Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that can elevate any occasion. These cookies are known for their super thick and chewy texture, making them a favorite among dessert lovers. Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or simply indulging yourself, they bring a touch of bakery-quality goodness right to your kitchen. With rich chocolate and a hint of saltiness from the sea salt flakes, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: Enjoy cookies that are thick and chewy, offering a satisfying bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize with dark or milk chocolate and nuts for your ideal cookie experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Bake Ahead and Store: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy fresh cookies throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort by quickly blending butter and sugar.
- Baking trays: Provides ample space for spreading cookies while baking.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
Ingredients:
– 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, optional
– 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 ensure easy removal after baking.
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 just mixed—avoid over-mixing to retain that tender texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt into the mixture. Beat on low speed until you achieve a soft cookie dough consistency. Gently fold in dark or milk chocolate pieces along with walnuts if using.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop to portion out roughly two tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place them on the prepared baking trays, ensuring enough space between each mound for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown around the edges. Once done, allow them to cool completely before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are deliciously thick and chewy, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
Warm with a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination that brings out the rich chocolate flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create indulgent ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This is perfect for warm days!
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies right before serving. It adds an extra layer of decadence.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve your cookies alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in cute boxes or bags as party favors. They make a delightful gift for guests!
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve cookie perfection, consider these helpful tips to elevate your baking game.
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Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and eggs helps maintain the thick texture as they bake.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour and other dry ingredients. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and helps maintain shape.
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Adjust baking time: Watch closely while baking; every oven is different. Remove them when they are slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy center.
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Experiment with chocolate types: Try using a mix of dark and milk chocolate to create depth in flavor.
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Sprinkle sea salt: Finish each cookie with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance sweetness and add complexity.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the richness of the cookies perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, it provides a fruity contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with sweet cookies, enhancing their flavors.
- Chocolate Milkshake: For chocolate enthusiasts, this thick shake is an indulgent match.
- Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda for an unexpected savory twist.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over cookies or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars add texture and health benefits alongside these indulgent treats.
- Hot Cocoa: For chilly days, serve your cookies alongside a warm mug of cocoa to cozy up!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting the perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for while baking.
- Using warm butter: Warm butter does not create the right texture. Always use cold, chopped butter straight from the fridge for that thick and chewy cookie.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding flour to keep them soft and chewy.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Allow your dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurate.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep cookies at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies individually in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Alternatively, freeze cookie dough balls before baking, then bake directly from frozen.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies different?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for their thick, chewy texture and generous chocolate chunks that create an irresistible treat.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate depending on your preference. Each type will give a unique flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure you use cold ingredients and chill your dough. This helps maintain shape during baking.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to add walnuts or any other nuts, like pecans. You could also incorporate dried fruits or caramel pieces for fun variations.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat anyone will love! Their thick and chewy texture makes them stand out among other cookie recipes. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different chocolates to make them uniquely yours!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are celebrated for their super thick and chewy texture, bursting with rich chocolate chunks and a hint of sea salt that elevates their flavor profile. Perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply treating yourself—these cookies bring bakery-quality goodness right to your kitchen. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, you can make these decadent treats uniquely yours. Enjoy warm from the oven or store them for later; either way, they’re sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and chopped
- 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
- 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) standard / 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add vanilla extract and the cold egg; mix until just blended.
- Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt; mix on low speed until it forms a soft dough. Gently fold in chocolate pieces.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto the prepared baking trays with space in between.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Allow to cool slightly 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: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
