Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true indulgence. With their extra-large size and thick, gooey centers, they elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie to new heights. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Loaded with rich chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, they offer a delightful texture and flavor combination that makes them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Giant Cookies: These cookies are bigger than your average cookie, making them perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Soft and Chewy Texture: The gooey center contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp edges, providing a delightful bite.
  • Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create bakery-style cookies at home.
  • Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, these cookies can be dressed up with various toppings or enjoyed plain.
  • Batch-Friendly: You can easily double the recipe to share with friends or freeze some for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

  • Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort by thoroughly mixing your cookie dough for an even consistency.
  • Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
  • Parchment paper: It allows for easy removal of cookies without sticking to the baking surface.

Ingredients

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are extra large, extra thick cookies with a soft, gooey inside and loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts. The supersized cookie takes a chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level of indulgence!

For the 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)
  • 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: Line Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside while preparing the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Add cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Mix on medium speed until light and creamy (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time:
1. Mix well after each addition.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for an even mix.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Mix in chocolate chips and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Divide the dough into 9 equal portions (about 6 ounces each):
1. Shape each portion into a rough ball without flattening them.
2. Place prepared dough balls onto the lined baking sheet.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

When ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Arrange chilled cookie dough balls on the baking sheets:
1. Space each about 3 inches apart—around four per sheet.
2. Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown around edges but slightly underbaked in the center.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest on sheets for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks or serving immediately. Enjoy your delicious Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delicious Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Classic Milk

  • Cold Glass of Milk: Serve your cookies with a refreshing glass of cold milk. The creamy texture complements the gooey chocolate perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • With Ice Cream: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat. Vanilla or chocolate chip ice cream works wonderfully!

Warm and Gooey

  • Fresh from the Oven: Enjoy the cookies warm right out of the oven. This enhances the gooeyness of the chocolate chips and makes them utterly irresistible.

Coffee Pairing

  • With Your Morning Brew: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The rich flavors of coffee enhance the chocolatey goodness.

Dessert Platter

  • Cookie Platter: Arrange these giant cookies on a platter with other desserts like brownies or bars. It’s an impressive way to serve at parties!

With Fruit

  • Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookies nicely.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfecting these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies requires a few key steps. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right every time.

  • Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
  • Use Cold Butter: For that thick texture, make sure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it in. This prevents it from melting too quickly during baking.
  • Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey texture.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality chocolate chips and nuts for best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference!
  • Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like sea salt on top or different types of chocolate chips for variety.
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Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can create an extraordinary dessert experience. Here are some tasty options!

  1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds brightness and balances sweetness.
  2. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake squares provide a creamy counterpart to the chewy cookies, making for an indulgent combination.
  3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with rich cookies.
  4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra layer of decadence!
  5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix adds texture and is perfect for snacking alongside soft cookies.
  6. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake pairs beautifully, making it great for brunch gatherings.
  7. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars offer a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate chip cookies perfectly.
  8. S’mores Dip: Serve this gooey dip with graham crackers as another fun way to enjoy those chocolatey flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using softened butter instead of cold can lead to spreading cookies. Always use cold, cubed butter for the best texture.
  • Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
  • Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can result in flat cookies. Always chill for at least 30 minutes to maintain that thick shape.
  • Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour in the recipe. Use a scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
  • Baking at Incorrect Temperature: Baking at too low a temperature can result in undercooked cookies. Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container.
  • They remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
  • They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Label bags with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds.
  • Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will help you achieve similar cookie texture without gluten.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if you prefer nut-free cookies.

What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?

The unique combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour gives these cookies their distinct soft and chewy texture, making them stand out from classic recipes.

How long do Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Definitely! You can increase the amount of chocolate chips if you want an even more indulgent treat. Just be careful not to overmix when adding them.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they embody indulgence with their thick, gooey centers and rich flavors. The recipe allows room for customization—whether you want extra chocolate or different nuts, you have options! Try making these delightful cookies today; they’re sure to become a favorite!

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Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies


  • Author: Sofia
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 9 large cookies 1x

Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies right at home. These giant cookies boast a thick, gooey center surrounded by slightly crisp edges, creating a perfect balance of textures. Loaded with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, each bite is a heavenly treat. Whether shared at gatherings or enjoyed solo with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to impress everyone. Easy to prepare, this recipe allows bakers of all skill levels to create irresistible bakery-style cookies that elevate any dessert experience.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a stand mixer, cream together cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts until evenly distributed.
  7. Divide the dough into nine equal portions and shape into rough balls without flattening them.
  8. Chill the cookie dough balls for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  9. Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center.
  10. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For an extra indulgent treat, you can add more chocolate chips or use different types of nuts like pecans. Ensure to chill the dough as this helps maintain its structure during baking.

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