As the founder and owner of Dible Dough, a company that specializes in edible cookie dough, I’m always fascinated by the stories behind some of the most beloved treats in the world. And one story that never fails to captivate me is the story of Ruth Wakefield, the woman who invented the chocolate chip cookie.
Ruth Wakefield, along with her husband, ran the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. Ruth was a skilled and thoughtful chef who personally created many of the dishes that became popular at the restaurant. But it was her work in developing the recipe for the chocolate chip cookie that would make her a culinary legend.
Although many people believe that the invention of the chocolate chip cookie was an accident, recent research has shown that Ruth Wakefield was far from a casual baker. She held a degree in “Household Arts” and was an experienced and innovative chef who was always looking for new ways to delight her customers.
In the (now false) story, Ruth was attempting to make chocolate cookies for the inn when she ran out of baker’s chocolate. As a frantic substitute, she grabbed a Nestlé chocolate bar and broke it into chunks, hoping the melted chocolate would mix in with the dough. The surprising result, however, was the Edible Cookie Dough we know and love, featuring soft, unmixed chocolate chips. Ruth then sold the recipe (and the Toll House name) to Nestlé for $1 and a lifetime supply of chocolate.
Ruth’s invention quickly became a sensation, and her recipe was printed in a Boston newspaper and included in her cookbook, “Ruth Wakefield’s Tried and True Recipes.” In 1939, she sold Nestlé the rights to print her recipe on their packages, and the company began producing the Nestlé Toll House Real Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, which later became known as chocolate chips. The cookie’s popularity grew during World War II when soldiers from Massachusetts shared their care packages from home.
Ruth’s legacy as a pioneering woman in the culinary world is truly inspiring. Her creativity and ingenuity in developing the chocolate chip cookie recipe, which lead to my own edible cookie dough recipe, continue to inspire bakers and chefs to this day. But Ruth Wakefield is just one of many amazing women who have made their mark in the food industry.
As a woman-owned and operated business, Dible Dough is proud to be a part of this legacy. Like Ruth Wakefield, we’ve used our expertise and creativity to develop a unique and delicious product that has captured the hearts of edible cookie dough lovers everywhere. By heat treating the flour and removing the eggs, we’ve created this safe to eat confection. And like Ruth Wakefield, I’m honored to be a part of a tradition of talented and innovative women who have contributed so much to the world of food.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s remember the many inspiring women who have paved the way for us all. From Ruth Wakefield to modern-day entrepreneurs like myself, women have been at the forefront of some of our most beloved treats, like edible cookie dough. So let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible contributions of these pioneering women and to support the businesses they’ve built.
Here’s to the women who have made our world a sweeter place!
Click HERE for Ruth’s original recipe.