Walking into a bakery and catching the warm, inviting aroma of fresh cookies can feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. That’s precisely the experience you’ll recreate in your kitchen with my Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe offers all the gooey, thick goodness of the New York staple, bringing bakery-style treats right to your home. Perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth, these cookies are also a fantastic crowd-pleaser for gatherings or simple afternoons spent with family. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, so you can quickly enjoy these delightful goodies anytime. What’s your favorite twist to add to a classic chocolate chip cookie? Let’s dive in!
What Makes These Cookies So Irresistible?
Bakery-Style Perfection: These Levain Bakery-style cookies boast a perfect thickness that rivals any bakery’s best, delivering that dream-like gooeyness in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip these up without any hassle, making them perfect for both novice bakers and kitchen pros.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up the chocolate types and nuts; whether you prefer dark chocolate or want to try the deliciousness of Chocolate Cherry Cookies, the options are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing Treats: They’re ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or just satisfying your cravings—all your friends will be asking for seconds!
Quick to Make: With minimal downtime and a simple dough prep, you can go from mixing to munching in no time—perfect for when those cravings hit!
Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
• Ready to indulge in bakery-style goodness?
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Use cold, cubed butter for that thick, rich texture needed to achieve Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
- Eggs – Room temperature eggs help bind the dough and add essential moisture.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a luscious caramel flavor and chewiness to your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes to the overall structure and gives a delicious crispness around the edges.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness with a lovely, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Baking Soda – A must for a light texture, making sure your cookies rise beautifully.
- Salt – Elevates the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the sugars.
For the Flour Mixture
- All-Purpose Flour – Vital for structure; it gives these cookies the density we crave.
- Cornstarch – Guarantees a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that you won’t forget.
For the Chocolate and Nuts
- Milk Chocolate Chips – Offers a creamy sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Provides a deep richness that balances the overall flavor.
- Walnuts or Pecans – Optional, but these add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you’re looking for extra texture.
Optional Flavor Enhancer
- Espresso Powder – A tiny amount can deepen the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
Get ready to bake some transformative treats that are bound to impress!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by cubing cold unsalted butter into small pieces and adding it to your mixing bowl. Cream the butter with both brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving the thick, gooey texture typical of Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add two room-temperature eggs and a splash of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat the ingredients together until fully combined, making sure the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Ensuring the eggs are at room temperature will help blend them seamlessly into the mixture and enhance the final texture of the cookies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Continue to incorporate the remaining flour until a thick dough begins to form, signifying you’re on the right path to those delightful Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Nuts
Fold in the milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. If you’re adding nuts, now is the time to mix in walnuts or pecans for additional texture. The dough should be rich and laden with chunks of chocolate, ready to be shaped.
Step 5: Form Cookies
Using a large ice cream scoop or your hands, scoop tall mounds of dough, shaping them into oval-like forms. Place these cookie mounds on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they’re spaced apart to allow for expansion. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, which will help maintain their thickness while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Once ready, bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are a lovely golden brown, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked—this ensures a soft, gooey center that’s characteristic of Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This resting period will allow them to firm up just enough to transfer them without breaking. Carefully move the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely, letting that delicious aroma fill your home as you prepare to savor these decadent treats!
Expert Tips for Levain Bakery-Style Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours. This step prevents excessive spreading and enhances the flavors.
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Cold Butter is Key: Always use cold, cubed unsalted butter to achieve the thick, gooey texture of Levain Bakery-style cookies.
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Shape Matters: Form tall mounds of dough to maintain the desired thickness during baking. Avoid flattening them before chilling.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be golden around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey goodness.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps incorporate them smoothly into the dough, enhancing the final cookie texture.
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Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to swap in different chocolate types or nuts to create your own twist on these classic Levain Bakery-style cookies!
What to Serve with Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing complements the rich, gooey decadence of these cookies like the perfect pairings!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of vanilla ice cream beautifully balance the warm chocolate cookie, creating a classic dessert pairing. Delightful and comforting!
