Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that will impress anyone. With their extra-large size and thick, gooey centers, these cookies redefine indulgence. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Giant Size: These cookies are not your average treat; their generous size means more gooey goodness in every bite.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts creates a rich flavor that chocolate lovers adore.
• Easy to Make: Despite their fancy appearance, the steps are straightforward and manageable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with ice cream on top or enjoy them plain with a cup of coffee or milk.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours, making it convenient to prepare in advance.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to bake these amazing cookies requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking process smoother and more 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 makes creaming the butter and sugars easy and quick, ensuring a light texture.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets prevents sticking and helps achieve evenly baked cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients keeps your preparation organized.

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 Cookie 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
• 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 the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until light and creamy (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Eggs

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

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into 9 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Shape each portion into rough balls without flattening them. Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Transfer the shaped dough balls to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for better flavor development.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place chilled cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets with about 3 inches between each ball (about four per sheet). Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown around edges but slightly underbaked in centers.

Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow baked cookies to rest on sheets for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks or enjoying warm!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These oversized cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can also be served in a variety of delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the rich chocolate flavor. Opt for cold whole milk for the best experience.

À la Mode

• Top each cookie with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the cookie combined with the cold ice cream creates a heavenly contrast.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For extra indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies just before serving. This adds an additional layer of chocolatey goodness.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair these cookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing balance. The tartness complements the sweetness perfectly.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Create a cookie sandwich by adding whipped cream or ice cream between two cookies. It’s a fun and delicious twist!

Warmed Up

• Microwave your cookie for about 10 seconds before enjoying. This will revive its gooey center and enhance the chocolate flavor.

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 tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold, cubed butter helps create that thick texture characteristic of Levain cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to ensure a tender cookie texture without toughness.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be golden around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes allows them to set and enhances their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, they can also be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit and marshmallows makes for an interactive dessert experience that complements cookie flavors.
4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides warmth and depth, making it a perfect accompaniment to enjoy alongside your cookies.
5. Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair well with sweet flavors; this adds a savory element to your dessert table.
6. Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip for added richness; it brings another layer of flavor that works beautifully with chocolate chip cookies.
7. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, and nuts so guests can create their own sundaes using the warm cookies as a base.
8. Pudding Cups: A light vanilla pudding can serve as a perfect dip or side dish, adding creaminess without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.

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 final result. Here are some tips to help you get it right.

• Incorrect Butter Temperature – Using softened butter instead of cold cubed butter can lead to cookies that spread too much. Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing.
• Overmixing the Dough – Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft and chewy texture.
• Skipping the Chill Time – Not chilling the dough can prevent the cookies from achieving their signature thick shape. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Inaccurate Measuring – Using packed flour or sugar instead of spooning and leveling can lead to incorrect ratios. Always measure dry ingredients accurately for best results.
• Baking at Incorrect Temperature – Baking at too low a temperature can result in undercooked centers. Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in 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, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, heating each cookie for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different nuts in Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them altogether based on your preference.

How do I achieve the perfect texture in my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Chill the dough before baking and avoid overmixing to maintain a gooey center while ensuring they are thick and soft.

What if I don’t have cake flour for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can make your own by measuring out all-purpose flour and removing two tablespoons per cup, then adding two tablespoons of cornstarch.

How long do Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only deliciously indulgent but also versatile. You can customize them with different types of chocolate chips or nuts. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these thick, gooey treats with friends and family!