Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. These cookies are super thick and chewy, making them perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to delightful afternoon snacks. The rich flavors of chocolate combined with the satisfying texture will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious homemade cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick and Chewy: These cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves a soft, gooey interior paired with a slightly crisp edge.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch without any fuss.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize your cookies with dark or milk chocolate and add walnuts for extra crunch, making each batch unique.
- Perfectly Satisfying: Each bite is loaded with chocolate, ensuring that every cookie is as indulgent as it is delicious.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties or gatherings, these cookies will quickly become a favorite among friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.
- Electric mixer: Makes beating butter and sugar quick, giving you a well-mixed dough in no time.
- Baking trays: Essential for even baking; they help distribute heat effectively across your cookies.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
- 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 or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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. Then add vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until mixed but be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt into the mixture. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Incorporate the chopped chocolate and walnuts, mixing briefly.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out roughly two tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Place them on prepared trays, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie 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 an extra flavor kick.
Enjoy these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh out of the oven!
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 delightful ways that enhance their rich flavor and texture. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of these decadent cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create an indulgent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two warm cookies. This adds a delightful contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy your cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Drizzled with Caramel
- For an extra treat, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. This adds an additional layer of flavor that takes them to another level.
As a Dessert Platter
- Serve your cookies on a dessert platter with other baked goods like brownies or blondies. This makes for an impressive display at gatherings or parties.
Topped with Sea Salt
- Finish off your cookies by sprinkling a little extra sea salt on top just before serving. This enhances the flavors and adds an appealing touch.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure you achieve the perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies every time, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
- Use cold ingredients: Start with cold butter and eggs as this helps in achieving that thick and chewy texture characteristic of Levain cookies.
- Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: For even better results, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading.
- Measure flour correctly: Use the scoop-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can ruin the texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Bake until golden brown but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy bite.
- Adjust toppings: Feel free to add different types of chocolate or nuts based on your preference for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great side dishes to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream’s creamy texture pairs wonderfully with warm cookies.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of chocolate chip cookies, balancing flavors nicely.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over could intensify the chocolate flavor experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be dolloped atop warm cookies for added decadence.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake makes for a delightful brunch combo when served alongside cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Unusual but tasty, pairing sweet cookies with mild cheeses creates interesting flavor profiles worth exploring.
- Milkshakes: Blend up some milkshakes for a fun twist; dunking cookie pieces into a shake is blissful!
- Mini Fruit Tarts: These small pastries offer a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with sweet chocolate chip goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using warm butter: Always use cold, chopped butter. Warm butter can lead to flat cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of chewy.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method. Incorrect measurements can drastically change the texture.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allow the dough to rest in the fridge if possible. Chilling enhances flavor and helps with texture.
- Ignoring cookie spacing: Place cookies far apart on the baking tray. They need room to spread while baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label bags with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a pan on low heat, add a cookie, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that you might find helpful.
How do I achieve thick and chewy cookies?
To ensure thickness, use cold ingredients and don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough before baking also helps maintain shape.
What type of chocolate is best for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Dark chocolate is often preferred for its rich flavor, but you can use milk chocolate or a mix of both based on your taste preference.
Can I customize my Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate to tailor them to your liking.
How long do homemade cookies last?
Homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies typically last about 5 days at room temperature when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their rich, chewy texture and customizable options, they are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to love every bite!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie enthusiasts. These cookies boast a thick and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a delightful afternoon snack. The combination of rich chocolate and a soft interior ensures that each bite is as satisfying as it is delicious. Impress your friends and family with these homemade delights, and watch them come back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, cold
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 and 1/2 cups dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the vanilla extract and cold egg; mix until just incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in chocolate and walnuts.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the trays, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center. Allow cooling slightly before sprinkling with sea salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (70g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
