Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
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 (Levain doesn't use vanilla surprisingly!
- 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
such as Guittard or Ghirardelli
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 410° degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners; set aside.
- 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars with the paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and beat for another 30 seconds, then increase to high speed for a last 30 seconds. Mixture should be light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed, followed by the vanilla.
- 3
Add in the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cake flour and all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Add in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts and mix until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes.
- 4
Using a digital kitchen scale for accuracy, measure out a rough 6 ounce ball of dough, shaping it roughly and place on the baking sheet. You do not want the dough ball to be smooth and compacted, just barely formed into a rough ball shape. Stagger 3 more dough balls on one baking sheet, spacing about 3" apart. (There should be 4 dough balls on one baking sheet).
- 5
Bake for 10-13 minutes, one sheet at a time in the middle rack of the oven. Cookies should look cooked and be dry and have a duller finish on the outside while still looking soft and underdone on the inside. Start checking at the 10-minute mark as it is important not to over-bake these. Remember, cookies will continue to finish cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- 6
Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, about 30 minutes, before moving to a wire rack or storing. Cookies are very delicate just after baking so it is imperative they are not disturbed.
Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
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About this Recipe
Craving those iconic, impossibly thick chocolate chip walnut cookies from New York City's famed Levain Bakery? You're in luck! This recipe brings that legendary gooeyness and tender crumb right to your kitchen, allowing you to recreate the magic without the trip to the Empire State. The magic of these Authentic Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies lies in their unique structure, delivering a truly unparalleled texture. They are designed to be exceptionally thick, ensuring every bite gives you that glorious contrast between a slightly set exterior and a miraculously gooey, melty center. It's this intentional design that results in an addictively light and tender crumb, making them taste nearly identical to the original. Prepare for an extraordinary cookie experience that goes beyond your average chocolate chip. Each colossal cookie offers a symphony of textures and flavors: a rich, buttery sweetness balanced by the generous presence of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the satisfying crunch of chopped walnuts. You'll discover a luxuriously molten, gooey interior that melts in your mouth, enveloped by a surprisingly soft and tender crumb. It's a truly decadent indulgence that will satisfy even the most serious cookie cravings. While the classic combination of chocolate and walnuts is a winner, you have options to make these cookies your own. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or even milk chocolate, for a personalized sweetness level. If walnuts aren't your preference, pecans or a mix of your favorite nuts can be substituted. For an extra aromatic touch, remember that vanilla extract is optional but recommended, even if the original Levain recipe omits it. These impressive cookies are perfect for sharing at a gathering, serving as a show-stopping dessert, or simply enjoying as a well-deserved treat after a long day. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm mug of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.