Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of gooey chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and a soft interior. With their impressive size and thickness, these cookies elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie to an indulgent level. Ideal for parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack, they promise to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Impressive Size – These cookies are large and thick, making them perfect for sharing or indulging alone.
• Rich Flavor – The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts provides a deliciously rich taste.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect for various occasions like birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
• Soft and Gooey Interior – Enjoy the delightful texture that contrasts with the slightly crisp edges.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment – This tool makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures a creamy consistency.
• Parchment paper – It prevents sticking and helps achieve even baking without messy cleanup.

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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: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In 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 (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Eggs

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
• Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

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

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven

• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400°F.
• Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

• Place chilled cookie dough balls on baking sheets about 3 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown around edges but still slightly underbaked in center.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

• Allow baked cookies to rest for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies ready to impress!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These indulgent cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether at a gathering or a cozy night in, here are some great ways to serve them.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the cold milk complements the rich chocolate and soft cookie texture perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter by adding various toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit alongside the cookies for guests to enjoy.

Gift Wrapped

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness with a rich, bold flavor.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these giant cookies might seem simple, but there are some key tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use cold butter – Starting with cold, cubed butter helps create that thick texture that is signature to Levain cookies.
• Chill the dough – Chilling the cookie dough allows flavors to meld and prevents spreading while baking.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined when adding flour; this keeps the cookies tender and chewy.
• Watch the baking time – Bake until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked for that gooey center.
• Use high-quality chocolate – Opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for rich flavor throughout each bite.
• Experiment with nuts – Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with these delectable cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy touch.
2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it an interesting pairing.
3. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip additional fruits or snacks into warm chocolate alongside their cookie.
4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the cookie’s rich flavors while adding texture.
5. Chai Latte
   The spiced flavor of chai pairs beautifully with chocolate chip cookies, offering warmth and comfort in every sip.
6. Nut Butter Dips
   Serve almond butter or peanut butter as dips alongside the cookies; they add protein and richness that enhances enjoyment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to better results.

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can create a flatter cookie. Always use cold, cubed butter for the right texture.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie’s shape. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them tender.
• Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or the scoop and level method for accuracy.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges while leaving the center raw. Ensure your oven is calibrated and preheated to 400°F.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For unbaked dough, portion and freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container once solid.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I achieve the perfect texture in Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

To get that thick and gooey texture, ensure you use cold butter and don’t overmix your dough.

Can I substitute nuts in these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to replace walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely based on your preference.

What is the best way to store leftover Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

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

How can I customize my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can add different types of chocolate (like dark or white) or mix-ins like dried fruit or other nuts for variety.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their indulgent size and gooey center make them irresistible! Customization options abound—experiment with different chocolates or nuts to make them your own!