Question

Which American food company introduced the first chocolate chip cookie in 1938?

Answer 1

The first chocolate chip cookie was invented by American chef Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1938. She created this iconic treat during the period when she owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. Let’s delve into the delightful history of this beloved cookie:

1. The Toll House Inn:

   • Ruth Graves Wakefield and her husband operated the Toll House Inn, a popular restaurant known for its home-cooked meals.
   • The restaurant’s desserts were particularly well-received by patrons.

2. The Birth of the Chocolate Chip Cookie:

   • The myth that Ruth accidentally developed the cookie is not accurate. She deliberately invented it.
   • Ruth had been serving a thin butterscotch nut cookie with ice cream, and she wanted to offer something different.
   • She decided to create what we now know as the Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie.
   • To achieve this, she chopped up bits from a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar and added them to her cookie dough.

3. The Recipe and Legacy:

   • The original recipe appeared in Toll House Tried and True Recipes and was called “Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies.”
   • Nestlé acquired the recipe from Ruth and rewarded her with a lifetime supply of chocolate.
   • The cookie rapidly became a favorite in American homes and remains an enduring classic.

4. World War II and Sharing the Joy:

   • During World War II, soldiers from Massachusetts stationed overseas shared these cookies from home with soldiers across the United States.

So, next time you enjoy a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, remember that it all began with Ruth Graves Wakefield’s delicious invention at the Toll House Inn! 1234.