Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of homemade baking. These cookies are celebrated for their super thick and chewy texture, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies stand out with their rich flavors and satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick and Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be incredibly thick and chewy, giving you that perfect mouthfeel with every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties or as a sweet snack at home, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and walnuts creates a rich flavor profile that is hard to resist.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The use of brown sugar ensures these cookies have a deliciously caramel-like taste without being overly sweet.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for your cookie dough without too much effort.
• Cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniformity in size, which leads to even baking and consistent results.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making it easier to remove cookies after 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

For Topping

• 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 for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Next, add in the vanilla extract and cold egg. Beat again until everything is mixed but avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add in the plain flour, cornflour (or cornstarch), baking soda, and optional salt. Beat on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and walnuts with a spatula or spoon.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, scoop out portions of dough onto your prepared trays. Leave enough space between each cookie for them to spread while baking.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Allow them to cool completely on the tray before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top for that extra touch.

Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can enhance the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie enjoyment.

Pair with Milk

• A classic choice, serving these cookies with a cold glass of milk complements their rich chocolate flavor perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwich

• Take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. This creates a delicious dessert that’s both chewy and creamy.

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve a warm cookie topped with freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. This is perfect for special occasions.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy a cookie alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a comforting snack any time of day.

Festive Platter

• Arrange cookies on a platter with other sweets for parties or gatherings. This adds variety and showcases your baking skills.

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How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best results when making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and eggs helps create that thick, chewy texture characteristic of Levain cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined ensures your cookies remain soft and tender.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
• Scoop generously: Use about two tablespoons per cookie to ensure they are thick and hearty after baking.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
• Sprinkle sea salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving enhances the sweetness and adds flavor contrast.

Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Complementing your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies with some side dishes can make for an unforgettable dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances out the richness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy, this dessert adds another layer of chocolatey goodness alongside your cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense cookies.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over cookies offers an indulgent twist that enhances their flavor.
5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes create a decadent plate when served alongside your cookies.
6. Coffee Cake: The lightness of coffee cake contrasts delightfully with the thick texture of chocolate chip cookies.
7. Milkshake: A rich milkshake made from vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs wonderfully with these chewy treats.
8. Nutty Granola: For a healthier option, serve crunchy granola to add some texture and balance the sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results.

• Using softened butter: Cold butter is key for thick cookies. Always use cold, chopped butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Incorrect baking temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking.
• Not measuring flour properly: Use a scale or the spoon-and-level method to avoid using too much flour, which makes cookies dense.
• Skipping sea salt flakes: These add a delightful contrast to sweetness. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• How long: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Containers: Place cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• How long: Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Use a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 180 C (350 F) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies different?

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for their thick and chewy texture. The use of cold ingredients helps achieve this unique consistency.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap chocolate types or replace walnuts with other nuts or omit them altogether based on your preference.

How do I ensure my cookies remain chewy?

Using cold butter and not overmixing the dough are key factors in maintaining chewiness. Baking them just until golden brown also helps.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze them for future enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate. Try out this recipe and enjoy these incredible treats any time you crave something sweet!