Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers! Imagine biting into a giant, thick cookie with a soft, gooey center, bursting with chocolate chips and walnuts. Perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a sweet pick-me-up—these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique size and texture elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie to an indulgent experience that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Giant Size: These cookies are supersized, making them perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
• Soft and Gooey Center: Enjoy the delightful contrast of a crisp edge with a soft, gooey interior.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, picnics, or just as an everyday dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts takes each bite to new heights.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

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 butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: They provide an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

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 Sheets

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

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, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to combine.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

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

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

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

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough

Divide the dough into 9 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Shape each portion into a rough ball without flattening them. Place onto the lined baking sheet and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Arrange Cookie Dough Balls

Place chilled cookie dough balls on prepared sheets, spacing each about 3 inches apart (approximately four per sheet).

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-11 minutes or until cookies are golden brown around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the middle.

Step 11: Cool

Allow baked cookies to rest for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying these delicious treats!

How to Serve Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their gooey, thick texture makes them a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Tall Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the rich flavors of the cookies while providing a refreshing contrast.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a platter with fresh fruits and nuts for an inviting dessert spread at gatherings.

Dipped in Hot Chocolate

• Enjoy these cookies dipped in hot chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness during chilly days.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• The robust flavors of coffee or tea complement the richness of the chocolate chips perfectly.

Gift Wrapped for Special Occasions

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes to give as gifts, adding a personal touch to any celebration.

How to Perfect Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these essential tips. They will help you replicate that soft, gooey texture and rich flavor.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter creates a better texture and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough allows the flavors to meld and results in thicker cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can develop gluten.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips: Opt for premium semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor and better melting quality.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; remove them when they are golden at the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to incorporate different nuts or chocolate varieties for unique flavor combinations.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with delightful side dishes can enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies and adds freshness.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious complement that contrasts well with sweet cookies.
3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors.
4. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience that’s sure to impress.
5. Nut Butter Spread
   A smear of almond or peanut butter adds protein and an additional layer of flavor when enjoyed alongside cookies.
6. Granola Bars
   Serve homemade granola bars as a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cookies, creating a delightful snack mix.
7. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer mini cupcakes as bite-sized treats that provide variety without overpowering your cookie selection.
8. Milkshakes
   Rich milkshakes in complementary flavors make for a fun, indulgent drink option alongside freshly baked cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using melted or room-temperature butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Always use cold, cubed butter for that perfect thick and chewy consistency.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep those cookies soft and gooey.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape while baking.
• Neglecting measuring accuracy: Using too much flour or sugar can ruin your recipe. Measure ingredients accurately for best results—use a kitchen scale if possible.
• Baking on a warm sheet: Placing cookie dough on a hot baking sheet can lead to uneven baking. Always start with a cool, lined sheet for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Reheating Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become too hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds according to your preference.

How do I know when my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are done?

They should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven.

What can I add to customize my Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can add different types of chocolate chips, like dark or milk chocolate, or even incorporate dried fruits for extra flavor.

Can I make Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite nuts or chocolate types, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and delight yourself and your loved ones!