Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. These super thick and chewy cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet craving at home. With a rich flavor and delightful texture, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. The use of cold ingredients helps achieve that signature Levain Bakery-style thickness, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to whip up delightful cookies in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the combination of a crispy exterior with a soft, gooey center that defines the classic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate varieties to create your own unique twist on this beloved recipe.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 10-12 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to share—or keep all to yourself!
- Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies fit seamlessly into any event.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides enough space for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: This tool ensures thorough mixing of butter and sugar for that fluffy texture.
- Baking trays: Proper baking trays help achieve even cooking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
For the Cookie Dough
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, COLD (straight from the fridge), roughly chopped
- 190 grams (1 cup) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, cold
- 245 grams (1 and 3/4 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour or cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt, optional
For the Mix-Ins
- 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped by hand
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
To Finish
- Sea salt flakes
How to Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) standard or 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking paper to prepare them for the cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add cold butter and brown sugar. Beat using an electric mixer until well combined. Next, add vanilla extract and the cold egg; mix again until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add flour, cornflour, baking soda, and salt if you’re using it. Beat on low speed until soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in chopped chocolate and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them on the prepared baking trays with enough space between each one for spreading.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. Once done, allow them to cool completely before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for an added flavor boost.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their soft and chewy texture pairs well with various accompaniments, making them a delightful treat. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic combo that never fails. The creamy milk balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Warmed with Ice Cream
- Heat a cookie in the microwave for a few seconds and top it with your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent dessert.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a sweet touch by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
Paired with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a platter with other desserts like brownies or mini pastries for an impressive spread at gatherings.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the ultimate Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your baking process.
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Use cold ingredients: Keeping butter and eggs cold helps maintain the cookie’s thick shape during baking, resulting in that desired chewy texture.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and tender results.
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Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can enhance flavors and improve texture.
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Watch your baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they’re golden brown but still soft in the center.
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Experiment with chocolate types: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for varied flavor profiles that will delight every palate.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pairing side dishes with Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich cookies beautifully.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Blend up a thick chocolate milkshake for an indulgent pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee provides a great contrast to the sweetness, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
- Hot Cocoa: For chocolate lovers, hot cocoa can make for a cozy pairing during cold days.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda; their creaminess pairs surprisingly well with chocolate chip cookies.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of lightly salted nuts provides crunch and an interesting textural contrast to the soft cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits for a wholesome side that nicely contrasts with each bite of cookie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cookies are perfect every time.
- Using warm butter: Always use cold butter directly from the fridge. Warm butter can lead to flat cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Not chilling the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps maintain shape during baking.
- Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies! Baking too long can result in dry cookies, while underbaking leads to raw centers.
- Skipping sea salt flakes: Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top before cooling. It enhances flavor and creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F), place cookies on a baking tray, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat without drying out.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover and warm for a couple of minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes! You can mix dark and milk chocolate or even add white chocolate chips for variety.
How thick should the cookies be?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for their thickness, so aim for about 1.5 inches in height before baking.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can either omit walnuts or substitute them with pecans or other nuts according to your preference.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
How can I customize the flavor?
Add ingredients like cinnamon, espresso powder, or different extracts (like almond) to create unique flavors!
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them with different chocolates or nuts according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors that will surely delight everyone!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. These thick, chewy delights boast a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or satisfying a sweet craving at home, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. With customizable mix-ins and quick preparation, they’re perfect for both baking novices and seasoned pros. Plus, the use of cold ingredients ensures a signature thickness that elevates every bite into a heavenly experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter
- 1 cup (190g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large cold egg
- 1 and 3/4 cups (245g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Sea salt flakes (for finishing)
- 1 and 1/2 cups (225g) chopped dark or milk chocolate
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add vanilla extract and the cold egg; mix until just combined.
- Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt; mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in chopped chocolate and walnuts.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared trays.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow cooling slightly before sprinkling with sea salt flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
