The Heroic Tale of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

TLDRLearn the fascinating history of the chocolate chip cookie, from its invention by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 to its popularity during World War II. Try Ruth's original recipe as well as a ration-friendly version, and compare the flavors and textures. Find out why the chocolate chip cookie became an American favorite and the official state cookie of Massachusetts.

Key insights

🍪Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie in 1938 at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts.

🌍During World War II, chocolate chip cookies became popular as care package treats for soldiers.

🔢The original recipe called for ingredients like butter, brown sugar, nuts, and chocolate, while the ration-friendly version substituted shortening, honey, and maple syrup.

🔓Nestle bought the rights to Ruth's recipe and introduced the chocolate chip cookie to a wider audience.

🏆The chocolate chip cookie is now one of America's most loved baked goods and the official state cookie of Massachusetts.

Q&A

Who invented the chocolate chip cookie?

—Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie in 1938.

Why did chocolate chip cookies become popular during World War II?

—Chocolate chip cookies were popular during World War II because they could be sent as care packages to soldiers.

What were the original ingredients in the chocolate chip cookie recipe?

—The original chocolate chip cookie recipe called for butter, brown sugar, nuts, and chopped chocolate bars.

What substitutions were made in the ration-friendly version of the recipe?

—In the ration-friendly version, shortening was used instead of butter, and honey and maple syrup replaced sugar.

Why is the chocolate chip cookie the official state cookie of Massachusetts?

—The chocolate chip cookie is the official state cookie of Massachusetts because it was invented there and gained popularity in the state.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie in 1938 at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts.

03:00During World War II, chocolate chip cookies became popular as care package treats for soldiers.

09:30The original recipe called for ingredients like butter, brown sugar, nuts, and chocolate, while the ration-friendly version substituted shortening, honey, and maple syrup.

11:18Nestle bought the rights to Ruth's recipe and introduced the chocolate chip cookie to a wider audience.

13:20The chocolate chip cookie is now one of America's most loved baked goods and the official state cookie of Massachusetts.

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