Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of cookie perfection. With their extra-large size, thick texture, and gooey chocolate-filled center, they promise to elevate your dessert game. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat at home, these cookies will impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gooey Texture: The combination of cold butter and careful baking ensures a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth.
• Decadent Flavor: Loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts, each cookie delivers an indulgent taste experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 10 large cookies per batch, they are ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Simple Preparation: You can whip these up quickly with minimal fuss, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm from the oven or store them for later—these cookies maintain their deliciousness!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success. Proper equipment not only makes preparation easier but also helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: This powerful tool helps achieve a creamy butter-sugar mixture effortlessly, ensuring even mixing.
• Baking Sheets: Choosing the right size helps in baking multiple cookies at once without overcrowding.
• Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.

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Ingredients

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

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: Line Your Baking Sheet

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
• Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

• Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture.
• Mix well after each addition, scraping down 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 until well mixed.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

• Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped 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 dough balls onto the lined baking sheet and refrigerate 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.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

• Place chilled cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
• Bake for approximately 10–11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges while slightly underbaked in the middle.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

• Allow baked cookies to rest on sheets for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying.

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the rich chocolate flavor.

À la Mode

• Top each warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold creates an indulgent treat.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Use two cookies to create a sandwich filled with your favorite frosting, whipped cream, or even peanut butter for added flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that makes them look as good as they taste.

Warmed Up

• Reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. This will make them soft and gooey again!

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best results with these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these expert tips.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps maintain the cookie’s structure, leading to a thick and chewy texture.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) ensures better flavor development and prevents spreading during baking.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they are golden around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to cook once out of the oven.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.

• Use Good Quality Chocolate Chips: High-quality chocolate chips will enhance the overall taste and make each bite more enjoyable.

• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add dried fruits or different nuts according to your preference for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing your Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness perfectly.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements warm cookies beautifully.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle rich chocolate sauce over or alongside your cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Nut Butter Dip: A small bowl of almond or peanut butter provides a nutty contrast that pairs well with chocolate.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee enhances the flavors of chocolate, making it an ideal drink alongside cookies.
6. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream can be dolloped on top or served on the side for added creaminess.
7. Caramel Sauce: Serve warm caramel sauce as a dipping option; it adds richness and depth of flavor to each bite.
8. Mint Tea: A refreshing mint tea can cleanse the palate between bites, offering a nice contrast to sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Using room temperature butter – Cold butter is essential for achieving that thick texture. Make sure to cube the butter and use it straight from the fridge.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender cookie.
• Not chilling the dough – Chilling helps prevent spreading and ensures a thick cookie. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
• Baking at the wrong temperature – Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F before baking. This high heat creates that perfect crispy outside while keeping the inside gooey.
• Skipping the resting period – Letting cookies rest after baking allows them to firm up slightly, enhancing flavor and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a hot skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I achieve the gooey center?

To get that signature gooey center, underbake your cookies slightly during baking. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.

Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! You can swap walnuts with pecans or even omit nuts entirely if you prefer nut-free cookies.

How do I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap your leftover dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for their balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips as well!

Can I make smaller cookies?

Yes! If you want smaller portions, divide the dough into smaller balls and adjust the baking time accordingly (about 8-10 minutes).

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines size with indulgence. Their thick texture and deliciously gooey center make them stand out from regular cookies. Feel free to customize by adding different types of chocolate or nuts, making them perfect for any occasion!