The moment I first sank my teeth into a Levain-style cookie, it felt like a little taste of heaven, leaving me craving every gooey morsel. With their impossibly thick, soft centers and crispy golden edges, these Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies are pure indulgence. This recipe takes inspiration from a beloved New York bakery, ensuring you can recreate that magic right at home. Imagine the delight of biting into a warm cookie packed with both semi-sweet and creamy milk/white chocolate chips—perfectly balanced for blissful flavor in every bite. Not only are these cookies a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also quick to whip up, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in. Curious about how to bring bakery-quality treats to your kitchen? Let’s get baking!
Why are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Thick, Gooey Centers: Each bite of these Levain-Style cookies offers an indulgent chocolate experience, featuring a perfectly gooey center that melts in your mouth.
Crispy Edges: The golden-brown edges contrast beautifully with the soft interior, creating a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Two Types of Chocolate: Combining semi-sweet and milk/white chocolate chips elevates the flavor profile, ensuring a blissful balance of sweetness with every bite.
Quick and Easy: With minimal effort and straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats in no time, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bake sale or a cozy night at home.
Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment—add nuts for crunch or even a hint of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. These cookies are tailor-made for creativity!
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them warm with a glass of milk, and watch as they disappear faster than you can say “homemade goodness”!
Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Cold Butter, cubed – Adds richness and flavor; cold butter helps maintain dough structure.
• Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor for that irresistible sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and improves the cookie’s structure.
• Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; cold eggs mix better for a smoother dough.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the foundational structure of these cookies, ensuring the ideal consistency.
• Cornstarch – Improves chewiness and softens the cookie texture for that classic Levain-style feel.
• Baking Powder – Aids in leavening, contributing to the cookie’s thick and chewy profile.
• Baking Soda – Provides additional lift and promotes a lovely browning effect.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cookies.
For the Chocolate
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Offers a rich source of sweetness and intense chocolate flavor.
• Milk/White Chocolate Chips – Adds contrasting sweetness and creaminess for a delightful flavor combination.
Optional Ingredients
• Chopped Walnuts/Pecans – Introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the mix.
• Espresso Powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor without overwhelming with coffee notes for an elevated taste experience.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Begin by creaming the cubed unsalted cold butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the cold eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides to ensure an even combination.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients from Step 1 while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a thick dough forms, ensuring not to overmix to maintain the desired texture of your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate
Gently fold in both the semi-sweet and milk/white chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the thick dough. If you’re using chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture, include them during this step as well. This will create a delightful balance of flavors in each cookie, contributing to their gooey goodness.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Divide the dough into 8-10 large balls, weighing approximately 6 ounces each. Keep each ball tall and rugged rather than flattening them, as this will help achieve that iconic Levain look. For enhanced flavor and texture, you can chill the shaped dough balls in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before baking if you have the time.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place 3-4 dough balls per tray, making sure to space them appropriately. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers appear slightly underdone. This method ensures that your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies have that perfect gooey center.
Step 6: Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up a little more while retaining their wonderful softness. After cooling, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delicious texture.
What to Serve with Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulging in these thick, gooey chocolate delights is just the beginning—let’s create a memorable meal experience!
- Glass of Cold Milk: The classic pairing with cookies, cold milk enhances the sweetness and delivers a refreshing contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully on top of warm cookies, adding a rich, satisfying element.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your cookie experience by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each cookie for an extra touch of decadence.
- Fresh Berries: A side of juicy strawberries or raspberries adds a light, fruity contrast that complements the rich chocolate.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with these cookies, highlighting the chocolate flavor while adding a cozy touch.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over cookies creates a luxurious combination of flavors.
- Chopped Nuts: Consider served roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on the side to provide a crunchy textural contrast to the gooey cookies.
- S’mores Dip: Serve a skillet of melty chocolate and marshmallows alongside for an interactive dessert experience.
- Brownie Sundae: Layer warm brownie pieces with cookie crumbles and ice cream for a decadent dessert mashup.
Expert Tips for Levain-Style Cookies
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Use Cold Ingredients: Always use cold butter and eggs to prevent excessive spreading, ensuring that your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies maintain their thick texture.
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough balls for 30-60 minutes before baking helps solidify the fat, giving you that signature Levain height and gooey interior.
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Monitor the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should look slightly underdone in the center for that perfect gooey texture.
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Don’t Flatten: Avoid flattening the dough balls; leaving them tall and rugged is key to achieving the iconic Levain-style cookies with a chewy center.
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Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in nuts or espresso powder for an extra flavor kick; just remember to maintain the balance of the original cookie dough.
Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to these cookies as you explore delicious options for customization!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a delightful gluten-free version. These cookies will still maintain their rich flavor and chewy texture.
- Nutty Addition: Throw in chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance the cookies with a satisfying crunch. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.
- Different Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate experience. The deeper flavor will elevate each bite!
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a warm, aromatic hint that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Replace some chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a fun flavor combination reminiscent of beloved treats. This will add a creamy richness that’s out of this world!
- Espresso Infusion: Sprinkle in some espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. This small addition can transform your cookies into true gourmet delights!
- Butterscotch Surprise: Mix in butterscotch chips alongside the chocolate chips for a sweet twist that every dessert lover will appreciate. It’s all about surprising those taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. It enhances the chocolate flavor while introducing an exciting warmth.
With these creative variations, your baking adventure can soar to new heights! And if you’re curious about other chocolatey delights, don’t forget to check out our Vegan Chocolate Mousse or indulge in some Gluten Free Chocolate. The options are endless!
Make Ahead Options
These Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing everything and storing it in the refrigerator. For even more convenience, shape the dough into individual balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. To maintain their delicious quality, wrap the dough balls tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen cookie balls on a baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, gooey cookies just like from a bakery without the wait!
How to Store and Freeze Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for a quick treat.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, these cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, though it may alter their texture slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll regain their gooey centers and melt-in-your-mouth charm!
Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely use unsalted butter that’s cold and cubed! Cold butter is critical as it helps maintain the thickness of the dough and prevents the cookies from overspreading during baking.
How should I store my cookies, and how long will they last?
You can keep your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 7 days, though this might slightly change their texture. For the best option, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will last up to 3 months!
Can I freeze uncooked cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough balls. Just place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer—just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time for that perfect gooey center.
How can I troubleshoot if my cookies come out too flat?
If your cookies turn out flat, it could be due to using room temperature butter or too little flour. Always use cold butter and ensure you measure your flour accurately—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Also, chilling the dough balls for 30-60 minutes before baking can help maintain that thick, bakery-style texture!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! Since this recipe contains wheat and dairy, it may not be suitable for those with gluten or lactose intolerances. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for a gluten-free version. Additionally, be cautious with nuts if you’re serving these to guests with allergies; you can omit them for a nut-free treat. Enjoy baking with these tailored tips!
Thick and Gooey Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by creaming the cubed unsalted cold butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the cold eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides to ensure an even combination.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients from Step 1 while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a thick dough forms, ensuring not to overmix to maintain the desired texture of your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Gently fold in both the semi-sweet and milk/white chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the thick dough. If you're using chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture, include them during this step as well. This will create a delightful balance of flavors in each cookie, contributing to their gooey goodness.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 large balls, weighing approximately 6 ounces each. Keep each ball tall and rugged rather than flattening them, as this will help achieve that iconic Levain look. For enhanced flavor and texture, you can chill the shaped dough balls in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before baking if you have the time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place 3-4 dough balls per tray, making sure to space them appropriately. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers appear slightly underdone. This method ensures that your Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies have that perfect gooey center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up a little more while retaining their wonderful softness. After cooling, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delicious texture.
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