Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Super thick and chewy Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that can elevate any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, surprising a friend, or simply indulging at home, these cookies promise to impress. Their unique texture combines a soft, gooey center with a crispy outer edge, making them irresistibly delicious. Baking these cookies from scratch allows you to enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of fresh cookies right from your oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
- Deliciously Chewy: The blend of cold butter and chocolate creates a rich, chewy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or chocolate types for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, gifts, or just a cozy night in.
- Freezes Well: You can prepare dough ahead of time and freeze it for future cravings!
Tools and Preparation
Getting ready to bake requires some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy mixing of ingredients without mess.
- Baking trays: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking with parchment paper.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
For the Cookies
- 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.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add your cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Then add vanilla extract and the cold egg. Mix again until incorporated but avoid over-mixing.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and salt if you’re using it. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, take about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place them on the prepared baking trays while leaving enough space for spreading.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Servings: Makes 10-12 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be served in various delightful ways. Here are some creative serving ideas that will elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic combination, pairing these thick cookies with cold milk enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a creamy texture.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve your cookies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate sauce over your cookies before serving. This adds richness and a gourmet touch.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
Cookie Sandwiches
- Create delicious cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of frosting or whipped cream between two cookies. This makes for a fun and tasty snack.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in decorative bags to give as party favors. They make great gifts for birthdays or celebrations.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and egg cold to help achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough only until combined to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve texture.
- Scoop Generously: Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie to ensure they remain thick and chewy while baking.
- Monitor Baking Time: Check your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Add Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkling sea salt on top just after baking enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing cheeses like brie or gouda adds savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the indulgence of cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
- Nutella Dip: Serve Nutella alongside your cookies for dipping; this rich spread pairs wonderfully with chocolate chip flavors.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top elevates the cookie experience, making it even more enjoyable.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake can create a delightful brunch option when served along with these cookies.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in complimentary flavors such as vanilla or mocha to create a diverse dessert platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Using warm butter: Starting with cold butter is crucial. Warm butter will lead to flat cookies instead of thick ones. Always use butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tougher cookies. Combine ingredients just until they come together for a softer texture.
- Skipping the chill time: If you don’t let your dough rest in the fridge for a bit, your cookies might spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This ensures your cookies turn out consistently delicious every time.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s important to check if yours runs hot or cold. An oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking conditions.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies 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 in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat, cover it, and warm each cookie for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.
How do I achieve the perfect thickness in Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To get that signature thickness, ensure your butter is cold, and don’t overmix your dough. Chilling the dough also helps maintain the shape during baking.
Can I substitute ingredients in Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes! You can substitute nuts or chocolate types according to your preference. Just keep the ratios similar for best results.
What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?
Dark chocolate adds rich flavor, but milk chocolate can be used if you prefer sweeter cookies. Feel free to mix both!
How long do these cookies last?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just thick and chewy; they offer endless possibilities for customization! Try adding different nuts or using various types of chocolate. This recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate—give these amazing cookies a try today!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 10-12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, a thick and chewy delight that brings joy to any occasion. These cookies feature a crispy outer edge and a gooey, soft center, creating an irresistible treat. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, baking these from scratch fills your home with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can customize them to suit your taste, whether by adding nuts or varying chocolate types. Elevate your dessert experience and make these decadent cookies today!
Ingredients
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter
- 190 grams (1 cup) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large cold egg
- 245 grams (1 and 3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) chopped dark or milk chocolate
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add vanilla extract and the cold egg; mix until just incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in chopped chocolate and walnuts.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto prepared trays with space between each.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
