If there’s one recipe that takes me back to my childhood, it’s Gran’s Toll House Cookies. This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it’s a cherished family heirloom that’s been passed down through generations. These cookies, with their perfect blend of sweetness and crunch, have been the star of every family gathering, bake sale, and casual afternoon tea. They carry the warmth of Gran’s kitchen, the laughter shared over the baking tray, and the anticipation of that first bite into their soft, gooey center. For me, baking these cookies is like a warm hug from the past, a way to relive those precious memories and create new ones. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to bake! So whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Gran’s Toll House Cookies are sure to impress. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. sifted flour
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. shortening
- 3/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar
- 2 eggs (unbeaten)
- 1 tsp. hot water
- 1 c. nut meats, cut fine
- 2 (14 oz.) pkg. Nestle semi-sweet chocolate, in pieces
- 2 c. oatmeal (quick or regular; uncooked)
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Baking Instructions
- Sift flour once before measuring, then sift with soda and salt. Cream shortening until soft.
- Add sugars gradually, creaming until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add hot water to creamed mixture, then sifted dry ingredients.
- Add nut meats, Nestle chocolate and oatmeal and mix thoroughly.
- Add vanilla and blend well.
- Drop by half teaspoons on a greased cookie sheet.
- Nut meats may be omitted.
- Bake at 375° for 8 minutes.
- Makes 100.
Calorie: 150
Total cooking time: 25 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Unforeseen Cookie Journey
It was a typical Tuesday afternoon, and I was itching for some mischief. Not the setting-a-fire-in-the-backyard kind of mischief, but the kind that involves flour, soda, and a good amount of salt.
The Ingredients: A Love-Hate Relationship
There I was, staring down my nemesis: the measuring cup. The recipe called for 1 1/2 cups of sifted flour, but my measuring cup only held one cup. The flour and I had a tense stare-down before I decided to just go for it. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?
Next up, we had soda and salt. A teaspoon of each. Easy peasy. I always love how innocent these two look, but they pack a punch in the flavor department. Don’t let their simplicity fool you.
Now, onto the sugars. Yes, sugars – plural. In one corner, we had 3/4 cup of brown sugar, firmly packed. In the other, the same amount of granulated sugar. I felt like a referee in a sweet, sweet boxing match.
Cracking the Eggs: A Test of Patience
Two eggs sat in front of me, unbowed, unbeaten. I took a deep breath and got to work. The first egg split open like it was born to do it. The second one, however, put up a fight. After a few attempts (and a good number of egg-shell pieces scattered around), victory was mine.
The Mix: A Symphony of Flavors
Next, I added the hot water to the creamed mixture. Talk about a sizzling romance! Then, I introduced the sifted dry ingredients to the party. They mingled nicely, much to my relief.
The nut meats were next on the line-up. I had to cut them fine, but who am I kidding? My chopping skills are as good as a beaver’s dentistry skills. But eventually, I got them to a semi-respectable size.
Then came the Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate. Oh, the chocolate! Two 14 oz. packages of pure, unadulterated bliss. Together with two cups of regular oatmeal, they created a texture that was nothing short of a culinary miracle.
The Drop: A Leap of Faith
With the vanilla blended in, it was time to drop the dough by half teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet. It was like sending my little dough-babies off to college. Sniff.
The recipe said nut meats could be omitted, but come on, where’s the fun in that?
The Bake: A Test of Time
With the oven preheated to 375°, I slid the tray in. As I closed the oven door, I could almost hear the cookies whispering, “See you on the other side.”
Eight minutes. That’s all it took for the kitchen to fill with the heavenly aroma of cookies. When I took them out, they were perfect – golden brown with chunks of chocolate peeking out.
The End Result: A Party in the Mouth
One bite and I knew it was worth it. The cookies were soft, chewy, and bursting with flavors. The semi-sweet chocolate danced with the nut meats in a harmony that left me speechless.
So, there you have it. My Tuesday cookie journey. It was messy, it was chaotic, but it was oh-so-delicious. And the best part? I got to eat cookies for dinner. Because I’m an adult and I make my own rules.
Until the next mess… I mean, recipe!
