Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the famous bakery’s indulgent flavors right into your home. With their extra-large size, thick texture, and gooey chocolate center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a cozy evening in, or just a well-deserved treat for yourself. Their unique combination of chocolate and walnuts takes classic chocolate chip cookies to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and crunchy walnuts creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Gooey Inside: These cookies stay soft and chewy in the center while having a perfectly baked exterior.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for sharing at parties or keeping as a special treat at home, they appeal to both kids and adults alike.
• Impressive Size: Each cookie is large enough to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make baking these delicious cookies even easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment makes clean-up easy and prevents cookies from sticking to the pan.

Ingredients

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

For Mixing In

• 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 the Baking Sheet

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

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add cold butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy—approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs

1. Add eggs one at a time to the bowl.
2. Mix well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

1. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and roughly chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough

1. Divide the dough into 9 equal portions—about 6 ounces each.
2. Shape each portion into rough balls without flattening them.
3. Place dough balls onto the lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

1. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

1. Position chilled cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 3 inches apart—aim for about four per sheet.
2. Bake for approximately 10-11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

1. Allow baked cookies to rest on sheets for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying them warm!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect indulgent treat. Their size and richness make them a delightful dessert or snack option. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy your cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creamy milk balances the rich flavors of the cookies.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top. The melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the gooey cookie.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruits, nuts, or other baked goods. This makes for an appealing presentation at gatherings.

In Cookie Sandwiches

• Create cookie sandwiches by adding your favorite filling, such as frosting or whipped cream, between two cookies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Gift Them!

• Package several cookies in a decorative box or tin and give them as gifts. They make a thoughtful treat for friends and family.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cookies with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. The warmth of the beverage complements the cookie’s texture beautifully.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best results with these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these helpful tips for baking success.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill enhances flavor and helps maintain shape while baking.
• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates a thicker cookie structure, ensuring they stay puffy and chewy.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookie texture soft and tender.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement; this prevents dense cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on cookies to avoid overbaking; they should be golden around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
• Let Them Rest: Allow baked cookies to cool for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them; this helps set their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complimentary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to rich cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries to create a light yet satisfying side that balances sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar for an interesting savory-sweet combo.
4. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts brings crunchiness and complements the flavors of chocolate and walnuts in the cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or leftover cookie chunks into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake offers another sweet option that pairs well with coffee or tea during brunch.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over cookies or serve it as a dip for added sweetness and richness.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and sauces so guests can create their own sundaes using cookies as bases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm butter: Using softened or melted butter can result in flat cookies. Always use cold, cubed butter for a thicker texture.
• Skipping the chill time: Not chilling the dough may lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can cause tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure cookies are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
• For unbaked dough, wrap individual dough balls tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about these delicious cookies, here are some frequently asked questions.

How do I achieve a gooey center in my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

To ensure a gooey center, bake until the edges are golden but the middle looks slightly underbaked. Allow them to rest after baking for that perfect texture.

Can I customize my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different nuts, swap chocolate chips for chunks, or even incorporate dried fruit for a unique twist.

What type of chocolate works best in these cookies?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they balance sweetness with rich chocolate flavor. You can also mix dark and milk chocolate chips if you prefer.

How long do Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or keep them classic with just chocolate and walnuts. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every gooey bite!