Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers! With their extra-large size, thick texture, and gooey chocolatey goodness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging on a cozy weekend, these cookies will impress family and friends alike. They are not only delicious but also loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts, taking your cookie experience to new heights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Size Delight: Each cookie is a hefty 6 ounces, making them perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself!
• Gooey Center: The soft inside of these cookies ensures a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—be it a dessert table or an afternoon snack, they always hit the spot.
• Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to swap walnuts with your favorite nuts or add different types of chocolate for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool ensures your butter and sugars mix thoroughly to create a light, creamy base.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized and separate during preparation.

Ingredients

To make these irresistible 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 Mix

• 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 to prepare for the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Add cold butter, light 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 down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Chips and Walnuts

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

Step 7: Shape 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 lined baking sheet.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls onto prepared sheets:
1. Space them about 3 inches apart (about four per sheet).
2. Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown edges form while keeping the center slightly underbaked.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest on baking sheets for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying their irresistible taste!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. Their rich flavor and delightful texture make them a standout dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the sweetness and richness of the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for an extra treat.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Add a touch of decadence by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries or sliced apples can provide a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Serve Warm

• Heating the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds can revive their gooey center, enhancing their flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for cookie perfection!

• Use Cold Butter: Start with cold, cubed butter to ensure your cookies maintain their thick shape while baking.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough before baking helps develop flavors and prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or scoop and level method to measure flour correctly, which affects cookie texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey texture.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to substitute walnuts with other nuts or even add dried fruits for variety and unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing these cookies with delightful side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and acidity, complementing the heavy chocolate flavors beautifully.
3. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip chunks of leftover cookies into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
4. Whipped Cream
   Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served on the side, offering a fluffy contrast to the dense cookies.
5. Nut Butter Spread
   A spread of almond or peanut butter can add another layer of flavor, making each bite more satisfying.
6. Cheese Plate
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide an interesting savory counterpart to the sweet cookies.
7. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and crumbled cookie pieces for a fun twist on dessert that’s still indulgent but lighter.
8. Coffee Cake Slices
   Serve slices of coffee cake alongside your cookies for a delightful combination that’s perfect for brunch or dessert time.

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 outcome of your cookies.

• Using room temperature butter: Cold, cubed butter is essential for achieving the thick texture. Make sure to use cold butter for the best results.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie structure. Don’t skip this step, as it ensures your cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft, chewy interior.
• Not measuring flour properly: Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be golden at the edges but slightly underbaked in the middle for the perfect gooey texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for about a minute on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies thicker?

To achieve thicker cookies, ensure your dough is chilled before baking and avoid flattening the dough balls.

Can I substitute chocolate chips in this recipe?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft and underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

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

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only indulgent but also versatile. You can customize them with different nuts or types of chocolate according to your preferences. Try making them today and enjoy their delightful gooey center!