Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of thick, chewy textures and rich chocolatey flavors. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet snack at home. With their unique characteristics, these cookies stand out as a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: The thick and chewy nature of these cookies makes them incredibly satisfying to bite into.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, these cookies are easy to whip up at home without needing any special items.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or switch up the chocolate type for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 10-12 servings per batch, they’re great for sharing with friends and family or saving some for later.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies impress everyone—from kids to adults—making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Baking trays: Sturdy trays provide an even baking surface for your cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment keeps the cookies from sticking to the tray and aids in easy cleanup.
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 to prepare them for the cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Then add the vanilla extract and cold egg. Mix again until just combined; be careful not to over mix.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts using a spatula or spoon.
Step 4: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out roughly 2 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Place them on your prepared baking trays while leaving space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for about 12–14 minutes or until they are golden brown on the edges. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the trays. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re sure to become a new favorite in your household.
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can elevate the experience, making them even more delightful. Consider these creative serving suggestions to impress your guests or simply enhance your own enjoyment.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination. The warmth of the cookie melts the ice cream slightly, creating a deliciously creamy treat.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle warm cookies with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. This adds a silky texture and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Paired with Fresh Berries
- Serve cookies alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cookie, making for a refreshing contrast.
With a Glass of Milk
- Enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk. This timeless pairing enhances the cookie’s flavor and provides a nostalgic touch.
As Cookie Sandwiches
- Create cookie sandwiches by adding frosting or whipped cream between two cookies. This makes for an indulgent treat perfect for celebrations.
Topped with Sea Salt
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle additional sea salt flakes on top just before serving. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an interesting crunch.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are as delicious as possible, follow these helpful tips. These techniques will help you achieve that thick and chewy texture everyone loves.
- Use cold ingredients: Start with cold butter and eggs straight from the fridge. This helps create that thick cookie texture without spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
- Chill the dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps develop flavor and improves texture.
- Measure accurately: Use kitchen scales for precision when measuring flour and sugar. Accurate measurements lead to better results.
- Watch baking time closely: Bake until just golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add different types of chocolate or nuts based on your preference. This allows for customization while keeping that signature Levain Bakery taste.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert table or snack platter. Here are some ideas to complement their rich flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness and acidity that contrasts nicely with chocolate.
- Milkshakes: Thick milkshakes made with vanilla or chocolate ice cream offer a creamy sidekick that enhances every bite of cookie.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy varieties, can balance out the sweetness while adding savory notes.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee pairs exceptionally well with sweet chocolate chip cookies, enhancing their flavors.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a light yet satisfying complement to richer desserts like cookies.
- Nut Mixes: A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides crunch and protein, making it an easy finger food option alongside cookies.
- Pudding Cups: Serve small cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding that can be enjoyed alongside each bite of cookie for added indulgence.
- Mini Brownies: For those who love chocolate, mini brownies could be an amazing pairing, creating an ultimate chocolate lover’s platter!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using room temperature butter: Cold butter is essential for thick cookies. Make sure your butter is straight from the fridge and chopped roughly.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix only until combined when adding the wet ingredients and dry ingredients.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Skipping sea salt flakes: Adding sea salt enhances the flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle it on top before cooling.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can change the texture of your cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C), then warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
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 thick Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To get that thick texture, use cold butter and avoid overmixing your dough.
Can I substitute dark chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
What’s the best way to store Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
For optimal freshness, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
Can I bake these cookies without walnuts?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, simply omit them from the recipe without affecting the outcome.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly a treat! Their thick, chewy texture combined with rich chocolate makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different types of chocolate or add-ins like dried fruit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, known for their thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Perfectly balancing indulgence and nostalgia, this recipe offers a delightful experience for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet at home. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can create bakery-style cookies that impress everyone from kids to adults. Customize them with your choice of nuts or chocolate types for an even more personal touch. Enjoy a warm cookie with ice cream or share them with loved ones—they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
- 115g cold unsalted butter
- 190g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large cold egg
- 245g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 225g chocolate (dark or milk), chopped
- Optional: 50g walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cold butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until blended. Add vanilla extract and cold egg; mix until just combined.
- Gradually add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in chopped chocolate and walnuts gently.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto the prepared trays, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
