Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Super thick and chewy Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their soft centers and crispy edges, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. What sets these cookies apart is their massive size and rich chocolate flavor, making them a standout dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance between chewy and crispy with every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect as an afternoon snack, dessert for parties, or even as a special gift.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of dark or milk chocolate and walnuts elevates the taste to new heights.
- Batch Size: This recipe yields 10-12 cookies, ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without spills.
- Electric mixer: Makes beating butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Baking trays: Ensure even baking and prevent cookies from sticking.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy cookie removal and keeps trays clean.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
Ingredients:
– 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
– 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped by hand
– 50 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
– 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 / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper to prepare for your cookies.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Add vanilla extract and the cold egg, then beat again until combined. Be careful not to over mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt (if using). Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts until just combined.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, scoop out approximately two tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Place them on the prepared baking trays, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool completely on the baking tray before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your freshly baked Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about enhancing their delightful flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions that will make these cookies even more enjoyable.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, milk complements the rich chocolate and buttery flavors of the cookie, offering a satisfying contrast.
Warm from the Oven
- Enjoy these cookies straight out of the oven for an irresistible gooey center and warm, melty chocolate.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat that’s perfect for warm days.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies to elevate their sweetness and add an elegant touch.
On a Dessert Platter
- Present these cookies alongside other desserts like brownies or mini pastries for a beautiful dessert spread during gatherings.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack that balances sweetness with warmth.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the ultimate thick and chewy texture in your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these tips for perfection.
-
Chill your dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
-
Use cold ingredients: Keep your butter and egg cold to maintain the structure of the cookie, leading to a thicker final product.
-
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
-
Scoop generously: Use a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to ensure each cookie is substantially thick and satisfying.
-
Bake one tray at a time: For even baking, place only one tray in the oven at a time. This helps maintain consistent heat circulation around each cookie.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookies, balancing their sweetness with coolness.
-
Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the richness.
-
Chocolate Sauce: Serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping or drizzling—it elevates the chocolate experience!
-
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies for an indulgently sweet addition that takes them to new heights.
-
Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake offers contrasting textures while complementing the sweet flavors of chocolate chip cookies.
-
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a fresh, tart contrast to the gooeyness of the cookies, making it an excellent choice for balance.
-
Milkshake: Blend up a rich milkshake featuring chocolate or vanilla flavors for a deliciously nostalgic pairing.
-
Nutella Dipping Sauce: For hazelnut lovers, serve Nutella as a dip alongside to add another layer of flavor to each bite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to flat cookies. Always use cold, roughly chopped butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft and chewy texture.
- Incorrect measuring of flour: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps flavors develop and prevents spreading. If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Skipping sea salt flakes: Sea salt enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step; it balances sweetness and adds depth to your cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180 C (350 F). Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How do I achieve thick cookies like Levain Bakery?
To get those thick cookies, ensure your butter is cold and avoid overmixing your dough. This will help maintain the structure during baking.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate based on your preference. Mixing different chocolates also adds variety.
How long does it take to make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
The total time is about 44 minutes, including prep and baking time. It’s quick enough for a sweet treat!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only incredibly thick and chewy but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolates. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful comfort of freshly baked cookies!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, known for their irresistibly thick and chewy texture. With their soft centers and crisp edges, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Richly flavored with dark or milk chocolate and complemented by crunchy walnuts, each oversized cookie promises to satisfy your sweet tooth like no other. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that bakers of all levels can whip up a batch of these decadent treats in no time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these bakery-style delights!
Ingredients
- 115 grams unsalted butter (cold)
- 190 grams brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (cold)
- 245 grams plain or all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 225 grams dark or milk chocolate (chopped)
- 50 grams walnuts (chopped)
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cold butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until well mixed. Add vanilla extract and cold egg; mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, cornflour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, then fold in chocolate and walnuts.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto the prepared trays, spacing them out.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
