Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the bakery experience right to your kitchen. Known for their extra-large size and thick, gooey centers, these cookies are packed with chocolate chips and walnuts for an indulgent flavor. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to another level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra Large Size: Each cookie is a substantial treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Gooey Texture: The soft inside ensures every bite is a pleasurable experience.
• Versatile Flavor: Perfect for various occasions, from casual snacks to festive parties.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip these up without stress.
• Loaded with Goodness: Chock-full of chocolate chips and walnuts for a rich taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy and efficient, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking sheets: The right size helps maintain even baking, crucial for achieving that perfect cookie shape.

Ingredients

For these delightful Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 Sheets

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

To the bowl of a 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 the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

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 rough balls without flattening them. Place on lined baking sheets 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 (200°C). Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper if needed.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls on prepared sheets spaced about 3 inches apart. Bake for about 10-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown while still slightly underbaked in the middle.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest on sheets for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or enjoying them warm.

Servings: Makes about ten large cookies
Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Cook Time: About 12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 52 minutes
Course: Dessert
Nutrition Facts per serving: Calories – 813 kcal

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavors and gooey texture make them a delightful treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination. The creamy milk complements the richness of the chocolate and walnuts.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Top one of these warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a touch of decadence by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies. This extra layer of sweetness enhances the overall flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies alongside other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts on a platter. This makes for an attractive and varied dessert table at gatherings.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve these cookies alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookie perfectly.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage pairs beautifully with the rich flavors in each bite.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve that perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your baking skills and ensure delicious results.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that thick, chewy texture you desire in your cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill before baking helps maintain its shape and prevents spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; you want them golden brown on the edges but still soft in the middle.
• Experiment with Chocolate Chips: Feel free to mix semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for varied flavors in each bite.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy for days!

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate for dipping adds an interactive element and more indulgence.
3. Plain Yogurt: Serve with plain yogurt for a tangy balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake squares can complement the rich flavors of chocolate chip cookies nicely.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts adds crunch and savory elements that work well with sweet treats.
6. Syrup-Drizzled Pancakes: Mini pancakes drizzled with syrup can create a fun brunch-style pairing.
7. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy macaroons provide a different texture while still being sweet and satisfying.
8. Milkshakes: A thick milkshake makes for a decadent pairing that’s sure to please your guests!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using room temperature butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving the thick texture of these cookies. Use cold, cubed butter for the best results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain shape while baking. Don’t skip this step; chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F for that perfect golden exterior. An oven thermometer can help verify this.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies:

How do I make my cookies thicker?

To achieve thicker cookies, ensure you use cold butter and chill the dough before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during baking.

Can I substitute the walnuts?

Yes! You can replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even leave them out if you prefer nut-free cookies.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips according to your taste preference.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

How long does it take to bake Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Bake these cookies at 400°F for approximately 10-11 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. With their thick texture and gooey center, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Feel free to customize by adding different nuts or using various types of chocolate chips. Enjoy baking!