Levain cookies are a delightful treat that every home baker should try. Famous for their massive size and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are beloved for their crispy exterior and gooey, chewy center. Whether you’ve visited the renowned Levain Bakery in New York City or just heard about these legendary cookies, this guide will help you recreate them at home. Not only will your kitchen smell heavenly, but your family will also be asking for seconds.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make the perfect Levain cookies, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients and understand their importance in achieving the desired texture and flavor.
What is the Key Ingredient in Levain Cookies?
The key to Levain cookies lies in the perfect combination of ingredients that contribute to their unique texture. Brown sugar plays a vital role by adding moisture and chewiness, while cake flour provides a tender crumb. These cookies also rely heavily on butter for richness and vanilla extract for flavor. Finally, large chocolate chips and walnuts are essential for the authentic Levain experience, but you can customize the mix-ins to suit your taste.
How to Make Levain Cookie Dough
Making the dough for Levain cookies is easy, but there are a few important steps to keep in mind to achieve the perfect result:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugars: Using softened butter, beat it together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated.
- Mix in dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts: Once the dough has formed, gently mix in large chocolate chips and walnuts by hand.
Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
What’s the Difference Between Levain and Regular Cookie Dough?
While Levain cookies may seem similar to traditional chocolate chip cookies, there are key differences. The dough for Levain cookies is thicker and less spreadable due to a higher flour content, which results in their signature thick, cake-like texture. Levain cookie dough is also chilled before baking to ensure the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven, creating that perfect crispy exterior and gooey center.
Do Levain Cookies Require Special Flour?
Yes, the use of cake flour in addition to all-purpose flour is one of the unique aspects of Levain cookies. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which leads to a more tender crumb, while all-purpose flour provides structure. This combination is key to achieving the perfect texture balance between chewy and soft.
How Long Does Levain Cookie Dough Need to Rest?
Chilling the dough is essential to allow the ingredients to meld and the flour to hydrate. For best results, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. Chilling also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavor.
Cooking Methods and Bake Time
The secret to perfectly baked Levain cookies lies not just in the ingredients but also in the baking technique.
What Temperature Should I Bake Levain Cookies At?
For the best results, bake your Levain cookies at 375°F. This higher temperature helps create the crispy exterior while leaving the inside soft and chewy.
How Long Does It Take to Bake Levain Cookies?
Levain cookies take about 12-15 minutes to bake, depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. The edges should be golden brown, but the centers will remain slightly underbaked, which contributes to their gooey texture.
Should I Preheat the Oven for Levain Cookies?
Absolutely! Preheating your oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. A properly preheated oven helps develop that signature crispy edge without overbaking the center.
Is it Necessary to Use a Silicone Baking Mat for Levain Cookies?
Using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper can make a big difference in how your cookies bake. A silicone mat provides even heat distribution and prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the cookies from the baking sheet.
How Do I Know When Levain Cookies Are Done Baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is still slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking.
Flavor Profile and Versatility
These cookies are known for their distinct flavor and texture, but there’s plenty of room for creativity in this recipe.
What Do Levain Cookies Taste Like?
The cookies are a decadent combination of crispy and chewy textures. The flavor of butter and brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like base, while the large chocolate chunks provide a gooey, melty surprise in every bite.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to Levain Cookies?
Definitely! While Levain Bakery traditionally uses a mix of chocolate chips and walnuts, you can experiment with different types of chocolate. Semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chips all work well.
What Other Flavors Can I Incorporate into Levain Cookies?
The cookies are incredibly versatile. Try adding dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even a dash of cinnamon to create your own signature version of the cookie. Some bakers enjoy using white chocolate or adding a pinch of espresso powder for a mocha twist.
Are Levain Cookies Chewy or Crispy?
These cookies are the best of both worlds—they have a crispy outer layer and a chewy, soft center. The secret to this texture lies in the balance of ingredients and the baking process.
Can I Make Levain Cookies Using Alternative Flours?
Yes! By substituting regular flour with a high-quality alternative flour blend, you can create a version of these cookies with different textures or flavors, depending on your preferences.
How Can I Add Pomegranate Flavor to Levain Cookies?
For a fruity twist, you can add pomegranate flavor by mixing in pomegranate arils (seeds) or a small amount of pomegranate juice into the dough. This adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
What is the Best Way to Incorporate Grenadine into Levain Cookie Dough?
Grenadine, a syrup made from pomegranate juice, can be added for a stronger flavor. Start by adding 1-2 tablespoons into the dough, adjusting the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness. Mix it in carefully to avoid overhydrating the dough.
Can I Use Pomegranate Juice Instead of Grenadine in Levain Cookies?
Yes, you can use pomegranate juice, but be cautious of the liquid content. Too much juice can make the dough too wet, so it’s best to start with a small amount and see how the dough reacts.
How Much Grenadine Should I Add to Levain Cookie Dough?
To avoid overpowering the other flavors, start with 1 tablespoon of grenadine and adjust to taste. Remember, you want a hint of pomegranate, not an overwhelming sweetness.
Will Adding Grenadine Change the Texture of Levain Cookies?
Yes, adding a liquid ingredient like grenadine can slightly alter the texture by making the cookies softer. To counter this, you may need to add a little extra flour to maintain the dough’s consistency.
Additional Information About Levain Cookies
What is the Best Brand of Levain Cookies?
While Levain Bakery’s original cookies are a cult favorite, other brands and bakeries have also created their own versions of Levain-style cookies. Brands like Insomnia Cookies offer large, decadent cookies that are comparable in texture and flavor.
Where Can I Buy Levain Cookies?
If you’re not up for baking, these cookies can be purchased directly from Levain Bakery’s website, which offers nationwide shipping. You can also find them in their bakeries in New York City and Washington, D.C.
How Do I Store Leftover Levain Cookies?
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their gooey texture.
Can I Freeze Levain Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! Levain cookie dough freezes well, making it easy to have freshly baked cookies whenever you want. Simply portion the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What is the Origin of Levain Cookies?
Levain Bakery was founded in 1995 by two friends in New York City who wanted to create the perfect cookie. Their signature 6-ounce cookies quickly gained a following, and Levain has since become famous for its massive, indulgent cookies that have a cult-like fanbase.
Conclusion
These cookies are a must-try for any home baker. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with new flavors, these thick, chewy cookies are sure to impress. With the right ingredients, preparation, and baking techniques, you can create bakery-worthy cookies right in your own kitchen.
FAQ
Is Brown Sugar Icing the Same as Caramel Icing?
While similar in flavor, caramel icing is made by caramelizing sugar, while brown sugar icing is made with brown sugar, giving it a more straightforward flavor.
How Do I Prevent Brown Sugar Icing from Hardening?
To prevent hardening, keep the icing covered tightly, and if needed, stir in a small amount of milk before using.
Can I Make Brown Sugar Icing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make brown sugar icing ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What Desserts Pair Best with Brown Sugar Icing?
Brown sugar icing pairs well with cinnamon rolls, spice cakes, and pumpkin bread.
How Do You Make Brown Sugar Icing?
Brown sugar icing is made by combining butter, brown sugar, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.