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Cold Glass of Milk: A timeless duo, a cold glass of milk enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite feel indulgent and nostalgic.
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Espresso or Coffee: The rich, dark notes of coffee heighten the chocolate flavor while providing a cozy warmth, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
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Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an airy touch that contrasts the cookie’s dense texture, making each bite light yet indulgent.
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Fruity Compote: A berry or cherry compote brings a refreshing tartness that cuts through the cookie’s sweetness, adding a burst of flavor.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For an elegant touch, pair your cookies with chocolate-dipped strawberries to create an enticing dessert display that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy these delightful additions alongside your Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies for an unforgettable treat!
How to Store and Freeze Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days to maintain their delightful softness.
- In the Fridge: To extend freshness, refrigerate cookies in a covered container. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
- In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat at 300°F for 5–8 minutes for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
- Freezing Dough: For those who can’t wait, freeze unbaked cookie mounds. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time for that perfect Levain Bakery-style goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply scoop the dough into mounds, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to maintain their thickness. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake the cookies directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time if needed. For even more convenience, freeze unbaked cookie dough mounds and bake straight from frozen within 3 months, ensuring you always have fresh, gooey cookies on hand!
Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists that will elevate your cookies to the next level!
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Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate for a rich, slightly bittersweet flavor that deepens each bite.
Dark chocolate not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of elegance, perfect for chocolate lovers. -
White Chocolate: Replace milk chocolate with white chocolate chips for a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
This variation offers a distinct flavor, making your cookies feel extra indulgent. -
Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or pecans entirely for a nut-free version that maintains all the gooey goodness without added crunch.
Perfect for parties or school events where nut allergies are a concern! -
Espresso Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a flavor boost that enhances the chocolate without tasting like coffee.
It’s a fantastic way to add depth, turning an ordinary cookie into a café-worthy treat. -
Coconut Flakes: Fold in unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist that adds chewy texture and a hint of sweetness.
This unexpected addition makes for a delightful surprise in every bite! -
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give your cookies a surprising warmth and complex flavor.
The heat is subtle but impactful, adding an intriguing twist that will have everyone guessing! -
Peanut Butter: Incorporate 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
This twist brings an extra layer of richness, making your cookies even more scrumptious. -
Chocolate Oat Cookies: For a heartier texture, mix in rolled oats along with the chocolate chips.
This adds a delightful chewiness that complements the gooey center beautifully. Check out the recipe for Chocolate Oat Cookies for inspiration!
Whichever variation you choose, your Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies will be an unforgettable treat sure to impress!
Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For a well-rounded flavor, I recommend using a mix of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This combination gives you that sweet creaminess with a touch of deeper chocolate richness. If you’d like to experiment, consider using dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for extra sweetness.
How should I store my leftover cookies?
To keep them fresh, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. If you find they’re not lasting as long as you’d like, popping them in the fridge can extend their freshness a bit longer. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Can these cookies be frozen for later?
Yes! You can definitely freeze these delectable cookies. Once baked, place them in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them at 300°F for 5–8 minutes. Their gooey goodness will return, and you’ll feel like you just baked them!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough appears too dry and crumbly, don’t fret! You can add a tablespoon of milk or an extra egg yolk to give it some moisture. Mix it in slowly until the dough comes together nicely. Remember, it should be thick but manageable—nothing too sticky.
Are there any allergy considerations for these cookies?
Definitely! These Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies contain common allergens such as gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter). If you’re baking for individuals with nut allergies, feel free to omit the walnuts or pecans. For a gluten-free option, you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies You Need to Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cubing cold unsalted butter into small pieces and adding it to your mixing bowl. Cream the butter with both brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
- Next, add two room-temperature eggs and a splash of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat the ingredients together until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.
- Fold in the milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips gently with a spatula. If you're adding nuts, mix in walnuts or pecans for additional texture.
- Using a large ice cream scoop or your hands, scoop tall mounds of dough and shape them into oval-like forms. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, watching closely.
- After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
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