Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re a cookie lover, get ready to meet your new obsession: Levain Bakery’s famous chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are big, thick, gooey, and oh-so-decadent—just the kind of treat that makes your heart skip a beat. They’re so irresistible that you’ll have trouble eating just one (trust me, I’ve been there). Imagine biting into a soft, warm cookie with gooey chocolate chips melting in your mouth and a hint of caramelized butter. If that sounds like your kind of cookie, then let’s dive in.

Get ready to recreate this bakery classic in your own kitchen, because today, you’re making the best chocolate chip cookies ever. No more wondering what the hype is all about—you’re about to experience it firsthand!

Why You’ll Love Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe isn’t just a cookie—it’s a moment of pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a party, treating yourself, or sharing these delicious creations with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: These cookies work for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or bringing them to a get-together, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these cookies. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen, and yet, the result is bakery-quality.

Quick and Easy: Despite how incredible they are, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. If you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is for you. It’s easy to follow and totally foolproof!

Customizable: Want to make these cookies your own? Add a handful of walnuts or even some white chocolate chips to shake things up. It’s all about making these cookies fit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a hit with everyone—kids, adults, cookie connoisseurs. Everyone loves the balance of a crisp exterior and chewy interior.

Ingredients for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cookies so special. We’re keeping it simple, but the combination of ingredients results in a cookie that’s anything but basic.

Cookie Dough:

• Butter: The star of the show. It gives the cookies that perfect golden-brown color and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together and give the cookies that perfect texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cookie dough. It’s what gives them that chewy texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just right.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: The key to these cookies. Use a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chip for the best results.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions for Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now let’s get to baking! This is where the magic happens.

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give your cookies that perfect crispy edge.

Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. You can also grease it lightly if you don’t have parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls that are about the size of a golf ball. These cookies are meant to be big and thick, so don’t be shy with the dough!

Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still soft. They will continue to cook as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underdone when you first take them out.

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dig in!

How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to make them even better:

With Milk: The classic pairing! A cold glass of milk goes perfectly with these gooey cookies.

With Ice Cream: Want to go next level? Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an epic dessert.

As a Snack: Grab one for an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re great for satisfying your sweet tooth without being overly indulgent.

For a Gift: Package these cookies up in a cute tin or box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. People will rave about them!

Additional Tips

A few extra tips to make these cookies even better:

Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Chill the Dough: For extra thick cookies, chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft, not melted, for the best texture in your cookies.

Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but still taste great after a few days.

Freeze the Dough: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen whenever you’re craving fresh cookies!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: Butter is key for flavor and texture, but if you don’t have any, margarine can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be a bit different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

Q2: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A2: Absolutely! Just use a smaller scoop or spoon to form the dough, but remember that smaller cookies may bake faster.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for storage. Bake them from frozen whenever you’re ready!

Q4: Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
A4: Yes! Dark chocolate chips would add a rich, intense chocolate flavor, but the cookies will still be amazing.

Q5: Can I add nuts to these cookies?
A5: Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to the dough. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.

Q6: How do I store leftover cookies?
A6: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them.

Q7: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A7: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q8: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A8: You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies dairy-free.

Q9: How do I make sure my cookies are thick?
A9: To keep the cookies thick, don’t flatten the dough balls, and consider chilling the dough before baking.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust your baking times accordingly, and you’ll have plenty of cookies to share!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to cookie recipe! These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate combination of thick, gooey, and perfectly baked. With a crispy edge and a soft center, they’ll quickly become your favorite homemade treat. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies will always impress. Happy baking!

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