Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Super thick and chewy, Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try for cookie lovers. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Their unique texture is achieved by using cold ingredients and a few special techniques, making them stand out from conventional chocolate chip cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture: The combination of cold butter and eggs creates a thick and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Rich Flavor: Using dark or milk chocolate adds a depth of flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, snacks, or even as gifts; these cookies are a crowd-pleaser!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
- Homemade Goodness: Baking from scratch ensures you know exactly what goes into your treats, providing a wholesome experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before we dive into the recipe, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies properly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures even mixing of ingredients for the perfect dough consistency.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking trays: A good quality tray helps distribute heat evenly for perfectly baked cookies.
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
Mix-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 / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until they are well combined. Next, incorporate the vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and salt if desired. Mix on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the dark or milk chocolate pieces along with the chopped walnuts.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them on your prepared baking trays, ensuring there is enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Once done, let them cool completely on the trays before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for an extra flavor boost.
These delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies will surely be a hit! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but there are plenty of creative ways to serve them. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance their rich flavors.
Pair with Milk
- Classic Combination: A tall glass of cold milk serves as the perfect complement to the rich, chewy cookies, balancing their sweetness.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Delicious Twist: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat. Vanilla or chocolate ice cream works wonderfully.
Warm with Whipped Cream
- Decadent Dessert: Serve a warm cookie topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luxurious finish. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair.
With Fresh Berries
- Fruity Contrast: Pair cookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Cookie Crumble Topping
- On Your Favorite Dessert: Crumble the cookies over a slice of cheesecake or brownie for added texture and flavor.
Coffee Companion
- Morning Delight: Enjoy your cookies alongside a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the ultimate thick and chewy Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these essential tips that will elevate your baking game.
-
Chill Your Dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps develop deeper flavors and prevents spreading during baking.
-
Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and egg from the fridge. This keeps the dough thicker, which results in chewier cookies.
-
Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
-
Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, particularly for flour and sugar. Accurate measuring ensures consistent results every time.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can create an even more delightful experience. Here are some great options to consider.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the cookie’s rich flavors perfectly.
-
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your cookies adds extra indulgence and richness.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense cookies.
-
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and cookie pieces for a delicious breakfast option.
-
Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making it a perfect beverage choice.
-
Chocolate Milkshake: For a decadent dessert experience, enjoy your cookies alongside a thick chocolate milkshake.
-
Nut Butter Spread: Spread almond or peanut butter on half a cookie for added flavor and protein.
-
Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda for an unexpected yet delightful pairing that balances sweetness and savoriness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using softened butter – Cold butter creates a thicker cookie. Ensure you use cold, chopped butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Not measuring flour accurately – Too much flour leads to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for precision.
- Skipping the sea salt – Sea salt enhances flavor. Don’t skip it; sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Baking at the wrong temperature – Incorrect oven settings can affect texture. Always preheat your oven properly for consistent results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 160°C (320°F) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie to keep them soft.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
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 use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chunks to customize flavors in your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color around the edges while the center remains slightly soft; this indicates they are perfectly baked.
Are there any substitutes for walnuts?
Yes, you can replace walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely if desired. The recipe will still yield amazing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a perfect blend of thick and chewy goodness that is hard to resist. With options to customize ingredients, such as different chocolates or nuts, you can create your own unique twist. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today and indulge in a comforting treat that everyone will love!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, where thick and chewy meets rich and satisfying. These cookies are the epitome of comfort baking, combining cold ingredients and expert techniques to deliver a treat that stands apart from ordinary chocolate chip cookies. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night at home or a festive gathering—these cookies promise to please your taste buds with their melt-in-your-mouth goodness. With luscious pockets of dark or milk chocolate and a hint of sea salt, each bite is an irresistible experience that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 115 grams unsalted butter (cold)
- 190 grams brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (cold)
- 245 grams plain flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 225 grams dark or milk chocolate (chopped)
- 50 grams walnuts (optional, chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together the cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and cold egg until just incorporated.
- Add the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt; mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the chocolate pieces and walnuts.
- Scoop out approximately two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared trays with space between each.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden around the edges. Allow to cool before sprinkling with sea salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
