Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the key to any chocolate lovers heart.

Oh, where do I even begin with these cookies? There's just something so irresistible about sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked cookie that's larger than your palm and thicker than a sandwich. It's the kind of treat that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every moment, indulging in the sheer decadence of it all. So go ahead, treat yourself to a giant chocolate chip cookie. You deserve it.

What is Levain Bakery?

Levain Bakery is a beloved New York City institution that's renowned for its delectable, oversized cookies and artisanal breads. When you step into Levain Bakery, you'll be greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods and a welcoming, friendly staff. The bakery's interior is cozy and rustic, with brick walls, wooden floors, and shelves stocked with artisanal breads and pastries. But it's the cookies that steal the show. These giant, thick, and hearty treats are the size of a small plate and weigh in at a hefty six ounces each. They're made with only the finest ingredients, like high-quality chocolate, creamy butter, and fresh nuts, and baked to perfection so that the outside is crisp while the inside remains soft and chewy.

Want makes this recipe special?

• Cold, cubed butter

• No vanilla extract

• Cornstarch

All three of these components have been confirmed by Levain Bakery!

Ingredients

• Cold, cubed butter - Using cold unsalted butter in cookies helps create a tender, flaky texture and control the spread during baking. The slower melting process creates steam pockets, aiding in the rise of the cookies. Additionally, the gradual release of buttery flavor enhances the taste of the cookies.

• Brown Sugar - Brown sugar is a key ingredient in chocolate chip cookies, not only for its sweet flavor but also for the moist and chewy texture it adds. The molasses content in brown sugar gives the cookies a rich, caramel-like taste that enhances their overall flavor profile. Additionally, the moisture in brown sugar helps to keep the cookies soft and prevents them from becoming dry or crumbly. Overall, brown sugar plays a crucial role in creating the delicious, chewy texture that makes chocolate chip cookies so irresistible.
  

• Eggs - Eggs add moisture, structure, and richness to chocolate chip cookies, helping them bind together and achieve a soft, chewy texture.

• All Purpose Flour - All-purpose flour provides the structure and texture needed for chocolate chip cookies, giving them a soft, chewy consistency. It also acts as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together. Additionally, all-purpose flour helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and richness of the butter, allowing the flavors of the chocolate chips to stand out.
  

• Cornstarch - Adding cornstarch to cookies can improve their texture by making them softer and more tender. Cornstarch is a starch that absorbs moisture, which helps to create a more delicate crumb in cookies. It also helps to inhibit gluten formation, resulting in a more tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Additionally, cornstarch can help cookies retain their freshness for longer periods, making them softer and more enjoyable over time.
  

• Baking Soda - Baking soda is used in chocolate chip cookies as a leavening agent. It helps the cookies rise and spread during baking by releasing carbon dioxide gas when mixed with acidic ingredients, such as brown sugar or chocolate. This process creates air pockets in the dough, resulting in a softer and more tender cookie.
  

• Salt - Salt is used in chocolate chip cookies to enhance their flavor. It helps to balance the sweetness of the dough and intensifies the overall taste of the cookies. Additionally, salt is a flavor enhancer that can bring out the richness of the chocolate and other ingredients, making the cookies more flavorful and satisfying.
  

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Semisweet chocolate chips are used in chocolate chip cookies because they contain a moderate amount of sugar, which balances the sweetness of the cookie dough. They also have a rich cocoa flavor that complements the buttery, sweet dough. Additionally, semisweet chocolate chips hold their shape well during baking, providing pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookie.

Instructions

1. Cube the butter - Start by removing cold, unsalted butter from the fridge and immediately cubing it into 1/2-inch pieces. It's crucial to use cold butter for this recipe, so don't let it sit out on the counter.

2. Beat with sugar - Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the butter cubes with brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. Due to the coldness of the butter, it's not recommended to mix this by hand.

3. Add the eggs - Add one egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix for about a minute. Then add the second egg and mix for another minute.

4. Combine the dry ingredients - In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients - Add 1/3 of the dry mixture to the wet mixture and beat in the stand mixer. Repeat this process with another 1/3 of the dry mixture, and finally, add the remaining 1/3 of the dry mixture. Mixing in batches prevents flour from scattering and ensures a smooth batter.

6. Add chocolate chips - Mix in chocolate chips to your liking, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Refrigerate the dough - Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling the dough improves flavor, texture, and appearance by allowing flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.

8. Preheat your oven - While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C).

9. Scoop the cookies - Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Levain Bakery is known for its large cookies, so aim for balls of dough around 1/3 cup. Top each cookie with additional chocolate chips.

10. Bake - Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as the high baking temperature can cause them to burn quickly.

11. Cool and enjoy - Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or enjoying them. This additional chilling time helps the cookies set and develop their texture.

Cookie Dough Tips:

For this recipe, you can absolutely make this dough ahead of time. Scoop the cookie dough balls & freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container. When it comes time to bake, let thaw on the counter for 30 minutes & bake!

Storage Tips:

There are three different ways I recommend storing this bread:

1. Store on the countertop at room temperature in an airtight container. This lasts up to 4 days. After one day, I recommend microwaving for 15-30 seconds.

2. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This lasts up to 7 days. Since it is chilled, I recommend microwaving for 30-45 seconds.

3. Store in the freezer in an airtight container. This lasts up to 3 months. Since it is frozen, I recommend microwaving for 1-2 minutes.

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover's treat with these giant chocolate chip cookies inspired by Levain Bakery. Made with cold, cubed butter, brown sugar, eggs, and a touch of cornstarch, these cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips. The dough is refrigerated to enhance the flavors and ensure a perfect texture. Each bite is a heavenly combination of buttery cookie and melty chocolate, making these cookies a true delight for any chocolate lover.

Treat yourself to the decadent pleasure of homemade Levain-inspired chocolate chip cookies. Follow this recipe to create your own batch of giant, irresistible cookies that are sure to impress. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself – either way, you won't be able to resist the delicious allure of these delightful treats. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade goodness!

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