Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery’s Chocolate Chip Cookies have garnered a reputation that extends far beyond their New York City origins, enchanting taste buds with their unique combination of texture and flavor. These cookies, characterized by their thick, chewy interiors and crisp edges, offer an intriguing blend of rich chocolate and nutty undertones. As we explore the history and recipe behind this iconic treat, one must consider what elements contribute to its widespread acclaim and the challenges that home bakers might face in recreating this beloved dessert. The answers may surprise you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Levain Bakery-inspired chocolate chip cookie recipe is sure to enchant your taste buds and elevate your baking repertoire.
These cookies are unique for their super thick, chewy texture combined with crispy edges and soft centers, making them irresistible. The addition of crunchy walnuts enhances the overall experience, offering a delightful contrast to the melted chocolate pockets.
Ready in under an hour, the recipe is convenient for gatherings and special occasions. The joy of sharing these cookies with friends and family adds to their appeal.
With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a delicious treat effortlessly.
History
While the exact origins of the Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookie recipe may be difficult to pinpoint, it is widely celebrated for its distinctive characteristics that set it apart from traditional cookies.
Founded in 1994 by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, Levain Bakery quickly gained a reputation for its massive, thick cookies, which featured a unique balance of crispy edges and a gooey center.
The bakery’s approach to cookie-making emphasized high-quality ingredients and an artisanal baking process, attracting loyal customers.
Over the years, the Levain chocolate chip cookie has become iconic, inspiring countless home bakers to recreate its rich flavors and textures.
Its popularity continues to flourish, making it a beloved treat across the United States and beyond.
Recipe
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re craving a cookie that’s thick, chewy, and full of rich flavors, search no further than this Levain Bakery-inspired chocolate chip cookie recipe. With crispy edges and a soft center, these cookies are packed with chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts, making them the perfect treat to share with friends and family.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Using cold butter and a careful mixing process, you’ll create a dough that holds its shape while baking, resulting in cookies that are as delightful to admire as they are to eat.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large cold egg
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chunks
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 350°F if preferred) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop portions of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping the shape rough and mounding them slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the cookies while they are still warm.
For best results, remember to use cold butter to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the height of your cookies. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help keep their shape.
If you want to customize your cookies, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add seasonal flavors like cinnamon.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days, and if they lose their gooeyness, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Enjoy your baking!
Final Thoughts
The joy of baking is encapsulated perfectly in the delightful experience of creating Levain Bakery-inspired chocolate chip cookies.
These cookies, known for their thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, are sure to impress anyone who tries them. By utilizing cold butter and a careful mixing process, bakers can achieve the ideal consistency, ensuring crispy edges and a soft center.
Remember to keep the dough rough and use generous portions for that signature height. With a cooking time of just 12-14 minutes, these cookies make for a quick yet rewarding baking project.
Whether shared at gatherings or enjoyed at home, they promise to elevate any occasion, bringing warmth and happiness to all who indulge in their deliciousness.
FAQ
What questions might arise when attempting to bake the perfect Levain Bakery-inspired chocolate chip cookies?
First, how can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Using cold butter and chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps maintain height and shape.
Another common question is about ingredient substitutions. You can replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
Additionally, how do I store leftover cookies? Place them in an airtight container for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the dough balls for quick baking.
Finally, how can I achieve that gooey texture? Make sure you underbake slightly, allowing the cookies to continue cooking while cooling.
These tips will help achieve delicious results.
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 cup cold butter 1 stick
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large cold egg
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chunks
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 350°F if preferred) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop portions of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping the shape rough and mounding them slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the cookies while they are still warm.
- For best results, remember to use cold butter to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the height of your cookies. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help keep their shape.
- If you want to customize your cookies, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add seasonal flavors like cinnamon.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days, and if they lose their gooeyness, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Enjoy your baking!
