There’s something undeniably delightful about a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. These treats have a warm, gooey center and slightly crispy edges. One such recipe that stands out is the Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookie. Known for its thick and chewy texture, these cookies have become a favorite for many cookie lovers. In this article, you will learn how to make these delicious cookies from scratch. Not only will you enjoy the baking process, but you will also savor the rich flavors in every bite.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies at home is an experience like no other. First and foremost, they are simple to prepare with straightforward steps and commonly found ingredients. You don’t have to be an expert baker to achieve fantastic results.
These cookies are perfect for various occasions, whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat. They also make for great gifts. Imagine presenting a box of homemade cookies to friends or family. Homemade cookies often taste better than store-bought ones because they come straight from your kitchen, filled with love.
Another reason to make this recipe is the customizable nature of cookies. You can swap out ingredients as needed or add your special touches. Whether you prefer dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, this recipe can adapt to your taste. You might even decide to include different nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of spices for a unique twist.
Lastly, baking these cookies can be a fun family activity. Get the kids involved and let them help with mixing, measuring, or decorating. Creating memories in the kitchen is priceless, and the end result is delicious!
How to Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking these cookies is both enjoyable and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, COLD, 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)
- 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 for sprinkling
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens.
Line two baking trays with baking paper or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cold, chopped butter and brown sugar. Mix until the ingredients are well combined but be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can result in a tougher cookie.
Next, add the vanilla extract and cold egg to the bowl, and mix until just combined.
Now it’s time to add the plain flour, cornflour or cornstarch, baking soda, and an optional pinch of salt. Use a low speed to mix until a soft dough forms. Make sure not to overwork the dough.
Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts (if using). This step is crucial to keep the chunks intact, providing that delightful chocolate explosion in every bite.
After the dough is mixed, scoop out portions weighing about 80 grams each onto your prepared baking trays. Leave some space in between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center should remain slightly soft; this will ensure a chewy texture.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on the tray. This cooling process helps them set further, enhancing their flavor.
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of each cookie just before serving. This salty-sweet combination is a game-changer!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once your cookies are baked, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage, like coffee or tea. They can also be served as part of a dessert platter alongside fruits, whipped cream, or ice cream.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing the cookies on a decorative platter. You can even add a few chocolate pieces or nuts on the side for decoration. This simple presentation can elevate your cookie serving experience.
Furthermore, if you want to make a fun dessert, try making an ice cream sandwich. Take two cookies and place a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. Gently press them together, and you have a delicious ice cream sandwich that will surely impress!
How to Store Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored correctly, these cookies can last for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it warm again.
Tips to Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chill the Dough: For even thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps control the spread of the cookies while baking.
Choose Quality Chocolate: The chocolate you choose plays a big role in the flavor of your cookies. Opt for high-quality dark or milk chocolate for a richer taste.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges start to turn golden and the centers look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the tray.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts. You can use chocolate chips, chunks, or even white chocolate for a twist.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder and soda. Expired ingredients can affect the texture and rise of your cookies.
Variation
While this recipe captures the classic chocolate chip cookie, feel free to explore different variations. Here are a couple of ideas:
Double Chocolate Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the flour and replace some of the chocolate chunks with white chocolate for a marble effect.
Peanut Butter Cookies: Incorporate peanut butter into the dough for a nutty flavor. You can also add chocolate chips to the peanut butter dough for added sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Once mixed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for several months.
2. Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes! While brown sugar gives the cookies a rich flavor and chewiness, you can substitute some or all of it with granulated sugar. Just remember that different sugars will affect the flavor and texture.
3. What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can simply omit the walnuts if you don’t have them or are allergic. Alternatively, you can replace them with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or skip the nuts entirely for a classic chocolate chip cookie.
Now that you’ve learned how to make Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies, gather your ingredients and start baking. Enjoy the process and share these delicious treats with family and friends!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens.
- Line two baking trays with baking paper or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cold, chopped butter and brown sugar until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Add the vanilla extract and cold egg to the bowl, and mix until just combined.
- Add the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and an optional pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, without overworking it.
- Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts (if using) to keep the chunks intact.
- Scoop out portions weighing about 80 grams each onto your prepared baking trays with some space in between for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while the center stays slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the tray to enhance their flavor.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of each cookie just before serving.