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Ultimate Chocolate Chip Levain Cookies

Indulge in the thick and chewy goodness of these Levain-style chocolate chip cookies, featuring a delightful mix of rich chocolate and buttery flavor, perfectly baked to create a crisp exterior with a gooey center.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour This is the foundation of your cookie, providing structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda Helps the cookies rise and provides a chewy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Must be at room temperature for perfect creaminess.
  • 1 cup Brown sugar Provides depth and moisture.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Adds sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
  • 1 large Egg Binds everything together.
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract For the best flavor, always choose pure.
Chocolate & Optional Ingredients
  • 2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips Choose high-quality for the best melting.
  • 1 cup Walnuts Optional - adds a crunchy surprise.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts if using.
Baking
  1. Scoop generous portions of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on the edges and the centers are slightly underbaked.
  3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavors. Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. Store unbaked dough in an airtight container for up to a month in the freezer.