Name: Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies
Ingredients: 2 sticks Unsalted butter (Cold and cubed); 1 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 2 Eggs; 1/2 cup Dark cocoa powder (Good quality); 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour (Spoon and Sweep method); 1/4 tsp Kosher salt; 1 tsp Baking powder; 2 1/2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Scharffen Berger Chunks)

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The moment I took my first bite of a cookie from Levain Bakery, I was instantly transported to cookie heaven. Those chewy, gooey, and decadent treats have a magical quality that makes you crave just one more bite, and soon you find yourself devouring the whole thing. Inspired by their irresistible flavors, I was determined to create my own version at home. Thus, the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies were born in my kitchen!

As I started baking, I remembered the first time I had those cookies; I was sitting in the cozy corner of a café, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. The excitement of sharing those cookies with loved ones was something I wanted to recreate. Each time I bake these Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies, I relive that moment, and it’s a reminder that baking is not just about the final product; it’s about the memories and experiences we create along the way.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own version of those famous cookies right at home. With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and chocolate chips, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about taking them out of the oven and watching them transform from dough to a delicious cookie, oozing with melted chocolate goodness. It’s a moment of pure joy!

Let’s dive into my journey of creating these cookies and discover why the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Electric mixer, Baking sheets, Parchment paper

What We Adore About This Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies

1. Chewy Center with Crisp Edges

One of the standout features of the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies is their unique texture. The outside boasts a slight crispness, while the inside remains wonderfully chewy. It’s a perfect balance that makes every bite satisfying. I love how the time spent baking allows the edges to develop that slight golden hue while the center stays delightfully moist.

2. Rich Chocolate Flavor

When it comes to cookies, chocolate is the star of the show, and these cookies do not disappoint. The use of high-quality dark cocoa powder and generous amounts of semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures a deep, rich flavor. Each bite is a chocolate lover’s dream, leaving you craving more.

3. Customizable to Your Liking

The beauty of making your own Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies is that you can easily adapt them to suit your taste. Whether you prefer adding nuts, swapping in different types of chocolate, or even tossing in a dash of sea salt on top, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment and make this recipe your own!

4. Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in. I often find myself baking a batch to share with friends, and they never fail to impress. The moment you pull these cookies out of the oven, the warm aroma fills the room, drawing everyone in. There’s something special about sharing homemade treats that brings people together.

5. Quick and Simple to Make

Despite their gourmet appearance, the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies are actually quite simple to prepare. With just a few basic steps, you can have a batch ready to enjoy in no time. It’s a great recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.

6. Nostalgic Experience

Every time I bake these cookies, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from indulging in something homemade. It brings back memories of my childhood, where baking was a family affair, filled with laughter and love. The Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies carry that nostalgia and warmth, making them more than just a dessert.

Ingredients to Make Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies

When it comes to crafting the perfect cookie, quality ingredients are everything. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. The buttery richness of unsalted butter, the sweetness from granulated sugar, and the deep, chocolatey notes from cocoa powder all come together beautifully. These ingredients work in harmony, creating a cookie that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

2 sticks cold and cubed unsalted butter: The foundation of this cookie, providing richness and moisture.
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
2 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
1/2 cup good quality dark cocoa powder: Infuses the cookies with deep chocolate flavor.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
1/4 tsp Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise.
2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient, delivering gooey chocolatey goodness.

Cooking Instructions for Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies

Baking the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies is an adventure in itself! Let’s break down the steps to ensure you end up with delicious cookies that have that perfect balance of chewy and gooey. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to cookie perfection.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is an important step to ensure even baking. I like to prepare my baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s well blended and fluffy. You want to beat it until it’s light in color, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies nice and light.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps achieve a smooth batter. Once the eggs are incorporated, add in the dark cocoa powder and mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be rich and chocolatey at this point.
Next, mix in the all-purpose flour, Kosher salt, and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon. This step adds bursts of chocolate in every bite. The dough will start to feel thick and luxurious.
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Use your hands to gently mix the dough to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients. This step is essential for achieving that gooey center.
Using a large scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with your palm for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 16 to 20 minutes. I’ve found that 16 minutes gives you that perfect gooey middle, while 18 minutes is great if you prefer a more set cookie. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and trust your instincts!
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack for a few minutes before transferring them to an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and delicious. Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies!

Things Worth Knowing

Quality matters: Always use good quality ingredients, especially when it comes to butter, chocolate, and cocoa powder. They significantly impact the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Storing cookies: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.

Recipe Notes about Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies

These tips will enhance your experience baking the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies and ensure a delightful treat each time. From storage to serving suggestions, let’s make these cookies even better!

Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag, and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Pairing: Great with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert experience.
Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts or different chocolate varieties for a unique twist.
Serving: Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in with your favorite book or movie.

Perfect Pairings for Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies

When it comes to serving the Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies, there are plenty of delicious options! Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Milk: A classic pairing! Enjoy your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness and richness.
Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
Coffee: Pair them with your morning brew or afternoon coffee for a delightful treat that complements the chocolate flavor.
Tea: A warm cup of tea and a cookie make for a comforting snack during colder months.
Fruit: Consider serving with a side of fresh fruit to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
Occasions: These cookies are perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself!

FAQ

The Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies stand out due to their unique texture and rich flavor. While regular chocolate chip cookies tend to be more uniform and soft, the Levain cookies have a crisp exterior while remaining gooey in the center. This contrast makes each bite a delightful experience. They also pack more chocolate and have a slightly denser batter, ensuring that each cookie is bursting with flavor.

Absolutely! One of the beauties of baking is the ability to customize your cookies to fit your taste. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch, or even try different types of chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist. Just remember to adjust the quantity to maintain the right balance in the dough.

To keep your Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Simply place them in a zip-top bag and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can either let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel again.

These cookies are incredibly versatile in serving! You can serve them warm, fresh out of the oven, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also go wonderfully with a glass of milk or coffee. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them as a treat for yourself, these cookies make every moment special.

Conclusion

The Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies are truly a special treat that brings the joy of gourmet cookies into your kitchen. With their chewy centers and rich chocolate flavor, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your household. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and indulge in the warmth and happiness that comes from baking. Your taste buds will thank you, and who knows, you might even create some new memories along the way!