Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the bakery experience right to your kitchen. These cookies are super thick and chewy, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The unique combination of cold ingredients and generous chocolate chunks sets these cookies apart, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a perfect ratio of ingredients that results in a wonderfully thick and chewy texture that you won’t forget.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
- Versatile Flavor: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even gift them to friends; their rich flavor suits every setting.
- Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with quality ingredients, they taste fresh and decadent compared to store-bought options.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the essential tools needed for an effortless baking experience.
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 without spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures even mixing for a smooth cookie dough.
- Baking trays: Proper trays help cookies bake evenly and brown beautifully.
- Cookie scoop: A scoop guarantees uniform cookie sizes for consistent 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 (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 or 160 C (320 F) for fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Then add the vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently mix in the chopped chocolate and walnuts.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place them on your prepared baking trays with enough space between each to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once baked, leave them on the tray to cool completely before sprinkling some sea salt flakes on top.
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies will surely be a hit! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
Pair with Milk
- A classic choice that never goes out of style. Serve your cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Take it up a notch by sandwiching your cookies with your favorite ice cream flavor. Vanilla or chocolate fudge work wonderfully!
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookie complement the beverages perfectly.
Dessert Platter
- Create a dessert platter by combining these cookies with fruits, cheese, and chocolates. This adds variety and is perfect for parties.
Gift Idea
- Package the cookies in a decorative box as a sweet gift for friends and family. Everyone loves homemade treats!
Cookie Sundae
- Crumble a cookie over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent cookie sundae that will impress anyone.
How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs help create a thicker dough, resulting in that signature chewy texture.
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Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid dense cookies. Overmixing can lead to tough results.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and texture.
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Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark or milk chocolate for a rich flavor that shines through in each bite.
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Measure correctly: Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and sugar to achieve consistent results.
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Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat.
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Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses which contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter for added richness and protein.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer cookie crumbles in yogurt with granola and fruit for a delicious parfait.
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Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm hot fudge sauce over cookies for an indulgent dessert experience.
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Caramel Sauce: Offer caramel sauce as a dipping option to enhance flavors even more.
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Mini Cupcakes: Add mini cupcakes as part of dessert selection to provide variety and delight guests at gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve the perfect cookie consistency.
- Using warm butter: Always use cold butter straight from the fridge. Warm butter can lead to flat cookies instead of thick and chewy ones.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make your cookies tough rather than soft and chewy.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly. This ensures you’re not using too much flour, which can affect the texture.
- Skipping the chilling time: Letting your dough chill for at least 30 minutes helps enhance flavor and texture. Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking.
- Not leaving enough space between cookies on the tray: Place cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart. This allows them room to expand without merging together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Container: Use a plastic container or a resealable bag to keep cookies fresh.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Duration: Freeze for up to three months.
- Container: Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they can become tough.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once for even heating.
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 rich chocolate flavor. The use of cold ingredients helps achieve this unique consistency.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine or vegan butter. You may also use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour if needed.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when they are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking tray.
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make them irresistible. Perfectly thick and chewy, these cookies can be customized with nuts or other mix-ins according to your preference. Try them today and enjoy their comforting taste!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate homemade treat with Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. Known for their thick, chewy texture and generous chocolate chunks, these cookies bring the bakery experience straight to your kitchen. Perfectly crafted from cold ingredients, they deliver a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite, making them an ideal choice for any occasion—from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With easy-to-follow instructions and quality ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 115 grams unsalted butter (cold)
- 190 grams brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (cold)
- 245 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 225 grams dark or milk chocolate (chopped)
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and cold egg, mixing until just blended.
- Gradually add the flour, cornflour, baking soda, and mix until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate.
- Using a cookie scoop, place about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared trays, ensuring space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
