Name: Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and diced; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup homemade cake flour; 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups walnut halves; 2 cups large chocolate chips (Can use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead.)

Introduction to Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to cookies, Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are in a league of their own. Originating from the iconic Levain Bakery in New York City, these cookies have captivated the hearts and taste buds of many with their hefty size, golden brown exterior, and irresistibly gooey center. Imagine biting into a warm cookie that is crispy on the outside but delightfully soft and chewy on the inside—that’s a Levain cookie experience.

Why Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a Must-Bake?

So why should you put on your apron and head to the kitchen? For one, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, with a prep time of just 15 minutes. And if you’re like me, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or simply indulging in all by yourself (no judgment here!).

Levain's cookies boast a combination of high-quality ingredients that create a rich flavor profile. The use of both light brown and granulated sugars enhances the sweetness while adding depth, making every bite memorable. With two cups of chocolate chips and a generous sprinkle of sea salt, each cookie is a delightful journey of texture and taste. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts for a twist!

When you’re ready to impress your friends, or just treat yourself to something special, these cookies are a must-bake. Trust me; they’re worth every minute of your baking efforts!

Ingredients for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

What you’ll need for these cookies

Baking Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is not just a task; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. To recreate that iconic taste at home, gather these essential ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks/240g) unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor.
¾ cup (135g) light brown sugar: For a subtle caramel sweetness.
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar’s richness.
2 large eggs: Ensures the cookies are chewy and moist.
1 cup (about 120g) homemade cake flour: Adds a delightful tenderness.
1 ½ cup (180g) all-purpose flour: Makes up the bulk of the mix for stability.
1 teaspoon baking powder: To help the cookies rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent for that perfect texture.
½ teaspoon sea salt: To enhance all the flavors.
2 cups (250g) walnut halves: For a lovely crunch.
2 cups (350g) large chocolate chips/chunks: Go as dark or light as you prefer!

For further reading on how these ingredients work, you might find this baking science guide helpful! Enjoy your baking adventure!

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

Baking cookies should be a joyous and fulfilling experience, especially when you're aiming to recreate the iconic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe yields a cookie that's not just a treat but an experience—thick, gooey, and utterly delightful. Let's walk through each step together.

Gather your ingredients

Before we dive into the buttery goodness of our cookies, it's crucial to have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup (2 sticks/240g) unsalted butter, softened and diced
¾ cup (135g) light brown sugar
½ cup (100g) sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup (about 120g) homemade cake flour (check the notes for how to make this!)
1 ½ cup (180g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
2 cups (250g) walnut halves
2 cups (350g) large chocolate chips/chunks

Make sure you have everything on hand to avoid any last-minute runs to the store!

Cream the butter and sugars

In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and turn your mixer on low. Gradually add the light brown sugar and regular sugar. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth and creamy. The key here is to achieve a nice airy texture that will help your cookies rise beautifully.

Incorporate the eggs

Next, add in your two large eggs. Beat the mixture on medium speed just until they're fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. You want to see that rich, glossy blend that signals you’re one step closer to cookie heaven.

Mix the dry ingredients

Now it's time to bring together your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine your homemade cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Once mixed, turn off your mixer and gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Pulse on low until everything is just combined—overmixing could lead to a tough cookie, and we want these to be melting-in-your-mouth soft!

Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips

This is where you can really make these cookies your own! Pour in the walnut halves and chocolate chips, and carefully fold them into the dough with a rubber spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter as you mix.

Shape the cookies

With the dough fully combined, it’s time to shape your cookies. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, keeping each piece about 6 oz (170g). Using your hands, gently shape each dough piece without flattening it. This will help retain that thick, chewy texture once baked.

Bake to perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread out your cookies on a baking sheet. Bake for about 11 minutes; they should be golden brown on top and bottom but remain soft in the center. Resist the temptation to overbake—this is key for that gooey goodness! Let them cool for around 15 minutes before diving in, and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen.

Incorporating each step with care guarantees that your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies will not only look stunning but taste extraordinary. Happy baking!

