Ruth Graves Wakefield, born on June 17, 1903, in East Walpole, Massachusetts, is best known for being the inventor of the Toll House Cookie, which was the first-ever chocolate chip cookie. Growing up in Massachusetts, Ruth developed a love for baking from a young age. She honed her skills in the kitchen and eventually went on to study at the Framingham State Normal School Department of Housekeeping and Sanitation Science.
After completing her studies, Ruth opened the Toll House Inn, a charming guesthouse that quickly became known for its delicious home-cooked meals and mouth-watering desserts. Ruth took great pride in creating her own unique recipes, often experimenting with new ingredients and flavor combinations.
It was during her time at the Toll House Inn that Ruth made her groundbreaking discovery. One day, while baking a batch of cookies, she decided to add pieces of Nestle chocolate to the dough. To her surprise, the chocolate did not melt completely but instead softened, creating delicious pockets of gooey chocolate in the cookies. This simple but revolutionary idea would change the world of baking forever.
As word spread about Ruth's incredible chocolate chip cookies, sales of Nestle's chocolate skyrocketed. In recognition of her contribution to their success, Nestle made Ruth a generous offer: they would print her famous cookie recipe on their chocolate packaging, and she would receive a lifetime supply of chocolate.
Ruth's chocolate chip cookie recipe quickly became a household favorite, loved by people of all ages. Its popularity even attracted some notable guests to the Toll House Inn, including then-Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy. Ruth's cookies were a hit with everyone who tried them, earning her a reputation as a talented baker and innovator in the world of desserts.
In 1926, Ruth married Kenneth Donald Wakefield, a businessman who supported her culinary endeavors and helped her expand the Toll House Inn into a thriving business. Together, they continued to delight guests with Ruth's delectable creations, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the world of baking.
Ruth Graves Wakefield's legacy lives on today in the form of the beloved Toll House Cookie. Her innovative spirit and passion for baking have inspired generations of home cooks and professional chefs alike. Ruth's contributions to the world of desserts will always be remembered, and her chocolate chip cookies will continue to bring joy to people around the world for years to come.