Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies (Inspired by Levain Bakery)
If you’re a chocolate chip cookie fan and love thick, bakery-style treats, you’re going to adore this recipe. Inspired by Levain Bakery, these homemade chocolate chip cookies are rich, soft, and perfectly golden. They’re also super versatile, you can make them as big as Levain cookies or go smaller if you prefer.
The Story Behind This Recipe:
It's kind of funny to admit, especially since my chocolate chip recipe isn't exactly famous, but there's something about chocolate chips that I just can't resist. Seriously, it's a weakness; I could devour an entire batch in one go. But how did my obsession with chocolate chip cookies start in the first place?
Let me share a little story with you. When I was young, my aunt on my dad's side was a French teacher. Every Christmas, she would bake batches of chocolate chip cookies for her students, and guess who her little helper was? Yours truly. Not only did I assist in making them, but I also got to keep all the leftover cookies. That tradition stole my heart, along with the deliciousness of chocolate chip cookies, of course.
Over the years, my passion for these classic treats grew. I started experimenting with recipes, trying to find the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and chocolatey goodness. Then I discovered the hype around Levain Bakery cookies. I just had to try creating my own version; thick, golden, and packed with chocolate chips.
That's why I'm thrilled to share my recipe with you. It's not just about the cookies themselves; it's about the memories they evoke and the joy they bring.
Understanding The Ingredients:
Sugar: Why do we use both brown sugar and granulated sugar in a chocolate chip cookie recipe? Combining granulated sugar and brown sugar in cookie recipes serves distinct roles: granulated sugar provides sweetness and aids in achieving a crisp texture on the edges, while brown sugar contributes a rich, caramel-like flavour, moisture, and chewiness to the cookie's centre.
Corn Starch: Cornstarch in cookie recipes helps create a soft and tender texture in the finished cookies. It acts as a thickening agent and absorbs moisture, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in cookies that are slightly thicker, softer, and more chewy. Additionally, cornstarch can contribute to a lighter crumb and a smoother mouthfeel in the cookies.
Baking Powder & baking soda: We use both baking soda and baking powder in chocolate chip cookies for optimal rising and texture. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients, like brown sugar, to create gas, making cookies light. Baking powder adds extra lift and ensures a soft, chewy texture. Together, they create perfectly baked cookies. You can read all about “Baking Soda Vs. Baking Powder” in my article.
Common Questions I get Asked:
How do I make my chocolate chip cookies chewy? To make chewy chocolate chip cookies, use a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar in the recipe. Brown sugar contains more moisture than white sugar, which helps create a chewier texture. Additionally, slightly underbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze chocolate chip cookie dough for later use. Form the dough into individual cookie portions, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookie dough portions to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How long do chocolate chip cookies stay fresh? Chocolate chip cookies can stay fresh for several days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies for up to a few months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
How do I prevent chocolate chip cookies from spreading too much? To prevent cookies from spreading excessively, make sure your butter is at the correct temperature (softened but not melted) and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough before baking can also help control spreading.
How To Make Levain Bakery Inspired Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Levain-Inspired Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
COOK TIME: 12 minutes | TEMPERATURE: 350°F (175°C) | SERVINGS: 9 large cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies a soft texture.
- Add the egg to the mixture and beat until fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can result in tougher cookies.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped chocolate gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents excessive spreading and enhances the cookie flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Scoop rounded portions of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Flatten slightly for a more Levain-inspired look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft, gooey texture.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
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Tips To Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough spreads less during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. The better the chocolate, the richer the flavour of your cookies.
Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be golden brown around the edges but slightly soft in the centre when you take them out. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Cooling Rack: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely after removing them from the oven. This prevents them from becoming too crispy on the bottom.