Introduction
The 1938 Cookie is a classic recipe that has been around for over 80 years. It’s a simple yet delicious treat that is easy to make and enjoyed by people of all ages. But what is the history behind this beloved cookie? Who invented it and why? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the 1938 Cookie and learn how it changed the way we bake.

An Historical Look at the Invention of the 1938 Cookie
The 1938 Cookie was created by Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. According to Wakefield, she was inspired to create the cookie while preparing a batch of chocolate cookies one day in 1938. She decided to add a chopped-up bar of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate to the dough. What she didn’t realize was that the chocolate would not melt and spread throughout the cookie like she had intended. Instead, the pieces of chocolate remained intact, creating a new type of cookie.
“I had been serving a thin butterscotch nut cookie with ice cream,” Wakefield said. “Everybody seemed to love it, but I was trying to give them something different. So I came up with the Toll House cookie.”
The Toll House Cookie quickly became a hit and soon became a staple in American homes. Word of the delicious new treat spread quickly and Wakefield’s recipe was published in newspapers, magazines, and cookbooks across the country. The popularity of the cookie only increased when Nestle began printing Wakefield’s recipe on their packages of semi-sweet chocolate bars.
What Cookie Changed the Way We Bake? The Story of the 1938 Invention
The 1938 Cookie was revolutionary because it was the first time that a cookie was made with chunks of chocolate instead of cocoa powder or melted chocolate. This new technique changed the way cookies were made and opened up a whole new world of possibilities for bakers. With the 1938 Cookie, it was now possible to make cookies with any type of chocolate, as well as other ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, and even candy.
It also changed the way cookies looked and tasted. The 1938 Cookie was softer and chewier than regular cookies, with pockets of melted chocolate throughout. The combination of crunchy edges and soft centers made the cookie an instant hit.
Today, the 1938 Cookie is still a popular treat and can be found in many bakeries and supermarkets. There are countless variations of the cookie, including white chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter. It’s also a favorite among home bakers, who often use the original recipe as a base for their own creations.
From Crumble to Delicious: The Invention of the 1938 Cookie
The original recipe for the 1938 Cookie was incredibly simple. It called for just four ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate. Wakefield used a combination of shortening and butter to get the perfect texture. The sugar was added for sweetness, while the flour provided structure and stability. Finally, the chocolate was the star of the show, giving the cookie its signature flavor and texture.
Making the 1938 Cookie was also fairly straightforward. The ingredients were creamed together, then the chocolate was folded in. The dough was then dropped onto a greased baking sheet and baked until golden brown. The result was a delicious cookie with a chewy center and crispy edges.

A Tasty Tale: The Invention of the 1938 Cookie
The 1938 Cookie was so popular that it spawned a variety of spin-off recipes. Some recipes added additional ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, and candy. Others used different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white. Some recipes even called for the addition of spices or extracts to give the cookie a unique flavor.
The 1938 Cookie also inspired a number of “copycat” recipes, which attempted to recreate the taste and texture of the original. These recipes often used a combination of shortening, butter, and margarine to replicate the original cookie’s texture. Today, these copycat recipes are still popular and can be found in many cookbooks.

Baking Up History: The Invention of the 1938 Cookie
The 1938 Cookie revolutionized the way we bake. It introduced a new technique for making cookies and opened up a world of possibilities for bakers. The cookie also inspired a variety of spin-off recipes, which allowed bakers to experiment with different flavors and textures. Finally, the 1938 Cookie sparked a trend of copycat recipes, which allowed home bakers to recreate the taste and texture of the original.
The invention of the 1938 Cookie has also had a lasting impact on the baking industry. Many modern-day cookies are based on the 1938 recipe, including the ever-popular chocolate chip cookie. In fact, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1940 by Ruth Graves Wakefield’s neighbor, who took inspiration from Wakefield’s original recipe.
The story of the 1938 Cookie is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. It shows us how a single idea can have a lasting impact on the way we bake and inspire generations of bakers.
Conclusion
The 1938 Cookie is a classic recipe that has stood the test of time. It was created by Ruth Wakefield in 1938, and since then it has become a staple in many households. The cookie changed the way we bake by introducing a new technique for making cookies and inspiring a variety of spin-off recipes. The 1938 Cookie also sparked a trend of copycat recipes, which allowed home bakers to recreate the taste and texture of the original. The invention of the 1938 Cookie is a reminder of the power of creativity and innovation and the impact it can have on the baking industry.
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