Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the ultimate treat with these decadent Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies! Soft and chewy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and packed with rich chocolate morsels, these cookies are a chocolate lover's dream. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe guarantees a delightful dessert experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Levain Bakery's famous cookies have taken the culinary world by storm, and now you can recreate this iconic treat in your own kitchen!
A History of Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies have a storied past that dates back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn, created the original recipe. She intended to make a batch of butter cookies and added semi-sweet chocolate, hoping it would melt into the dough. Instead, the chocolate held its shape, and thus the iconic chocolate chip cookie was born. This discovery quickly took America by storm and remains a beloved treat today.
Over the years, variations of this classic cookie emerged, but Levain Bakery has taken it to new heights. Their rendition is known for its gigantic size and a unique texture that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This recipe captures the essence of Levain’s delicious cookies while offering a homemade touch that you can easily create in your own kitchen.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cookies
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic experience that evokes nostalgia and comfort. The rich, creamy dairy complements the deep flavors of chocolate, enhancing every bite and making for a satisfying indulgence.
Additionally, consider pairing these cookies with coffee or espresso. The bitter notes of coffee balance out the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates your dessert experience. For those who enjoy a bit of excitement, add a scoop of ice cream on top for an over-the-top dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best results with these Levain-style cookies, ensure your butter is properly softened. This allows for better incorporation with sugars, resulting in a smoother dough. If you're short on time, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to speed up the process.
Another tip is to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them overly sticky. Use the spoon and level method by gently spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Lastly, do not overmix once you've added the dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies; mix until just combined for the best texture.
Ingredients
Gather all the essential ingredients for a successful baking experience!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cookies!
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake
Using a large cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk!
Storage Tips
To keep your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week, although you might find they won’t last that long once you taste their delightful flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them from getting freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. This makes it easy to always have a sweet treat on hand whenever you need a little indulgence.
Vegan Alternatives
If you're looking for a vegan version of these delicious cookies, there are fantastic alternatives to replace the eggs and butter. For instance, you can use flaxseeds mixed with water as an egg replacer. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.
For the butter substitute, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both options will give you that rich fat content needed for a chewy texture. Remember to adjust your baking time slightly, as vegan cookies might bake a little faster. Enjoy baking a vegan version without compromising on taste!
Customization Ideas
One of the best aspects of baking cookies is the ability to customize them to fit your flavor preferences. Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate; try dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Additionally, consider enhancing the cookies by incorporating a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. This simple step elevates the overall taste, balancing the sweetness with a hint of savory. The options are endless, and exploring different additions can lead to your unique cookie creation!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What type of chocolate chips should I use?
You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chips based on your preference!
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies
Experience the ultimate treat with these decadent Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies! Soft and chewy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and packed with rich chocolate morsels, these cookies are a chocolate lover's dream. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe guarantees a delightful dessert experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Created by: Maya Richardson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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 large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Using a large cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g