Ruth Wakefield

Ruth Wakefield was an American chef and author. She was born in Easton, Massachusetts, in 1903. She invented the chocolate chip cookie in the 1930s. Her creation became one of the most beloved treats in the world.

Early Life

Wakefield studied household arts at a college in Massachusetts. She became a teacher and dietitian. She and her husband bought an old toll house and turned it into a restaurant called the Toll House Inn. She was known for her excellent cooking and baking.

Big Achievements

One day, Wakefield chopped up a chocolate bar and added it to her cookie dough. She expected the chocolate to melt completely, but it kept its shape. The result was the chocolate chip cookie. The recipe became wildly popular. She made a deal with Nestle to print her recipe on their chocolate bars.

Fun Facts

• Wakefield expected the chocolate to melt into the dough, but it did not.
• She received a lifetime supply of chocolate from Nestle in exchange for her recipe.
• The original recipe is still printed on bags of Nestle chocolate chips.

Did You Know?

Wakefield's Toll House cookies became so popular during World War II that soldiers from Massachusetts shared them with others. Soon, soldiers from all over the country asked their families to send them. This helped spread the chocolate chip cookie across America.