Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. With their extra-large size and thick, gooey interior, these cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to an entirely new level. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts creates a rich, indulgent taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or serve them at parties for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Impressive Size: These cookies are not just big in size but also in flavor, making them a standout choice for cookie lovers.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to substitute nuts or use different types of chocolate for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Makes mixing the dough effortless while ensuring even incorporation of ingredients.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier by providing a non-stick surface on the baking sheets.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 to prepare for the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add cold butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until light and creamy, which should take about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs

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

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
* cake flour
* all-purpose flour
* cornstarch
* baking soda
* kosher salt

Step 5: Mix Dough Together

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

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

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

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Divide the dough into nine equal portions, about six ounces each. Shape each portion into rough balls without flattening them. Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about three inches apart—about four per sheet. Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges while still slightly underbaked in the center.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying. This waiting period ensures they firm up nicely!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These giant, delicious cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, there are many ways to serve these indulgent treats.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing: The rich flavor of chocolate and walnuts complements the creamy taste of milk, making it the perfect choice for dunking.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Transform your cookies into an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two warm cookies. This adds an extra layer of indulgence!

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve these cookies warm and top them with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert that feels extra special.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• For a fun twist, crumble the cookies over yogurt to add sweetness and texture. This makes for an excellent breakfast or snack option.

With Fresh Berries

• Pairing these cookies with fresh berries enhances their flavor and adds a refreshing contrast. Strawberries or raspberries work particularly well.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange several cookies on a platter alongside other desserts for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the ultimate Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Use cold butter: Keeping the butter cold helps create that thick structure, resulting in perfectly chunky cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) helps prevent spreading, ensuring those thick cookie edges.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, which can affect texture.

• Watch the baking time: Remove the cookies when they are golden around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet once out of the oven.

• Experiment with chocolate chips: Try mixing different types of chocolate chips (like dark or white chocolate) for added flavor complexity.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture perfectly balances the rich flavors of the cookie.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over or beside your cookie for added decadence.
4. Peanut Butter Dip: A creamy peanut butter dip can offer an exciting flavor combination when paired with these cookies.
5. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with sweet cookies, making it an ideal pairing.
6. Nutella Spread: Spread Nutella on half of a cookie for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
7. Caramel Sauce: For those who love caramel, drizzling this sauce over warm cookies adds richness and depth.
8. Milkshake: Blend up a milkshake using vanilla ice cream and milk; it’s an indulgent drink that pairs wonderfully with dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using warm butter – Warm butter can make the cookies spread too much. Always use cold, cubed butter for the perfect texture.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can lead to flat cookies. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at an incorrect temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven properly and check with an oven thermometer if needed.
• Using incorrect measuring techniques – Not measuring flour correctly can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurements.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies 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 for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I achieve the perfect texture?

To get that iconic thick and gooey texture, ensure you use cold butter, chill the dough, and avoid overmixing.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely based on your preferences.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 10 large Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze unbaked dough balls for later use.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Absolutely! You can divide the dough into smaller portions; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines indulgence with simplicity. Their thick, soft centers filled with chocolate chips and walnuts will surely impress anyone who tries them. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite nuts or using different types of chocolate; the possibilities are endless!