In 1938, Ruth Wakefield Added Chocolate Chunks to Cookie Dough, Expecting Them to Melt: Ended Up Establishing the Foundation for Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ruth Wakefield of the Toll House Inn intentionally created the "Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie" in the late 1930s. Unlike previous chocolate cookies, her recipe featured distinct chocolate pieces that retained their texture during baking, creating a unique contrast with the dough. This innovative cookie quickly gained popularity, becoming a national favorite.