Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. Their super thick and chewy texture makes them a standout dessert, perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Made from scratch, these cookies combine rich chocolate and a delightful crunch from walnuts, making every bite an indulgence. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: These cookies are known for their thick and chewy consistency, providing a satisfying bite.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe allows for substitutions, so you can customize it to fit your taste preferences.
• Perfectly Sweet: A balance of brown sugar and chocolate creates the perfect level of sweetness without being overwhelming.
• Ideal for Sharing: Makes 10-12 cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having everything ready will make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients thoroughly for a consistent dough.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing butter and sugar until creamy.
• Baking trays: Proper trays ensure even baking, preventing cookies from burning or undercooking.

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 / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper to prepare them for your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat using an electric mixer until well combined. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract and cold egg. Mix again until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender.

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 with a spatula for an even distribution.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out cookie dough using about 2 tablespoons per cookie. Place each scoop on the prepared baking trays, ensuring enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool completely on wire racks before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for that extra flavor boost. Enjoy your delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

Classic Serving

• Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food pairing.

A La Mode

• Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert sundae that combines warm and cold textures.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Create cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of frosting or whipped cream between two cookies for a fun twist.

Dipping Delight

• Serve cookies alongside a small bowl of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping, adding an interactive element to dessert.

Coffee Companion

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or espresso. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

Picnic Perfect

• Pack some cookies in a container for your next picnic. They are easy to transport and always a hit among friends and family.

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How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter and egg helps maintain the dough’s structure, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten formation, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

• Scoop Generously: For that signature thick look, use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie when scooping them onto the tray.

• Mind the Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is correctly preheated. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow cookies to cool completely on the tray before serving; this helps them set properly and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with some side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Pairing dark chocolate chip cookies with cheeses like brie or cheddar creates a savory-sweet contrast.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Perfect for dipping! Melted chocolate adds an indulgent touch for those who want extra sweetness.

4. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a smooth contrast to the cookies’ chewy texture.

5. Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

6. Coffee Drinks: Lattes or cappuccinos can enhance the overall experience with their rich flavors that complement chocolate well.

7. Ice Cream Cones: Scoop some ice cream into cones and serve alongside cookies for a fun dessert combination.

8. Milkshake: Blend ice cream with milk to create a thick milkshake that pairs wonderfully with these cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using softened butter: Cold butter creates the thick texture characteristic of these cookies. Always use cold, chopped butter straight from the fridge.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Beat just until combined after adding flour and other dry ingredients.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An uneven temperature can cause cookies to bake poorly.
• Skipping sea salt flakes: Adding a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step for a delightful contrast.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Tip: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Tip: Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

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 rich chocolate flavor. The combination of cold butter and precise baking methods creates an irresistible treat.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can use different types of chocolate or nuts based on your preference. For a gluten-free version, try using almond or coconut flour.

How do I achieve the best texture?

To ensure thick cookies, always use cold butter and avoid overmixing after adding flour. This helps maintain the desired soft and chewy consistency.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies will remain fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies offer an incredible balance of flavor and texture that makes them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize with different chocolates or nuts, ensuring everyone gets their favorite bite. Give this recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create bakery-quality cookies at home!