Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. With their super thick and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Made from scratch, they stand out due to their rich flavor and generous chocolate chunks. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or storing them for later, these cookies are sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of dark or milk chocolate and brown sugar creates a deliciously sweet taste that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies with ease.
- Versatile Options: Customize your cookies by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate according to your preference.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are both thick and chewy, providing a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more.
- Great for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather your 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
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth dough by efficiently mixing butter and sugar without tiring your arms.
- Mixing bowls: Having a few bowls in different sizes allows for easy organization of ingredients during preparation.
- Baking trays: Sturdy trays ensure even baking and prevent warping in high heat.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
For the Dough
- 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
For the Add-Ins
- 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.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Then add the vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until everything is mixed but be careful not to over mix.
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. Finally, add in the chopped chocolate and walnuts, beating briefly just to combine.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie. Place them on the prepared baking trays with enough space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool completely on the trays before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top.
Enjoy every bite of your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them on their own or as part of a dessert spread, serving these cookies creatively can elevate your experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination that enhances the rich flavors.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor and enjoy the contrast between warm cookies and cold ice cream.
Warm Cookie Sundae
- Crumble a warm cookie over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce for a delicious sundae.
Coffee Companion
- Serve these thick cookies alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh fruits and nuts for a beautiful and tasty dessert spread perfect for gatherings.
Gift Idea
- Package the cookies in a decorative box or jar to give as gifts. Friends and family will love receiving this homemade treat!
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and egg helps maintain the cookie’s thick texture during baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy instead of tough.
- Chill dough if needed: If you’re not baking right away, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Uniform scooping: Use an ice cream scoop for even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden brown but still soft in the center when pulled from the oven.
- Add flaky sea salt: Sprinkling sea salt on top right after baking adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can make your dessert even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs perfectly, especially when used in cookie sandwiches.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the chocolate chip cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include cheeses like brie or goat cheese to add savory elements that complement sweet flavors.
- Coffee or Tea: Enhance your cookie experience with a hot beverage; coffee offers richness while herbal teas provide lighter notes.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts can add crunch and salty flavor, creating an enjoyable contrast with soft cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to flat cookies. Always use cold butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that soft and chewy texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements or spoon and level it.
- Skipping the rest period: Resting the dough enhances flavor. If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to heat evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies:
How do I make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies thicker?
To achieve thicker cookies, ensure you use cold ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough.
Can I substitute chocolate types in Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes! You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate based on your preference.
How long do Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies take to bake?
These cookies typically bake for 12-14 minutes, depending on your oven’s temperature.
Are Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can try gluten-free flour alternatives if needed.
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding different nuts or swapping chocolate types. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats fresh from your oven!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies! Known for their super thick and chewy texture, these cookies are a hit at family gatherings or festive celebrations. Made from scratch, they feature a rich flavor profile enhanced by generous chunks of chocolate. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, each bite promises to delight cookie lovers.
Ingredients
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold
- 190 grams (1 cup) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, cold
- 245 grams (1 and 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix cold butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add vanilla extract and cold egg; mix until just blended.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt in another bowl before adding them to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in chocolate and walnuts.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto the baking trays with space in between.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on trays, then sprinkle with sea salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (70g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