Variations on Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Alternative Chocolate Options

While the classic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies shine with their signature chocolate chips, feel free to switch things up! Experiment with different chocolate varieties:

Use dark chocolate chunks for a deeper, richer flavor.
Try milk chocolate if you love that creamy sweetness.
For a unique twist, consider white chocolate or even sweetened cocoa nibs for added crunch.

Mixing different chocolate types not only creates a flavorful fusion but also adds visual appeal to your cookies!

Nut-Free Version

Craving those Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies but need a nut-free treat? No problem!

Simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that delightful crunch.
If you’re making them for someone with food allergies, always double-check ingredients for any potential cross-contamination.

This adjustment allows you to enjoy the cookie pleasure without the worry. Happy baking!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When whipping up your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, be mindful of a few common missteps. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, as this affects the texture. Don’t skip the shaping by hand—flattened cookies will lose their signature thickness. Also, avoid overbaking; they should be slightly under-baked for that gooey center.

Recommended Oven Settings

For the perfect cookie, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature creates that delicious crispy exterior while keeping the inside delightfully soft. If your oven has hot spots, consider rotating your baking tray halfway through to ensure even cooking. Happy baking!

For more tips and insights, check out King Arthur Baking, which offers fantastic baking resources.

Serving Suggestions for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing with Milk or Coffee

What’s a delightful Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie without a perfect drink to complement it? For a classic treat, serve your cookies warm with a chilled glass of milk. The milk’s creaminess balances the rich chocolate gooeyness beautifully. If you prefer something more robust, try pairing your cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the cookie’s sweetness, creating a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Serving Ideas

Take your cookie experience to the next level with these creative serving ideas:

Cookie Sundae: Stack a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and banish your midweek blues!
Cookie Stack: Layer cookies with your favorite spread, like peanut butter or Nutella, for a decadent treat.
Gift-Worthy Boxes: Pack cooled cookies in a charming box to share with friends or family. The Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies will surely be a crowd-pleaser!

With these serving suggestions, you'll find new ways to enjoy these irresistible cookies! For more ideas on cookie pairings, check out Serious Eats for inspiration.

Time Breakdown for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation time

Get ready to indulge! The preparation time for these mouthwatering Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is just 15 minutes. Perfect for when those cookie cravings strike but you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Baking time

Once your dough is ready, pop those beauties into the oven for about 11 minutes. The baking time is quick, ensuring you’ll have warm, gooey cookies in no time — just the way we like them!

Total time

In total, you’ll be looking at just 26 minutes from start to finish. Yes, you heard that right! Just 26 minutes to achieve cookie bliss. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and dive in!

For more baking tips and recipes, check out the Joy of Baking or Sally's Baking Addiction for extra inspiration. Happy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calories per cookie

Each delectable Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie boasts approximately 530 calories. While they are a delightful treat, it's key to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you're watching your calorie intake.

Sugar content

These indulgent cookies pack about 30 grams of sugar each, primarily from the brown sugar and large chocolate chips. If you’re monitoring your sugar, consider savoring half of a cookie or sharing one with a friend.

Healthy swaps

Looking to lighten up your cookie experience? Try substituting unsweetened applesauce for butter or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You’ll still enjoy a delicious dessert while boosting the health factor! For more ideas on health-conscious baking, check out sources like Healthline which offers a wealth of tips and alternatives.

FAQs about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth when you’re ready to indulge.

What’s the best way to store them?

To keep your cookies as fresh as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to maintain the soft, gooey texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies moist. Just be mindful not to mix them with dryer cookies to avoid unwanted texture changes.

How can I ensure the cookies are chewy?

For that scrumptious chewiness, it’s essential to underbake the Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies slightly. Aim for a golden-brown exterior with a slightly soft center. Also, using a mixture of all-purpose flour and cake flour gives them the perfect balance of texture. Remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on the clock!

Feel free to check out more tips and recipes on baking sites like Serious Eats and King Arthur Baking for a baking deep dive!

Conclusion on Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Bake

If you’re seeking the ultimate indulgence, look no further than Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies. Their rich flavor and gooey center scream perfection. So go ahead—embrace your inner baker and treat yourself to these delightful cookies! You won’t regret serving them warm, and your friends will thank you. Happy baking!