Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. These super thick and chewy cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. With their rich flavors and delightful textures, these cookies stand out as a sweet treat that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: The combination of cold butter and precise baking creates cookies that are both soft and chewy on the inside while remaining slightly crisp on the outside.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them perfect for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 10-12 cookies, making it great for sharing with friends or enjoying a batch throughout the week.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize your cookies by swapping in different types of chocolate or nuts, ensuring each batch is uniquely yours.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you need a dessert for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies fit the bill.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes it easy to combine ingredients quickly and evenly, resulting in a well-mixed cookie dough without much effort.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for mixing your ingredients without spills or messes.
- Baking trays: Using good quality trays helps distribute heat evenly for perfectly baked cookies every time.
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 or 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add your cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Then add vanilla extract and the cold egg. Beat again until just combined—be careful not to over mix!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt into the mixture. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Next, fold in chopped chocolate and walnuts briefly.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Place them on prepared trays with enough space in between for spreading.
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool completely before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top. Enjoy your delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can make them even more enjoyable. These cookies are perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a casual snack, a party treat, or a sweet ending to a meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Pair with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream on top makes for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Warm the cookies slightly and drizzle with rich chocolate sauce for an extra chocolatey experience.
Serve with Milk
- A classic pairing! Enjoy these cookies dunked in a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
Create a Cookie Sandwich
- Place another cookie or some whipped cream between two cookies for a delicious cookie sandwich treat.
Add Fresh Berries
- Lighten up the dessert by serving the cookies alongside fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries.
Garnish with Nuts
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of your cookies before serving for added crunch and flavor.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the best results when making your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these handy tips. They will help you master the thick, chewy texture that everyone loves.
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Use cold ingredients – Starting with cold butter and eggs helps maintain the cookie’s shape and chewiness during baking.
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Don’t overmix the dough – Gently combine the ingredients to keep the cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough – If time allows, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and texture.
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Use quality chocolate – Opt for high-quality dark or milk chocolate; it elevates the overall taste of your cookies.
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Space them out – Ensure there is enough space between each cookie on the baking tray; this allows them to spread evenly while baking.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Complementing your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some fun ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that pairs perfectly with warm cookies.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing option that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Milkshake – Blend ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup for a decadent drink pairing.
- Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with sweet cookies, enhancing their flavor.
- Whipped Cream – Serve alongside whipped cream for dipping or spreading on top of your cookies.
- Nut Butter Dip – A creamy nut butter dip adds richness and complements the flavors in the cookies.
- Cheese Platter – For something different, serve with mild cheeses that pair well with sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Warm Butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving that thick texture. Always use butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much will lead to tough cookies. Beat just until the ingredients are combined.
- Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour will dry out your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Skipping the Sea Salt Flakes: These flakes add an incredible flavor boost. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your cookies to a new level!
- Crowding the Baking Tray: Allow enough space between cookies as they spread while baking. This ensures even cooking and perfect shape.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags and label them with the date.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies unique?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for their thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, setting them apart from regular cookies.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can use different types of chocolate or nuts based on your preferences. Just keep the proportions similar.
How do I make my cookies even thicker?
Ensure you use cold butter and avoid overmixing. This helps maintain that desired thickness during baking.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize with different types of chocolate or nuts according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting treat that brings joy with every bite!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. Renowned for their thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this easy-to-follow recipe yields a batch of 10-12 delectable cookies that are simply irresistible. With customizable options for chocolate and nuts, you can make each batch uniquely yours. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or paired with ice cream, these cookies are sure to delight.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large cold egg
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 225 grams dark or milk chocolate (chopped)
- Optional: 1/2 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add vanilla extract and cold egg; mix until just combined.
- Gradually add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared trays, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
