Name: Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cold Butter (cut into small cubes); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Sugar; 2 Eggs; 1 1/2 cups Cake Flour (*can substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour); 1 1/2 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Chocolate Chips; 2 cups Walnuts (roughly chopped)

Introduction to Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Levain Bakery has become a beloved name in the cookie world, and it’s not hard to see why. Their cookies, particularly the Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, are renowned for their thick, chewy texture and rich flavor that feels like a warm hug. If you're looking for a game changer for homemade treats, these cookies set the bar high.

Why Levain Bakery Cookies are a Game Changer for Homemade Treats

So, what makes Levain Bakery cookies so exceptional? For starters, their unique combination of cake flour and regular flour creates that signature dense yet soft center, while a perfect balance of brown and granulated sugars provides a depth of flavor. The addition of cold butter—creamed just right—ensures a luxurious mouthfeel that ordinary cookies often miss.

Moreover, it's the quantity of chocolate chips that can leave you in awe! Each bite is studded with gooey chocolate and crunchy walnuts, making them irresistible. If you've ever wondered how to replicate that bakery experience at home, you're in luck! This recipe will guide you through each step, bringing you closer to that cookie perfection you crave.

Curious about what makes a perfect cookie? Check out this guide to cookie science from Serious Eats!

Ingredients for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Essential ingredients for the perfect cookie

To recreate those iconic Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies at home, you'll need a handful of essential ingredients that work together to achieve that chewy center and crisp, golden exterior. Here's the breakdown:

Cold Butter: 1 cup, cut into small cubes; using cold butter maintains the integrity of the dough and contributes to that delicious texture.
Sugar Duo: 1 cup of brown sugar for depth and ½ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness; this combination ensures a lovely caramel flavor.
Eggs: 2 large eggs provide moisture and structure for richness.
Flour Mix: 1 ½ cups each of cake flour and all-purpose flour; the cake flour helps create that light, airy quality while the all-purpose contributes to chewiness.
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon helps to tenderize the cookie, making it softer.
Baking Soda and Salt: Both are essential for leavening and flavor balance.
Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: 2 cups of each ensure that every bite is packed with deliciousness.

With these ingredients at your fingertips, you're just moments away from baking up cookies that will delight your taste buds and impress everyone you share them with! For a deeper dive into the baking process, check out this resource on the science of baking.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the iconic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies at home is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. These cookies are known for their gooey centers and a heavenly mix of chocolate and walnuts. Follow these steps for cookie perfection!

Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into the mixing and baking, it's crucial to gather everything you need. Ensure you have:

1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ cups cake flour (or substitute with all-purpose flour)
1 ½ cups regular flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
2 cups roughly chopped walnuts

Having everything ready not only speeds up the process but also keeps you organized. Preheat your oven to 410°F, as it’s important to have it ready before the dough is prepared.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream these ingredients together for about 4 minutes until they become creamy and smooth. This step is essential, as it adds air to the mixture, ensuring your cookies are delightfully fluffy. Check out more about why creaming is important here.

Add the Eggs and Mix Thoroughly

Once the butter and sugars are well combined, it’s time to introduce the eggs. Add them one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This not only helps to blend in the eggs evenly but also contributes to the cookie's rich texture.

Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix with Wet Ingredients

Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your cake flour, regular flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix them until just combined; it’s crucial not to overmix to maintain that famous Levain cookie texture.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Next, fold in your chocolate chips and roughly chopped walnuts with a spatula. This way, you ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without deflating all that delightful air from the previous mixing stages.

Shape the Cookie Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, separate the dough into large balls—think about the size of a generous ice cream scoop. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them, as they'll spread during baking. You'll fit about four cookies on a standard baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies to Perfection

Pop your cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown but still slightly soft in the center. Removing them from the oven at the right time is key to achieving that ooey-gooey feel. Let them rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

With a little practice and patience, you’ll be enjoying homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that rival the bakery’s originals!

Variations on Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adding a Twist with Different Nuts

While the classic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious with walnuts, why not mix things up? Consider using pecans for a richer, buttery taste or even almonds for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try macadamia nuts, which add a tropical flair that pairs perfectly with chocolate chips. Just remember to chop the nuts coarsely for that perfect bite!

