Thelma Block’s Toll House Squares

📜 Collection: Jill Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Thelma Block | 📂 Category: Desserts A moist, brownie-like bar cookie featuring a unique marbled chocolate top. These classic Toll House-inspired squares are perfect for freezing and sharing.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins15 minsNone24 squares

🔪 Key Equipment

  • 9x9x2 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Knife

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 cup + 2 tbspAll-Purpose Floursifted
1/2 teaspoonBaking Sodanone
1/2 teaspoonSaltnone
1/2 cupShortening or Margarinesoftened
6 tablespoonsGranulated Sugarnone
6 tablespoonsBrown Sugarpacked
1Egglarge
1/2 teaspoonVanilla Extractnone
1/2 teaspoonWaternone
1/2 cupNutscoarsely chopped
1 cupNestle’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morselsnone

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x9x2 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the 1 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. In a large bowl, blend the 1/2 cup shortening or margarine, 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons brown sugar.
  4. Beat in the 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon water until well combined.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix well, and stir in the 1/2 cup nuts.
  6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 2: Marble and Bake

  1. Sprinkle the 1 cup nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate morsels over the top of the batter.
  2. Place the pan in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes just until the chocolate begins to soften.
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and quickly run a knife through the batter and softened chips to create a marbled effect.
  4. Immediately return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until set but still moist; do not overbake.
  5. Let the pan cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: These squares freeze beautifully; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.


Original Recipe Scan

![Original Handwritten Card](Toll House Squares JC-1754845866140.webp)