Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any cookie lover. These cookies are super thick and chewy, making them a standout choice for gatherings, snack time, or just a delightful dessert at home. With their rich flavor and gooey chocolate chunks, they’re perfect for both special occasions and everyday cravings. Get ready to indulge in this deliciously satisfying recipe that will impress your family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the delightful bite of cookies that are perfectly dense yet soft.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and brown sugar creates a deep, satisfying taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time, even as a beginner.
- Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to swap out walnuts or use different types of chocolate for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: Makes 10-12 cookies, ideal for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment will help ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing ingredients, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy handling of ingredients without mess.
- Baking trays: Proper trays ensure even cooking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
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
For Finishing Touches
- 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: 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 mixed but avoid over-mixing.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts by beating briefly.
Step 4: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop, take about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place them on the prepared baking trays with enough space between each for spreading.
Step 5: Bake
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once done, let them cool completely on the tray before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top.
Enjoy these delectable Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them for later!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you enjoy them warm or with a scoop of ice cream, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
Classic Enjoyment
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat that enhances the flavors of the chocolate.
- Serve warm to fully appreciate their gooey texture and rich chocolate flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create a delightful ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert experience.
Dessert Platters
- Arrange them on a platter with various other cookies and desserts for a fun dessert table at parties or gatherings.
Toppings Galore
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these thick cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a comforting break.
Gift Ideas
- Package cookies in decorative boxes for homemade gifts that friends and family will love.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Achieving the perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs help achieve the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the dough light and fluffy, preventing a dense cookie.
- Chill the dough: Allow the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and improve texture.
- Scoop generously: Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie to maintain thickness during baking.
- Watch the bake time: Pull them out when they’re golden brown but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy bite.
- Add sea salt flakes: A sprinkle on top before serving adds an incredible flavor contrast that enhances sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can create an even more enjoyable experience. Here are some great side dish suggestions.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast, providing acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Blend up a thick chocolate milkshake for an indulgent pairing that delights chocolate lovers.
- Coffee Float: Pour hot coffee over vanilla ice cream for a unique twist that combines dessert with your caffeine fix.
- Whipped Cream: Serve alongside whipped cream as a dip or topping to add an airy lightness.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone, which offer a creamy counterpoint to the cookie’s richness.
- Nut Mixes: A bowl of mixed nuts provides crunch and saltiness, making it an excellent companion snack.
- Churros: For those who love sweets, churros provide another layer of indulgence perfect for sharing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and taste.
- Using warm butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving that thick and chewy texture. Always use cold, roughly chopped butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Beat until just combined when adding eggs and flour ingredients.
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling your cookie dough allows flavors to develop. If you’re in a hurry, let it chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Skipping the sea salt flakes: Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor, balancing sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
- Baking at incorrect temperatures: Always preheat your oven properly. An inaccurate temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for about 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds but be careful not to overdo it as they can become dry.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for their incredible thickness and chewy texture. The use of cold ingredients helps create that signature consistency.
Can I substitute chocolate types in this recipe?
Yes! You can use either dark or milk chocolate according to your preference. You could even mix both for added flavor.
How do I make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for better structure.
How long do these cookies last after baking?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies last around one week in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only thick and chewy but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them by adding your favorite nuts or swapping out chocolate types. Give this recipe a try for a comforting treat that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, a beloved treat that delights cookie lovers everywhere. These cookies boast a thick and chewy texture, making them perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, snack time, or a cozy night in. With rich dark chocolate chunks melted into every bite and a hint of sea salt on top, these cookies are not just desserts; they are an experience. Easy to make, this recipe allows you to customize your cookie with additional ingredients like nuts or different types of chocolate. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously satisfying homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 115g unsalted butter (cold)
- 190g brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large cold egg
- 245g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 225g chopped dark or milk chocolate
- Sea salt flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add vanilla extract and cold egg; mix gently.
- Combine flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix until dough forms; fold in chocolate.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto trays, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and let 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 cookie (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
