Description: A decadent and delightful take on the classic chocolate chip cookie, inspired by the legendary Levain Bakery. These cookies are large, thick, and boast a slightly underbaked center, making them incredibly soft and chewy. Packed with rich chocolate chips and optional walnuts, they are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Ensure the oven rack is in the center position. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), beat the ingredients together on medium speed until creamy and well combined. This process can take 3-5 minutes. It’s important to use cold butter for that signature Levain texture. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. The eggs help bind the ingredients and add richness, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cookie. Mix until the flour disappears, but small streaks are acceptable.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients in, rather than the electric mixer, to avoid overmixing.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough: Using a large cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup) or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The large size is characteristic of Levain Bakery cookies. Gently press the mounds down slightly.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking. They should be slightly underbaked for that signature chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. The residual heat will continue to bake the cookies slightly. Enjoy these delicious cookies warm or at room temperature! They are especially good with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Amazing Texture: The combination of cold butter, minimal mixing, and a slightly underbaked center creates a cookie that is both crispy around the edges and incredibly soft and chewy in the middle.
- Rich Flavor: The abundance of chocolate chips and the optional addition of walnuts provide a rich and satisfying flavor that will appeal to any sweet tooth.
- Large and Impressive: These cookies are generously sized, making them perfect for sharing (or not!). Their impressive appearance makes them a great treat to bring to parties or gatherings.
- Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste and appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate) or add other mix-ins like pecans, macadamia nuts, or dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pack in lunchboxes or take on picnics.
- Give as a homemade gift to friends and family.
- Crumble over ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert topping.
- Serve at parties or gatherings as a crowd-pleasing treat.
Tips:
- Use cold butter for the best texture. Cold butter helps to create a cookie that is crispy on the edges and soft in the center.
- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cookie.
- Slightly underbake the cookies for a chewy center. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheets with cooking spray.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per cookie
- Protein: 3-4 grams per cookie
- Sodium: 100-150mg per cookie
Conclusion:
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a truly special treat that are sure to impress. With their perfect texture, rich flavor, and easy-to-make recipe, they are a must-try for any cookie lover. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- While unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the salt content, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. In that case, reduce the amount of salt added to the dry ingredients by half (1/4 teaspoon).
- Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination of your favorites. You can even use chocolate chunks for a more rustic look.
- What can I substitute for walnuts?
- If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can substitute them with other nuts like pecans, macadamia nuts, or almonds. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts altogether and still have a delicious cookie.
- Why are my cookies flat?
- Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter, overmixing the dough, or not chilling the dough before baking. Make sure to use cold, cubed butter and mix the dough until just combined. If you’re still having trouble, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage (see tips above).
