Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. These cookies are super thick and chewy, delivering a rich chocolate experience in every bite. Perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a festive gathering—these cookies stand out with their generous chunks of chocolate and delightful texture. Enjoy them warm from the oven or as a sweet treat throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of dark or milk chocolate and toasted walnuts creates a decadent taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out nuts or chocolates to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the ideal balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
• Great for Sharing: Makes 10-12 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when combining ingredients, ensuring a perfect dough consistency.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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 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 or 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Then, add vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt to the mixture. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie. Place them on prepared trays, ensuring enough space between each cookie for spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake cookies for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Allow cookies to cool completely on the trays before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for an extra touch of flavor.

These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are countless ways to enjoy your delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own, these cookies can be paired with various treats and beverages.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that never fails. The cold, creamy milk complements the warm, gooey chocolate perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. The melting ice cream creates a heavenly combination.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of rich caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor, elevating your cookie experience.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lighten up the treat by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top. This makes for a delightful contrast in texture.

Alongside Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cookie flavor. They add brightness and balance to the dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a platter with other sweets like brownies or mini cheesecakes for a dessert spread that impresses guests.

Save it!

How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps develop flavors and ensures thicker cookies.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter and eggs helps maintain the structure of your cookies while baking.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup, which can make cookies dry.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown but still soft in the center when you take them out.

• Let Them Cool: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking tray before transferring them helps them set properly without falling apart.

Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can enhance your snacking experience. Here are some excellent suggestions!

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixture of seasonal fruits offers a light and refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.

2. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate for dipping fruit or even pieces of cookie creates an interactive dessert experience.

3. Cheese Platter: Pairing cookies with cheeses like brie or gouda adds savory elements that balance sweetness.

4. Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee enhances chocolate flavors and is perfect for afternoon treats.

5. Nut Butter Dippers: Almond or peanut butter served alongside lets you dip bits of cookie for added flavor and protein.

6. Mini Cupcakes: These can be bite-sized variations that complement the chocolate chip flavors without overwhelming sweetness.

7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that balances out indulgence.

8. S’mores Dip: A warm dip featuring melted chocolate and marshmallows served with graham crackers is fun and delicious alongside cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to flat cookies. Always use cold, unsalted butter straight from the fridge for thick, chewy cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies spreading too much. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for better texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if possible to ensure accuracy.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the tray helps them set properly. Don’t rush this step; let them cool completely before transferring.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for later use.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag and they can last up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 180 C (350 F) and bake for about 5-7 minutes to regain freshness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes for softening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for their thick, chewy texture and generous chunks of chocolate. Their unique balance of flavors and textures makes them irresistible.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate is traditional, feel free to mix in milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips according to your taste preference.

How do I achieve the perfect chewy texture?

To get that chewy texture, ensure you use cold ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough also helps maintain thickness while baking.

Can I customize my Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! You can add nuts like pecans or almonds, or include other mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut flakes for variety.

Final Thoughts

These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy. Their thick and chewy nature makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings for added flair. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!