Copycat Levain Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the delightful decadence of these Copycat Levain Cookies, a perfect blend of gooey chocolate and buttery goodness.
These Copycat Levain Cookies are inspired by the famous New York bakery, known for their oversized, gooey cookies. With a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy center, each bite is a delight!
What You'll Love About These Cookies
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Perfect Cookie Experience
Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked cookie that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These Copycat Levain Cookies offer that delightful contrast in texture, making each bite a joy. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the hint of orange zest elevates the experience, making it more than just a treat; it transforms into a moment of indulgence.
Whether you’re sharing these cookies at a gathering or enjoying them solo with a glass of milk, they are sure to impress. Their generous size and gooey center create a sense of satisfaction that leaves you craving more. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies bring a touch of gourmet to your baking.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Copycat Levain Cookies, it’s essential to use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs. This allows for better incorporation and a creamier texture. Additionally, be cautious not to overmix the dough after combining the wet and dry ingredients; this will help maintain that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Investing in a good cookie scoop can also make a significant difference. It ensures uniformity in size, which leads to even baking. Remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If you notice the edges turning golden while the centers remain soft, it’s time to pull them out for that perfect chewy bite.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once your cookies have cooled down, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They can last for up to a week, but you might find them disappearing much sooner! For an extra treat, consider warming them slightly in the microwave before enjoying; this will enhance the gooey chocolate experience.
These cookies can also be a fantastic gift for friends and family. Package them in a decorative tin or box, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present that is sure to make anyone smile. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just because, these Copycat Levain Cookies are perfect for sharing and spreading joy.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a batch of delicious Copycat Levain Cookies:
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Copycat Levain Cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if using.
Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Copycat Levain Cookies with a glass of milk!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate chips? A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different varieties of chocolate chips, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, to suit your taste preferences. You can even use chocolate chunks for a more decadent experience.
Q: How do I make these cookies gluten-free? A: To create a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
These Copycat Levain Cookies are a delightful treat, but it's essential to enjoy them in moderation. With a rich combination of sugars, butter, and chocolate, each cookie packs a satisfying punch. If you're mindful of sugar intake, consider enjoying them as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.
For those looking to reduce calories, you can experiment with substituting some of the butter with applesauce or using a sugar substitute. However, keep in mind that these changes may affect the overall texture and flavor of the cookies.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan option.
Copycat Levain Cookies
Indulge in the delightful decadence of these Copycat Levain Cookies, a perfect blend of gooey chocolate and buttery goodness.
Created by: Sophia Lane
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if using.
Using a cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g