed).

The recipe can also be fortified by using whole wheat pastry flour, boosting fiber and micronutrient content. Portion control is important for overall wellness, making these cookie bars an option for an occasional, satisfying, and nostalgic dessert without overindulgence.

When shared with friends and family, these treats contribute not only joy but also a sense of connection and tradition, bringing a wholesome aspect to their enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Nestle Toll House Cookie Bars?

Yes, the assembled and baked cookie bars freeze exceptionally well. Cool completely, cut into bars, and wrap each individually or layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do I have to use nuts in the recipe?

No, nuts are entirely optional in the Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe. Omit them for a nut-free version, or substitute with your preferred add-ins, like extra chocolate chips, dried fruit, or candy pieces.

How do I prevent my cookie bars from becoming dry or crumbly?

Avoid overbaking by monitoring closely at the end of the baking time. Remove the bars as soon as the edges turn golden brown and the center is set. Proper storage in an airtight container helps maintain moisture and texture.

Can I halve the recipe for smaller batches?

Absolutely, halve the ingredient quantities and bake in an 8x8-inch pan. Baking time may decrease by 3-5 minutes, so begin checking for doneness early.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, the recipe works beautifully with white, milk, dark, butterscotch, or even peanut butter chips. Mix and match to create your own signature bar.

The Nestle Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe stands as an enduring symbol of home-baked warmth and American dessert tradition. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and universally loved flavor make these cookie bars a staple in every baker's repertoire. Whether you enjoy them chewy and golden with a glass of milk, or serve them dressed up with ice cream for special occasions, they never fail to bring smiles and sweet satisfaction. With the flexibility to adapt for dietary needs and personal preferences, this recipe ensures everyone can savor the nostalgia and joy of classic Toll House flavor. Bake a batch today and create new memories with a recipe that's truly stood the test of time.