Step-by-step instructions
Ready to make your kitchen smell divine? Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until just combined. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth; a chunky texture is what you want.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; mix gently until everything is incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
- Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if you’re using them. The dough will be thick and beautifully studded with chocolate.
- Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, drop big mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 4 inches of space between them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft and puffy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best ways to enjoy it
These chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, though there’s no wrong way to savor them! Pair them with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich. If you’re feeling adventurous, try crumbling them over vanilla yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their lifespan, consider freezing them! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag, and they can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to dig in, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Helpful cooking tips
- Use cold butter: This makes for a chunkier texture and contributes to the chewy consistency.
- Don’t overmix: It’s crucial to mix just until combined after you add the flour. Overmixing can result in denser cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop: This helps ensure even baking and consistency in size, so each cookie bakes uniformly.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking for a delightful contrast.
- For those who love it, try incorporating peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips alongside or instead of chocolate chips.
Common questions
How long does it take to make these cookies?
From mixing to baking, you can have these cookies ready in about 30-40 minutes, making them perfect for a quick baking session!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that this will slightly alter the texture. You might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for the best results.
Are these cookies safe to store at room temperature?
Absolutely! As long as they’re kept in an airtight container, they should be fine at room temperature for up to a week.
