Copycat Levain Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the decadent charm of Copycat Levain Cookies, bringing the famous bakery treat to your home kitchen.
Experience the joy of baking with these Copycat Levain Cookies, inspired by the iconic New York bakery. Each bite offers a perfect blend of soft, gooey centers and slightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Secret to Perfectly Chewy Cookies
Achieving the perfect texture in your Copycat Levain Cookies starts with the right balance of ingredients. The combination of softened unsalted butter and the two types of sugar creates a rich, creamy base that contributes to that signature chewiness. Be sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy, as this introduces air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful lift.
Another secret lies in the baking time and temperature. Baking the cookies at a higher temperature for a shorter duration helps to ensure the outside becomes golden brown while keeping the inside soft and gooey. Keep an eye on them as they bake, as every oven can vary slightly in temperature.
Customizing Your Cookies
While chocolate chips are a classic choice, don't hesitate to get creative with your Copycat Levain Cookies! Consider adding nuts for crunch, dried fruit for a chewy texture, or even swapping in white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. The addition of fresh orange zest not only pairs beautifully with chocolate but also adds a refreshing citrus note that elevates the overall taste.
You can also experiment with the size of the cookies. For giant cookies reminiscent of those from the bakery, scoop larger portions of dough. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they bake evenly throughout.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once your Copycat Levain Cookies have cooled completely, storing them properly will help maintain their delicious texture. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the dough in advance. You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them; when you're ready for a fresh cookie, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
These cookies make for a delightful treat for any occasion. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or pack them up as gifts for friends and family. No matter how you enjoy them, they're sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Instructions
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 salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake
Scoop generous portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Copycat Levain Cookies with a glass of milk!
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Copycat Levain Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider using a kitchen scale for measuring your flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can result in overly gooey ones. A scale provides accuracy that measuring cups may not achieve.
Additionally, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This includes your butter and eggs, as they will blend together more smoothly, contributing to a better texture in your cookies.
Pairing Ideas
These decadent cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the cookies complement the creaminess of milk, while the coffee enhances the chocolate notes. For a fun twist, consider making an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
If you're hosting a gathering, serve these cookies alongside a variety of desserts. Their rich flavor profile will satisfy a range of sweet cravings, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What is the best way to store cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use nuts, dried fruit, or even swap in different types of chocolate.
→ How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool.
Copycat Levain Cookies
Indulge in the decadent charm of Copycat Levain Cookies, bringing the famous bakery treat to your home kitchen.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
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 salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop generous portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring 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