Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a game changer for cookie lovers! With their extra-large size and thick, gooey centers, these cookies redefine indulgence. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy night in, they’re loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts for an unforgettable treat. Experience the joy of baking as you create cookies that rival those from your favorite bakery!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: The thick and chewy inside pairs perfectly with a golden-brown exterior.
• Loaded with Goodness: Each cookie is packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: These large cookies are great for parties or as gifts to friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or as a delightful dessert any time of the day.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have items for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool ensures your butter and sugars mix thoroughly, creating a light and creamy base for your cookies.
• Parchment paper: A must-have for easy cookie transfer and cleanup, preventing sticking on your baking sheets.

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Ingredients

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies feature simple yet rich ingredients that elevate their flavor.

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (cold, cubed)
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, (packed)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, (room temperature)

For the Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (170 g) cake flour
• 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Mix-ins

• 2 cups (364 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups (234 g) walnuts, (roughly chopped)

How to Make Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

To the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until light and creamy; this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the mixture. Mix well after each addition while scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Gently mix in chocolate chips and walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape Dough Balls

Divide the dough into 9 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Shape each portion into a rough ball without flattening them. Place these dough balls onto your lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare three large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart (around four per sheet). Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the middle.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a treat on their own, but serving them in creative ways can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy your Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.

With Ice Cream

• Scoop It Up: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious sundae experience.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a generous scoop between two cookies for a fun twist.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Extra Indulgence: Warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the cookie adds an extra layer of flavor and makes for a decadent dessert.

Paired with Coffee or Milk

• Classic Combo: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Flavored Milk: Try pairing them with flavored milk, like chocolate or vanilla, to enhance the cookie’s sweetness.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and Fluffy: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate and walnuts.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold cubed butter helps create that thick texture characteristic of Levain cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only enhances flavor but also helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the flour until just combined to avoid tough cookies; this keeps them soft and gooey inside.
• Monitor Baking Time: Bake until golden brown around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like dark chocolate or dried fruits for a unique flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some fun options that go well with Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and cuts through the richness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a wholesome side that complements the sweet indulgence.
3. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that contrast beautifully with sweet cookies.
4. Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip alongside your cookies for added richness and protein.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fresh fruits allows guests to dip their cookies for an interactive treat.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer a chewy snack that pairs nicely without being overly sweet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using room temperature butter: Cold, cubed butter is essential for achieving the thick texture of these cookies. Make sure your butter is cold to keep the dough from spreading too much during baking.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie’s structure. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure a perfect bake.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined, especially when adding flour and chocolate chips.
• Incorrectly measuring flour: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. This prevents your cookies from being too dry or dense.
• Not spacing cookies properly on the baking sheet: Allow enough space between each cookie ball. They need room to spread while baking, so place them about 3 inches apart.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Ensure cookies are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.

How do I achieve the perfect thickness in my cookies?

To ensure thick cookies, use cold butter and chill the dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

Can I substitute chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. Feel free to mix in other ingredients like dried fruit or nuts.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are larger and thicker with a gooey center, providing a delightful indulgence compared to traditional versions.

Can I make these cookies without walnuts?

Absolutely! You can omit walnuts or replace them with your favorite nuts or even additional chocolate chips if desired.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delicious twist on a classic treat. Their extra thick texture and gooey center make them truly irresistible! Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate. Try this recipe today and indulge in cookie perfection!