Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’ve ever tasted Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you know exactly why these cookies have captured the hearts of so many dessert lovers worldwide. Packed with rich melted chocolate chunks, a perfectly gooey center, and a delightfully crisp outside, these cookies satisfy every craving without any pretense. Discover what makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistibly rich, gooey, and perfect for every cookie lover’s craving as we dive into the magic behind these iconic treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gooey Chocolate Explosion: Every bite features molten chocolate chunks that melt delightfully on your tongue.
• Thick and Chunky Texture: These cookies stand out with their hefty, almost muffin-like size that’s soft inside and slightly crisp outside.
• Simple Yet Extraordinary: The recipe uses pantry staples but transforms them into something heavenly.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: A subtle hint of sea salt balances the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate’s richness.
• Easy to Customize: Adaptable with nuts, different chocolates, or even oatmeal for your preferred twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies starts with straightforward, quality ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in creating a balance of flavor, texture, and that signature cookie heft.

• High-Quality Butter: Provides richness and helps create the crisp exterior.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination adds sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar contributing to chewiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the sturdy base giving structure to the cookie.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that give the cookies a perfect rise without being cakey.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
• Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness uniquely.
• Chocolate Chunks: Use a mix of dark and semi-sweet for melting pockets of chocolate delight.
• Walnuts (optional): Adds a crunchy contrast to the gooey center.

Variations for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

One of the beauties of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is how easy it is to put your own spin on them. Use these variations to tailor the cookie to your taste or dietary preferences.

• Nut-Free: Simply omit walnuts for a nut-free alternative without sacrificing texture.
• Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough and extra chocolate chunks for intense chocolate flavor.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Incorporate rolled oats for extra chewiness and fiber.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs to keep it plant-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a robust gluten-free baking mix for allergy-conscious baking.

How to Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by softening your butter to room temperature, then beat it together with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base that traps air, helping the cookies rise just right.

Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in eggs one at a time, followed by pure vanilla extract. The eggs bring moisture and richness, while vanilla offers a warm, aromatic layer of flavor.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Sifting these ingredients helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt to every bite.

Step 4: Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mix to your creamed butter mixture, folding it gently to maintain airiness without overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender.

Step 5: Adding Chocolate Chunks and Walnuts

Stir in generous amounts of chocolate chunks and walnuts (if using). Large chunks create gooey pockets of melted chocolate, while walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Shaping and Baking

Form the dough into large, thick mounds—around 5 tablespoons each—and place them spaced generously on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.

Pro Tips for Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use Cold Butter: Slightly cooler butter can help achieve the right dough consistency and cookie texture.
• Dough Size Matters: Large cookie dough balls are crucial to get that signature thick, chunky effect.
• Avoid Overbaking: Pull the cookies out while centers look a little underdone for ultimate gooeyness.
• Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to improve flavor and firm up the butter.
• Quality Chocolate: Invest in premium chocolate chunks—this makes a big difference in taste and melt quality.

How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkling flaky sea salt on warm cookies takes their flavor to another level, balancing the sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, festive touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the chocolate experience and create a comforting pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches using vanilla or salted caramel ice cream, or crumble them over desserts like brownies or parfaits for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For softness, add a slice of bread to the container, which helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

Freeze cookie dough balls on a sheet tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in a microwave or oven to revive their gooey texture. About 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a 300°F oven works perfectly.

FAQs

What makes Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies unique?

It’s the combination of thick, hand-formed dough, oversized chocolate chunks, and a balance of textures that sets these cookies apart from traditional thin, flat cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

Yes! Swap butter and eggs with vegan alternatives and use gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies suitable for various dietary needs.

Why are my cookies not as gooey as expected?

Make sure not to overbake and use large chunks of chocolate so they melt properly. Also, chilling your dough can help maintain the texture during baking.

Can I substitute chocolate chips instead of chunks?

You can, but chunks provide better melting and gooey texture, which is a hallmark of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.

How large should the cookie dough balls be?

Each cookie dough ball should be roughly 5 tablespoons to ensure the cookies have that iconic thickness and size.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that keeps us coming back for more. With simple ingredients and a little attention to detail, you can create that rich, gooey, and crunchy experience in your own kitchen. Give the recipe a try and treat yourself to a cookie that’s nothing short of legendary.

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