Experimenting with Different Chocolate Types

For chocolate lovers, the world is your oyster! Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate to intensify the cookie's flavor, or use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. You could also blend different types, like adding white chocolate chips alongside dark ones for a beautiful color contrast and a complex flavor. If you're feeling especially creative, try flavored chocolate chips—think sea salt caramel or even mint for a refreshing twist.

For more inspiration, check out Serious Eats for expert tips on cookie variations!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Keeping Your Cookies Chewy

To achieve that signature chewy texture in your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider underbaking them slightly. The cookies should be golden brown on the outside but still soft in the center. Cooling them for at least 10 minutes after baking is essential, as they continue to set up during this time. This trick ensures your cookies deliver that gooey goodness you crave with every bite!

Importance of Cold Butter in the Mix

Using cold butter is crucial when creating those perfectly thick and chewy cookies. It helps maintain the structure and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. When you cream the cold butter with your sugars, you’ll get a rich and creamy base that enhances the flavor. If you want more tips on butter thickness, check out America's Test Kitchen. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best accompaniments for enjoying your cookies

To fully indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider pairing them with a classic glass of milk—it's a timeless combination! Alternatively:

Coffee: A robust cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Hot Chocolate: For ultimate chocolate lovers, a warm mug of hot cocoa can elevate your experience.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel for a delightful sundae twist.

Creative ways to serve your cookies

Serve your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies in style with these creative ideas:

Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to enclose a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for a colorful treat.
Packaged Treats: Wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet gift idea.

Feel free to explore more serving ideas on sites like Serious Eats and Food52 to inspire your cookie experiences!

Time Breakdown for Baking Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

For those eager to indulge in homemade goodness, here's a quick rundown of the Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies baking timeline:

Preparation Time

Getting your ingredients ready takes about 10 minutes. Make sure to have everything prepped, from measuring the flour to cubing that cold butter.

Baking Time

These cookies bake up beautifully in just 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you'll want that golden brown top for perfect texture!

Total Time

In a swift 21 minutes, you can go from measuring ingredients to enjoying that first warm bite of a Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie. It’s a quick but delicious journey!

For more cookie-related tips, check out King Arthur Baking for baking insights or Food52 for cookie pairings. Enjoy your baking adventures!

Nutritional Facts for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

When indulging in the sheer delight of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it's helpful to know what you're savoring. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional facts to keep you informed.

Calories per cookie

These rich cookies pack a punch, with approximately 220 calories per cookie. That's a deliciously satisfying treat, perfect for a midday pick-me-up!

Protein content

Each cookie offers about 3 grams of protein, thanks to the eggs and the nuts mixed in. It’s a nice little boost to balance the sweetness while enjoying your cookie.

Sugar levels

Sweetness reigns in these cookies, with roughly 15 grams of sugar per cookie. The combination of brown and white sugar gives them that irresistible flavor, but it's wise to enjoy them in moderation!

For more insights on the nutritional benefits of cookies, you might want to check out Healthline's article on sugar and Nutritional Information from Verywell Fit for a deeper understanding of dessert choices.

By being mindful of these facts, you can enjoy your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies without skipping your health goals!

FAQ about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

What makes Levain cookies unique?

Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies are renowned for their extra-large size and gooey texture. They’re crafted with cold butter, which gives them that unique richness, and are packed with both chocolate chips and walnuts. The high baking temperature creates a delightful crispy exterior while keeping the inside chewy and soft. This irresistible combination makes them a fan favorite worldwide! You can read more about Levain's history and their cookie philosophy on their official site.

Can I freeze Levain cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies either before or after baking. If you’re freezing the dough, place the cookie balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

What are some ideal storage methods for cookies?

For optimal freshness, store your Levain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their soft texture, place a piece of bread inside the container—this classic trick keeps cookies moist. If you expect to keep them longer than a week, consider refrigerating them or using the freezer method for the best results!

Conclusion on Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you crave a decadent treat, nothing beats the Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies deliver a perfect balance of gooey chocolate, nutty crunch from walnuts, and a soft, chewy texture. Gathering friends for these delights will make any occasion special. Treat yourself and share the love!