Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s a chocolate chip cookie that replicates the iconic treat from Levain Bakery. These cookies are not just desserts; they’re a delightful experience, laden with melty chocolate, buttery richness, and a perfectly chewy texture that will make your taste buds sing with joy. Let’s dive into the world of baking and discover how to create this beloved cookie in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
- The unmistakable texture: dense, chewy, and perfectly crispy edges that promise to satisfy.
- A classic flavor elevated by high-quality ingredients and a few secret techniques.
- These cookies are perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, bringing a touch of Levain magic home.
How to Make Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creating the perfect chocolate chip cookie at home can feel like an art form, especially when you aim to duplicate the famous Levain Bakery version. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to baking these delicious treats that could rival any bakery in New York City. Let’s embark on this baking adventure!
Ingredients
Before we jump into the process, let’s gather our ingredients for these heavenly cookies. You will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to dive deeper into how to make these cookies. Each step is designed to build flavor and create that coveted texture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential first step as it allows your cookies to bake evenly and helps achieve that golden color.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mix ensures that the baking soda disperses evenly throughout the flour, preventing any lumps in your dough.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. You want your mixture to be light and fluffy, which will lend a beautiful texture to your cookies.
Beat in the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract. This addition brings moisture and flavor; make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. You want to ensure that your dough remains airy, as over-mixing can result in cookies that are tough rather than chewy.
Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). Use a spatula to gently incorporate these ingredients, ensuring that the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The walnuts add a delightful crunch, but they can be easily omitted if you prefer a nut-free version.
Scoop large balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Aim for generous portions; we’re going for big, bakery-style cookies here.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. The goal is to have soft, chewy centers, so don’t be tempted to overbake them.
Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to set up perfectly.
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Storage Tips for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once you’ve enjoyed your cookies, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Here are some tips to keep your cookies fresh and delicious:
- Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, refrigerate for 5-7 days. However, this might change their texture slightly.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking. For dough balls, flash freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag.
Serving Suggestions for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are perfectly indulgent on their own, but if you’re in the mood to elevate your dessert experience, consider the following serving suggestions:
- Serve warm: For an ultimate treat, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. The chocolate will melt beautifully, reminiscent of just coming out of the oven.
- Ice cream sandwich: Take two chewy cookies and sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between them. This combination adds a delightful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s texture.
- With coffee or milk: Pair your cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of ice-cold milk. The richness of coffee and the creaminess of milk complement the cookies perfectly, making each bite utterly satisfying.
Tips to Make Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure that your cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before starting the recipe, as this aids in proper mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough: To maintain that delightful chewiness, stir until just combined.
- Use quality chocolate: Investing in high-quality chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of your cookies, providing a more decadent taste.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re feeling adventurous or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, consider these variations:
- Nut-free option: Simply omit the walnuts, and consider adding in different mix-ins like dried fruit or toffee bits.
- Dark chocolate or white chocolate chips: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. Cover it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best way to keep them soft?
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping the cookies from drying out.
Q: How can I make them spicier?
A: If you’re looking to add a bit of warmth, consider mixing in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients for a subtle spicy kick.
These guidelines and suggestions should help you recreate the magic of Levain Bakery in your own kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Enjoy the process, the aroma wafting through your kitchen, and, most importantly, the delightful results—happy baking!
Print
Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chewy experience of homemade chocolate chip cookies inspired by Levain Bakery, featuring melty chocolate and a buttery texture.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Scoop large balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
For the best texture, do not overmix the dough and ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature.