Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

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. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat just for yourself, these cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level of indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Size: Each cookie is a generous 6 ounces, making them perfect for sharing or satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Soft and Gooey Center: The balance of ingredients creates that wonderful soft center that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite nuts or even using different types of chocolate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cookie-making experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort while ensuring your ingredients are mixed evenly.
• Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

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

To 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: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time:
1. Mix well after each addition.
2. Scrape the side of the bowl as needed.

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 Ingredients into Wet Mixture

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

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts:
1. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough Balls

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

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

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

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest for about 10-15 minutes before indulging!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to savor them straight from the oven or pair them with something special, here are some serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy texture complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Create an indulgent ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Choose classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate for a timeless treat.

Warmed Up with Whipped Cream

• Heat the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds, then top with whipped cream. This adds a deliciously light and fluffy element to your dessert.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Serve the cookies alongside fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add an extra layer of flavor by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies. This creates a gooey, decadent experience that is hard to resist.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve cookie perfection, consider these helpful tips for making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies that will impress everyone.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create thick, chewy cookies. It prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking.
• Chill the Dough: Letting the cookie dough chill allows flavors to meld and results in cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour to avoid dry cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out walnuts for other nuts or add dried fruits for a unique twist on this classic cookie recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavor and make for a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances out the richness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Chocolate Pudding: Serve warm chocolate pudding on the side for added decadence and a delightful contrast in textures.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a light counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies, making for a balanced treat.
4. Coffee or Espresso: Pairing these cookies with coffee or espresso enhances their chocolatey flavor while providing a delightful caffeine boost.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass for a tasty parfait that complements your cookie indulgence nicely.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: For those who enjoy crunch, pair your cookies with homemade or store-bought granola bars featuring nuts and seeds for added texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies from good to extraordinary. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter is cold but cubed. Mixing with room temperature eggs helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking time is crucial. Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers still look underbaked; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Not measuring properly: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour. Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly.
• Skipping the rest period: Letting baked cookies rest on the baking sheet allows them to firm up and enhances their flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place individual cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookie dough balls to a freezer bag, where they can last up to three months.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I omit walnuts from the recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, simply leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious.

What if I want smaller cookies?

You can divide the dough into smaller portions. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

How long are these cookies good for?

When stored properly, they remain fresh in an airtight container for about one week or three months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding different types of chocolate or nuts according to your preference. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these cookies promise a delightful treat that everyone will love!