Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try for cookie lovers! With their extra-large size and thick, gooey center, these cookies elevate the classic chocolate chip experience. Perfect for gatherings, rewards after a long day, or simply indulging yourself, they bring joy to any occasion. Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings like no other!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra Large Size: Each cookie is a generous portion that truly feels like a treat.
• Gooey Center: The soft inside creates a delightful contrast with the crispy edges.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, you can whip them up anytime.
• Versatile Add-ins: Customize with your favorite nuts or chocolate varieties for a personal twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for parties or as gifts for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures everything goes smoothly and your cookies come out perfect every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless and provides consistent results.
• Baking sheets: A good quality sheet ensures even baking for perfectly golden cookies.
• Parchment paper: Using this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

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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

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 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—approximately 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs

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

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 Dry into Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and roughly chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls on lined baking sheets:
1. Space each about 3 inches apart (approximately 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 baking 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 not just a treat on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.

With Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the classic combination that enhances the cookie’s richness.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful dessert sundae.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate sauce over the cookies before serving to elevate their chocolaty goodness.

Fresh Berries

• Accompany your cookies with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for those who enjoy a creamy texture alongside their cookies.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, which complements the flavors and adds warmth to your dessert.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold, cubed butter helps create that thick texture, ensuring your cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes (or longer) firms it up, resulting in a thicker cookie with a soft center.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugars, to ensure consistent results with each batch.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look golden brown around the edges but remain slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey effect.
• Let Them Cool: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up without losing their soft inside.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing sides with your cookies can create a balanced dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavors in the cookies beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of flavor and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge in a thick chocolate milkshake that enhances the dessert experience with its creamy richness.
4. Peanut Butter Dip: Serve a side of peanut butter dip for a fun and nutty twist that pairs well with chocolate chip cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over your cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
6. Coconut Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, coconut whipped cream provides a fluffy and tropical taste that goes well with chocolate flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using softened butter: Using soft butter instead of cold, cubed butter can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always ensure your butter is cold and cubed for the perfect texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the cookie dough can lead to flat cookies. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain that thick shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to achieve a tender bite.
• Ignoring the baking time: Baking the cookies too long can make them hard rather than chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much or too little flour can affect cookie texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Neglecting quality chocolate chips: Low-quality chocolate chips can alter the taste. Opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container for best results.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat a cookie on a plate for about 10-15 seconds; keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these delicious Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How do I ensure my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies have that gooey center?

To achieve that gooey center, be careful not to overbake your cookies. They should look slightly underdone when taken out of the oven.

Can I substitute nuts in this recipe?

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

What type of chocolate is best for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for a balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate as well!

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only indulgent but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different types of nuts or even swapping out chocolate varieties. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, these cookies promise satisfaction in every bite. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today!