DWC 100 Women: Ruth Wakefield, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ruth Wakefield, born in 1903, was more than just a talented baker. Educated at Framingham State Normal School Department of Household Arts, Ruth had a profound understanding of food chemistry. Alongside her husband, Kenneth, she purchased the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, in 1930. The inn quickly became famous for its home-cooked meals, particularly Ruth's desserts.

One day, in 1938, Ruth's curiosity and creativity led her to experiment with a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies. Lacking baker's chocolate, she substituted it with a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar, assuming it would melt and blend into the dough. To her surprise, the chocolate held its shape, creating delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie. The Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie was born, a serendipitous invention that would become an American icon.

Ruth's journey wasn't without challenges. The Great Depression was a difficult time for many, and running a business during this period required ingenuity. Despite the economic hardships, Ruth's unwavering dedication to her craft ensured the Toll House Inn remained a beloved establishment.

Ruth's journey wasn't without challenges. The Great Depression was a difficult time for many, and running a business during this period required resilience and ingenuity. Despite the economic hardships, Ruth's unwavering dedication to her craft ensured the Toll House Inn remained a beloved establishment.

Her innovative cookies gained immense popularity, and Ruth's recipe was soon published in a Boston newspaper. The recipe's fame spread like wildfire, and letters poured in from across the country, asking for the secret behind these delicious treats. Recognising the potential, Ruth made a shrewd business decision. She struck a deal with Andrew Nestlé, exchanging the recipe's rights for a lifetime supply of chocolate. Nestlé began producing chocolate chips specifically for cookies, including Ruth's recipe on their packaging.

Ruth Wakefield's contributions went beyond her famous cookies. She authored a cookbook, "Toll House Tried and True Recipes," which became a staple in American households. 

Ruth's story is a reminder that sometimes, our greatest achievements come from unexpected moments of creativity. Her ability to turn a simple mistake into a beloved treat teaches us the value of embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the process.

Today, the chocolate chip cookie is more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of comfort, home, and togetherness. Ruth Wakefield's invention has transcended generations, becoming a staple in kitchens worldwide.