Chocolate Chip Cookies Levain Bakery NYC
Chocolate Chip Cookies Levain Bakery NYC
Introduction
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Picture the rich aroma of butter and vanilla filling your kitchen as you bake these delectable treats. This is the magic of the famous chocolate chip cookies from Levain Bakery in New York City.
Founded in 1994 by Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes, Levain Bakery has become a culinary institution known for its exceptional cookies. What sets these cookies apart is their generous size, weighing in at a whopping 6 ounces each. With their perfectly balanced texture and intense chocolate flavor, these cookies have gained a cult-like following.
The recipe for these iconic cookies has remained a closely guarded secret, but fear not. In this article, we will guide you through a homemade version that captures the essence of Levain Bakery’s chocolate chip cookies. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will leave you with a batch of irresistible cookies that rival the originals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this chocolate chip cookie recipe:
1. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You don’t need any specialized equipment or ingredients.
2. Perfect Texture: These cookies have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The combination of textures creates a delightful contrast with each bite.
3. Intense Chocolate Flavor: The recipe calls for a generous amount of high-quality chocolate chips, ensuring that every bite is packed with rich chocolatey goodness.
4. Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe by mixing in nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Note: You can substitute the chocolate chips with chunks of high-quality dark chocolate if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, portion the dough into 6 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these expert tips to ensure your chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly:
1. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth and homogenous dough.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
3. Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic chocolate chip cookie recipe is divine on its own, you can experiment with different variations and substitutions to suit your taste:
1. Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
2. Double Chocolate: Replace half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or chunks for an indulgent double chocolate experience.
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Stir in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to add a chewy texture and a hint of nuttiness to your cookies.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. These cookies also make a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee.
If you want to get creative, try sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies to make a decadent ice cream sandwich.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Simply portion the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When craving freshly baked cookies, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can be used as a substitute, the flavor and texture of the cookies may be slightly affected. It’s best to stick with unsalted butter for the most authentic results.
Q: How do I store the cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
Indulging in a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie is truly a heavenly experience. With this homemade Levain Bakery-inspired recipe, you can recreate that magic in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply appreciate a good cookie, these chocolate chip cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Don’t forget to share your baking journey and the joy of biting into these mouthwatering cookies with your loved ones. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cookies Levain Bakery NYC
Capture the essence of Levain Bakery’s famous chocolate chip cookies with this homemade recipe. Enjoy crispy exteriors, soft chewy interiors, and rich chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Directions
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, portion the dough into 6 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
-
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.