Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing quite compares to the thick, gooey goodness of a Levain Chocolate Chip Cookie. Inspired by the iconic bakery in New York City, these cookies boast a crisp exterior, a soft and chewy interior, and a generous amount of chocolate and nuts. Whether you are indulging in one fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the art of creating these delightful treats!

The Upside of Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The use of bread flour gives them a chewy structure, while the cold butter ensures a rich and buttery flavor without spreading too much during baking. Each bite is filled with melty dark chocolate chips and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. Plus, they make for a great treat at parties, bake sales, or simply as an indulgent dessert at home.

Ingredient List

• 3 cups (375g) bread flour – This flour creates the chewy texture characteristic of Levain cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect thickness.
• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda – Balances the acidity and enhances browning.
• 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt – Elevates flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter – Make sure it’s cold and cut into cubes for the best texture.
• 1 cup (165g) + 4 teaspoons light or dark brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve the perfect crisp.
• 2 eggs – Cold and lightly beaten, these help bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1.5 cups (270g) dark chocolate chips – Provides that rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup (117g) toasted and coarsely chopped walnuts – Adds a nutty crunch that complements the chocolate.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking.
• Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding in ingredients without overmixing.
• Baking sheet – A half-sheet pan works best for even baking.
• Parchment paper – To line your baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Cooling rack – To cool your cookies once baked.

Mastering Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies: How-To

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out the bread flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s essential to have everything ready before you begin mixing.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, add the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Slowly add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined, but don’t overdo it.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and toasted walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, use a large cookie scoop or your hands to form dough balls about 3 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these decadent treats warm, or save them for later!

What to Use Instead

• Butter – For a dairy-free option, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Walnuts – If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds.
• Dark chocolate chips – Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Bread flour – You can use all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different.

Testing Timeline

Here’s a quick breakdown of your baking timeline:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Freezer-Friendly Notes

These Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for freezing! You can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the cookies may not have the same chewy texture. Bread flour gives them that signature bite.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be golden brown while the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Absolutely! You can leave them out or substitute them with a different nut or seed if you prefer.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

That’s a Wrap

In conclusion, making Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating a delightful experience. The combination of bread flour, cold butter, and warm chocolate creates a cookie that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you choose to share these cookies with loved ones or keep them all to yourself, they will undoubtedly bring joy to your day. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!