Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that will elevate your dessert game! With their extra-large size and thick, gooey centers, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts, these cookies are suitable for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them a standout choice for cookie lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts creates a deliciously indulgent experience.
• Easy to Follow: This recipe features simple steps that are easy to follow, even for novice bakers.
• Make Ahead Option: You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours, making it convenient to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Impressive Size: With large cookie portions, these treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or use different types of chocolate chips for a personal twist.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the right tools. Having the proper equipment ensures consistent results and makes baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing ingredients quick and efficient, resulting in a perfectly creamy butter mixture.
• Baking sheets: Using multiple sheets allows you to bake several batches at once without waiting for one sheet to cool down.
• Parchment paper: It prevents cookies from sticking, ensuring they come off the sheet easily without losing their shape.

Ingredients

To create these 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)
• 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

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 while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream 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 (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts until 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 these balls onto the lined baking sheet and transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart (about four per sheet).

Step 10: Monitor Baking Time

Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown around edges but slightly underbaked in the middle.

Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest on sheets for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying their deliciousness.

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm for a gooey treat or pair them with your favorite beverages. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a creamy contrast to the cookies’ texture.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delightful dessert!

Coffee Companion

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

Warm Cookie Platter

• Serve the cookies warm on a platter at gatherings or parties. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family. It’s a sweet way to share your baking skills!

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfecting these cookies takes just a few key steps. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies are always amazing.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create the thick texture characteristic of Levain cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough before baking for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated; too hot or too cold can affect cookie texture.
• Watch Baking Time: Bake until the edges are golden brown but the center remains soft. This achieves that perfect gooey inside.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a healthy side that complements the richness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which provide a savory contrast to the sweet, chocolatey flavors.
4. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip pieces of fruit or leftover cookie bits into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
5. Nutty Granola
   Serve crunchy granola alongside for added texture and flavor, perfect for breakfast-style enjoyment.
6. Herbal Tea
   A warm cup of herbal tea pairs nicely, offering a soothing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Not Using Cold Butter: Using softened butter can result in flat cookies. Always use cold, cubed butter for the best texture.
• Skipping Chilling Time: If you don’t chill the dough, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes or longer for thicker cookies.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined when adding flour and other dry ingredients.
• Incorrect Measuring of Flour: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring to avoid dry cookies.
• Overbaking: Baking too long will make your cookies hard. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the middle.

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 in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warm; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookie in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies without nuts?

You can simply omit the walnuts or replace them with another mix-in like shredded coconut or more chocolate chips.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips according to your preference.

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

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.

Why are my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies flat?

If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to using room temperature butter or not chilling the dough adequately before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite. Their thick, gooey center and rich chocolate flavor make them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, using different chocolates, or even incorporating dried fruits!