Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re a fan of thick, chewy, and gooey cookies, then you’re in for a treat today. This Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie recipe brings the famous NYC bakery experience straight to your home, without having to make the trip to the Empire State. Let’s get baking and satisfy those sweet cravings with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Introduction
There’s something magical about a well-baked cookie, and Levain Bakery in New York City has made a name for itself with its incredible chocolate chip walnut cookies. These cookies are known for their massive size, rich flavor, and gooey centers. They are the perfect comfort food, whether you’re sharing with family or indulging in a personal treat.
Our Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are a nearly identical homemade version of these iconic treats. They combine the satisfying crunch of walnuts with the melt-in-your-mouth richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Trust us—this recipe is a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere!
Ingredients for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
To get started, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (recommend Guittard or Ghirardelli)
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
Optional Substitutions:
- For a nut-free option, substitute walnuts with more chocolate chips.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour.
How to Make Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 410°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the cold butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Start on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium for another 30 seconds, and finally, beat on high speed for a last 30 seconds. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cake flour, and all-purpose flour. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Using a digital kitchen scale, measure out roughly 6-ounce balls of dough. You don’t need to roll the dough into perfect balls—just lightly form them into rough shapes. Place four dough balls on each baking sheet, spaced about 3 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake one sheet at a time on the middle rack for 10-13 minutes. The cookies should appear cooked on the outside but still look soft and slightly underdone on the inside. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Helpful Tips for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
- Use cold butter: This helps the cookies maintain their thick, dense texture.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies will continue to bake on the hot sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Let them cool: Levain Bakery cookies are fragile right after baking, so let them rest on the sheet for the full 30 minutes before transferring.
Cooking Tips for the Best Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
- Use a digital kitchen scale to measure the dough precisely for the most authentic replication.
- Try high-quality chocolate chips like Guittard or Ghirardelli for the best flavor and texture.
- Cake flour is key: It adds lightness to the cookies, creating that perfect tender crumb.
Serving Suggestions for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
These cookies are perfect with:
- A tall glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A cup of hot coffee for a comforting treat
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each cookie contains:
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Sugar: 40g
Nutritional info for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies varies depending on the size of the cookies and ingredient brands used.
Storage and Leftovers for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
- To store: Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm frozen cookies in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by half. - Do I have to use cake flour?
While it’s recommended, you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch, though the texture will differ slightly. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. - Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is cold, and chill the dough if your kitchen is warm.
Related Recipes for Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie Lovers
- Peanut Butter Ganache – A Guide to Perfect Desserts
For those who love a decadent chocolate treat, this peanut butter ganache is a must-try! - Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread – A Hearty Meal
A savory side to enjoy before your sweet treat!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies! They’re sure to become a family favorite. If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear your feedback. Do you have your own spin on these cookies? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy baking!
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Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe
Description
Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re a fan of thick, chewy, and gooey cookies, then you’re in for a treat today. This Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie recipe brings the famous NYC bakery experience straight to your home, without having to make the trip to the Empire State. Let’s get baking and satisfy those sweet cravings with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (recommend Guittard or Ghirardelli)
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
Optional Substitutions:
- For a nut-free option, substitute walnuts with more chocolate chips.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 410°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the cold butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Start on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium for another 30 seconds, and finally, beat on high speed for a last 30 seconds. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cake flour, and all-purpose flour. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Using a digital kitchen scale, measure out roughly 6-ounce balls of dough. You don’t need to roll the dough into perfect balls—just lightly form them into rough shapes. Place four dough balls on each baking sheet, spaced about 3 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake one sheet at a time on the middle rack for 10-13 minutes. The cookies should appear cooked on the outside but still look soft and slightly underdone on the inside. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use cold butter: This helps the cookies maintain their thick, dense texture.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies will continue to bake on the hot sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Let them cool: Levain Bakery cookies are fragile right after baking, so let them rest on the sheet for the full 30 minutes before transferring.
