Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Super thick and chewy Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true delight for cookie lovers. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Their unique texture and rich flavor will impress everyone, making them a must-try recipe. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing with friends, these cookies promise satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Chewy: The combination of cold butter and specific flour ratios results in a delightful chewy texture that you won’t find in regular cookies.
- Rich Flavor: With dark or milk chocolate chunks and a hint of vanilla, each bite bursts with rich flavors that are simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create bakery-quality cookies with minimal effort.
- Versatile Additions: Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate for a unique twist tailored to your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make an excellent treat for parties, holidays, or just because. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper or baking paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to combine ingredients thoroughly without tiring your arms.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep ingredients organized and separate during preparation.
- Baking trays: Sturdy trays ensure even baking without warping or bending in the heat of the oven.
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
– 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. While the oven heats up, line two baking trays with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract and cold egg, mixing again until incorporated but being careful not to over mix.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and salt (if using). Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Scoop Dough onto Trays
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, scoop out portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking trays. Ensure there’s enough space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Place the trays in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown around the edges. Once done, allow cookies to cool completely on the trays before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or as a delightful treat any time!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about enhancing their rich flavor and chewy texture. These cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways to elevate your dessert experience.
Classic Pairing
- Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is the perfect companion, balancing the sweetness with creamy goodness.
- Coffee: Brewed coffee, whether hot or iced, brings out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Gourmet Touches
- Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkling sea salt on top enhances the flavor profile, making every bite even more satisfying.
- Nut Butter Spread: Spread a thin layer of almond or peanut butter for added richness and protein.
Fun Variations
- Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create a sandwich with your favorite filling, such as frosting or whipped cream.
- S’mores Style: Add toasted marshmallows and graham cracker pieces in between two cookies for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfecting Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve cookie perfection every time.
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and eggs. Cold ingredients contribute to a thicker, chewier cookie.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can create tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Remove cookies when they’re golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add different types of chocolate or nuts based on your preference for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
When serving Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some delightful options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries and melons adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses like brie or aged cheddar provides a savory contrast.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy side that still feels indulgent.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip fruit or even cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
- Nutty Energy Bites: Serve small energy bites made from nuts and oats for a wholesome snack alongside your cookies.
- Chilled Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade refreshingly contrasts the sweetness of cookies, making it an excellent beverage choice.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A simple caramel sauce can add extra sweetness and richness when drizzled over cookies or served on the side.
- Coffee Ice Cream Float: Combine coffee ice cream with cold brew coffee for an exciting drink that pairs well with cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Using room temperature butter: Cold butter is key for thick cookies. Always use cold, roughly chopped butter straight from the fridge.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling your cookie dough helps solidify the fats, leading to thicker cookies. Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially for flour and sugar.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. Baking at too low a temperature can result in flat cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- You can store them for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180 C (350 F) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that might help you perfect your recipe.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, using milk chocolate will create a sweeter cookie. It’s all about your personal preference!
What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies so thick?
The secret lies in using cold butter and not overmixing the dough. These techniques help maintain thickness during baking.
How do I customize my Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?
You can add different nuts or swap chocolate types. Try adding caramel bits or sea salt for extra flavor!
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies remain fresh for about a week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly delightful and versatile. With their thick and chewy texture, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different mix-ins like nuts or other chocolate varieties. Enjoy baking these heavenly treats!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, thick, and chewy delight of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a favorite among cookie lovers, boasting a unique texture and a burst of flavor that is simply irresistible. Made with cold butter for that perfect chewiness and generously packed with dark or milk chocolate chunks, every bite promises satisfaction. Whether served warm or shared with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and become a go-to treat in your baking repertoire.
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
- 225 grams dark or milk chocolate (chopped)
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cold butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until combined. Add vanilla and cold egg; mix gently.
- Incorporate plain flour, cornflour, baking soda; mix on low speed until dough forms. Fold in chopped chocolate.
- Scoop dough onto trays (about 2 tablespoons each) with space between scoops.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden around edges. Cool on trays before adding sea salt flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (70g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
