Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that boasts a thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, these cookies stand out with their unique combination of cold ingredients and a deliciously gooey center. Everyone will love the indulgent experience of biting into these homemade delights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: These cookies are super thick and chewy, providing a satisfying bite that cookie lovers crave.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of dark or milk chocolate and walnuts creates a rich flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 10-12 cookies, making it an ideal batch size for sharing with family or friends.
- Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to swap the walnuts for your favorite nuts or leave them out entirely for pure chocolate goodness.
Tools and Preparation
To make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps quickly combine butter and sugar without overmixing, ensuring a light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients properly while keeping your workspace organized.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to trays, making cleanup easy.
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, optional
– 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.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Add the vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt into the bowl. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Then add the chopped chocolate and walnuts; mix briefly until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out roughly 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them onto prepared baking trays, leaving enough space for spreading.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on the tray before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top.
Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be as delightful as baking them. These cookies are not just a treat on their own; they can also be paired with various accompaniments that enhance their flavors and textures.
With Milk
- A classic pairing! Enjoy your cookies dunked in a cold glass of milk. The creaminess of the milk balances the rich chocolate.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create a luscious dessert by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two warm cookies. It’s a perfect treat for hot days.
Coffee or Tea
- Pair your cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. The warmth of the beverages complements the chocolatey goodness.
Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. The sweetness of the fruit offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
Nut Butter Spread
- Spread almond or peanut butter on half of a cookie for an extra nutty flavor and creaminess that elevates each bite.
Warm from the Oven
- Enjoy them right out of the oven for an ooey-gooey experience. The melted chocolate will make every bite heavenly.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the ultimate Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor.
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Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs help maintain the thickness of the dough, leading to that iconic chewy texture.
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Do not overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
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Chill the dough: For even better results, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps develop flavor and prevent spreading.
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Opt for quality chocolate: Choose high-quality dark or milk chocolate for richer flavor. Chunks add a delightful texture compared to chips.
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Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be golden but slightly underbaked for that soft and chewy center.
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Sprinkle sea salt: Adding sea salt flakes right after baking enhances the sweetness and brings out all those delicious flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are a star on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an impressive spread. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess; serve it in bowls alongside warm cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over cookies for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for gatherings.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries or blueberries offer a tart contrast to sweet cookies, making it a refreshing combination.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie to balance flavors; add some nuts for crunch.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra sweetness; serve with whipped cream for decadence.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides crunchy texture and pairs well with the softness of cookies.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and cookie pieces for a fun twist on breakfast or dessert.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich, chocolatey goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using room temperature butter – Cold butter is key for thick cookies. Make sure to use cold, chopped butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Beat just until combined after adding the flour and other dry ingredients.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Skipping chilling time – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor. Consider chilling for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Ignoring baking times – Baking times vary by oven. Keep an eye on your cookies and take them out when they are golden brown around the edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven – Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that may help you perfect your baking skills.
How do I achieve thicker Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To get that signature thickness, use cold butter and avoid overmixing your dough. This helps maintain structure while baking.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate, depending on your preference for sweetness.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for golden brown edges with slightly soft centers. They will continue cooking on the baking tray as they cool down.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just scoop out portions onto a tray and freeze before transferring them to a bag.
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly customizable. You can add different nuts or swap chocolates based on what you have at home. Their thick, chewy texture makes them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and enjoy these delightful cookies with family and friends!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect blend of thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor. These cookies are not just a treat; they are an irresistible dessert that elevates any occasion, from family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. With a gooey center and a slightly crisp outer layer, every bite promises to satisfy your cookie cravings. Easy to make with minimal effort, this recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Customize them with your favorite nuts or chocolate varieties to create a unique twist that everyone will love. Get ready to impress with these bakery-style treats that bring warmth and joy to any table.
Ingredients
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold
- 190 grams (1 cup) brown sugar
- 1 large cold egg
- 245 grams (1 and 3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- Optional: 50 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cold butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until combined. Add in the cold egg and mix gently.
- Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms, then fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts if using.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out roughly 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place on the prepared trays.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Let cool completely before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
