Introduction
Chocolate chips are a beloved ingredient in many desserts, from cookies to cakes. But when were chocolate chips invented? To uncover the truth, we need to take a look at the history behind these tiny morsels.
In this article, we will explore the sweet history behind the invention of chocolate chips and the mystery behind who invented them. We’ll also look at how chocolate chips changed the baking industry and became so popular.
A Historical Look at the Invention of Chocolate Chips
The origin of chocolate chips dates back to the 1930s. At the time, chocolate was not yet available in chip form. Instead, bakers had to cut up large blocks of baking chocolate into small pieces to use in their recipes.
In 1937, Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, changed the baking game forever. She added chopped-up pieces of semi-sweet chocolate to her cookie dough, creating what is now known as the chocolate chip cookie.
According to Wakefield’s official biography, she “realized that if she chopped up a bar of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate, it would melt and give her cookies a delicious chocolate flavor.” The rest, as they say, is history.
The Sweet History Behind Chocolate Chips
Wakefield’s invention quickly caught on. People across the country began experimenting with adding chopped-up pieces of chocolate to their cookie recipes. By the 1940s, chocolate chips had become a staple in baking recipes.
In 1941, Nestle began selling pre-made chocolate chips. This made it easier for people to bake with chocolate chips, as they no longer had to chop up bars of chocolate themselves.
Nestle’s chocolate chips quickly rose in popularity. In 1947, the company released the iconic “Toll House” brand of chocolate chips, named after Wakefield’s inn. By 1950, chocolate chips were being sold in grocery stores across the country.
Uncovering the Mystery of Who Invented Chocolate Chips
Despite the widespread popularity of chocolate chips, there is still some debate over who actually invented them. Many people believe that Wakefield was the first person to add chocolate chips to cookie dough. However, there is evidence that suggests otherwise.
In 1936, an article in the Los Angeles Times described a recipe for cookies made with “semi-sweet chocolate cut in small pieces.” The article predates Wakefield’s invention by one year, leading some to believe that someone else may have been the first to add chocolate chips to cookie dough.
However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Wakefield is widely credited as the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie, and her contribution to the baking world should not be overlooked.
Conclusion
The invention of chocolate chips has changed the baking industry forever. What started as chopped-up pieces of semi-sweet chocolate has grown into a beloved ingredient used in countless desserts around the world.
While the mystery of who invented chocolate chips remains unsolved, we can thank Ruth Graves Wakefield for introducing this delicious treat to the world. Her contribution to baking is still celebrated today.
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