As I opened my oven door, a wave of chocolatey bliss enveloped my kitchen, instantly beckoning me closer. There’s something magical about baking, especially when it’s Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies that pull you in with their tantalizing aroma. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they are an experience! With their thick, gooey centers and crispy edges, they bring the warmth of a bakery right into our homes. The combination of semi-sweet and creamy milk or white chocolate creates a delightful taste adventure that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up with everyday ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or simply indulge yourself, these cookies are a game-changer. Ready to unlock the magic of the perfect cookie? Keep reading!
Why You Need These Cookies Today?
Irresistible gooeyness: Each bite of these Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies delivers a decadent, melting center that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth. Quick to prepare: With simple ingredients and no special equipment, you can effortlessly create these bakery-quality cookies at home. Versatile options: Swap in dark chocolate chips or add a hint of espresso powder for a unique twist. Perfect for sharing: Their large size makes them ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, ensuring everyone gets a deliciously thick treat. Fun to make: Baking them is a delightful activity, perfect for a cozy day in. Try them alongside our Chocolate Oat Cookies for an irresistible dessert spread!
Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
• You’ll love making these thick cookies with everyday ingredients!
For the Base
- Unsalted Cold Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks) – Adds a rich flavor; using cold butter helps maintain the cookie structure.
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Brings moisture and a caramel-like taste; you can substitute with light brown sugar for a milder flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Provides sweetness for the perfect cookie balance; no suitable substitutions noted.
- Large Eggs (2, cold) – Binds the dough and aids in rise; keep them cold to ensure the dough holds together.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups) – The main structure for your cookies; if needed, opt for a gluten-free flour substitute.
For the Texture
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Adds to the chewiness; no substitutes recommended here for the right cookie feel.
- Baking Powder (¾ tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Baking Soda (¾ tsp) – Helps with spreading and browning; freshness is key!
- Salt (¾ tsp) – Enhances the flavors; can be omitted for those on low-sodium diets.
For the Chocolate Delight
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Offers rich chocolate flavor; feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips for a more intense taste.
- Milk or White Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and creaminess; additional semi-sweet or dark chips can be swapped in.
Optional Additions
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1 cup) – Provides a lovely crunch; simply omit for a nut-free version.
- Espresso Powder (¼ tsp) – Enhances the overall chocolate flavor; this is optional but can be skipped if preferred.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Dough Prep
Begin by creaming together 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 4–5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking care to scrape down the sides for even mixing.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs
Add 2 cold large eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, continuing to mix on low speed. Make sure to mix well after each addition and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. This step ensures that your Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies will have the perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. This blend of dry ingredients will provide the essential structure for your cookies, so be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture at low speed. Continue mixing until a thick, cohesive dough forms. You want to achieve a nice, firm texture that will hold together, ensuring your Levain-inspired cookies turn out perfect every time.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of milk or white chocolate chips (or any combination you prefer) using a spatula. If desired, you can also add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the dough for a deliciously decadent cookie.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Divide the dough into 8–10 large balls, each weighing approximately 6 ounces. Keep the dough balls tall and rounded instead of flattening them. This will create the iconic thick and gooey cookie appearance typical of Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 7: Chill Dough (optional)
For enhanced flavor and texture, place the shaped cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Step 8: Preheat & Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place 3–4 dough balls on a baking tray, ensuring space between them. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers appear slightly underbaked and gooey.
Step 9: Cool
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes to firm up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps retain the gooey texture of your Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensuring an indulgently delicious treat.
Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Cookie Variations
Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make your cookies even more delightful and unique!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Flavor Boost: Swap your semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or butterscotch chips to create an entirely new flavor profile. Try mixing flavors for a fun twist!
- Nuts: Add a delightful crunch by tossing in chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. If you’re nut-free, just leave them out—these cookies are fantastic either way!
- Fruit Twist: Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can add a pop of flavor and chewiness. It’s a sweet surprise in every gooey bite!
- Espresso Kick: For coffee lovers, a sprinkle of espresso powder can deepen the chocolatey goodness, giving your cookies an added layer of richness.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce into the dough or on top of warm cookies for a decadent, sweet-salty flavor experience. It’s simply irresistible!
- Chocolaty Delight: Use a mix of chocolate types, such as combining milk chocolate and white chocolate chips for a visually striking and deliciously sweet cookie.
- Coconut Flair: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. It’s like a mini-vacation with every cookie!
Experimenting with these variations will make any baking session an exciting, sensory trip! For even more cookie inspiration, check out our recipes for Chocolate Oat Cookies and Butter Pumpkin Chocolate. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Levain-Inspired Cookies
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Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is thick and firm; if it’s too soft, your cookies won’t hold their beautiful shape when baking.
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Chilling the Dough: Though optional, chilling the dough will improve the flavor and texture, helping to achieve that perfect gooey center in your Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Baking Time Watch: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time; the centers should look slightly underdone for that coveted gooeyness.
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Uniform Size: Use a kitchen scale or measure dough as you shape to ensure all cookies are the same size; this ensures even baking and that each bite is just as delicious as the last.
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Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness; if baking in batches, freeze the extra dough balls for quick baking later!
Make Ahead Options
These Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and shaping them into balls. Store the unbaked dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to ensure freshness. If you need to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months; just place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge or freezer, preheat your oven, and bake as directed. You’ll enjoy the same rich, gooey cookies with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies?
When the rich aroma of warm cookies fills your kitchen, it’s hard not to dream up the perfect meal to complement that sweet delight.
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Glass of Cold Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of a tall, chilled glass of milk, enhancing the cookie’s rich flavors and helping it melt in your mouth.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream transforms each cookie into a decadent sundae, creating a heavenly cold-and-warm treat experience.
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Espresso or Coffee: The boldness of freshly brewed coffee or espresso perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal pick-me-up.
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Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of freshness, cutting through the cookie’s sweetness and bringing a bright note to your dessert.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra chocolatey indulgence that elevates the overall dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream brings a fluffy texture that softens the cookie’s richness and adds a delightful finishing touch.
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Coconut Macaroons: Complement the gooeyness of these cookies with the chewy texture of coconut macaroons, offering variety and contrast in your dessert spread.
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Caramel Sauce: The buttery richness of caramel sauce, drizzled over your warm cookie, creates a sweet and salty combination that’s irresistibly delicious.
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Nutty Coffee: A cup of nut-flavored coffee gives a warm, comforting rounded edge that syncs beautifully with the richness of the cookie.
How to Store and Freeze Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and gooey texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just be aware that chilling may alter their softness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy fresh cookies later, bake directly from frozen without thawing, adding an extra minute to the bake time for your Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate chips should I use?
Absolutely! For a rich and balanced flavor, I recommend using a mix of semi-sweet and milk or white chocolate chips. This combination provides both depth and sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips will create an even more intense chocolate experience.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your Levain-inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember that chilling can change their softness a bit!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes! To freeze your dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it may be due to the temperature of the dough. Keeping the butter and eggs cold is crucial for maintaining dough structure. Additionally, ensure you’re using the correct flour measurement and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. If the dough seems too soft, simply refrigerate it until it firms up a little more.
Are these cookies suitable for certain dietary needs?
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply omit the optional chopped walnuts or pecans. Always consider your guests’ needs and make adjustments accordingly to ensure everyone can enjoy these delicious cookies!
Levain-Inspired Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies: Gooey Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 cold large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture at low speed until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of milk or white chocolate chips.
- Divide the dough into 8–10 large balls, keeping them tall and rounded.
- Refrigerate the shaped cookie dough balls on a baking sheet for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake 3–4 dough balls for 9–11 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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