Levain Bakery Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Introduction

For those who crave the rich, gooey texture of a bakery-style cookie with a unique twist, Levain Bakery’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a dream come true. These cookies boast a delicious contrast between dark chocolate and peanut butter, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Inspired by the iconic Levain Bakery in New York, these cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers and those who appreciate a thick, chewy texture. Not only are they great for special occasions, but they’re also easy to whip up at home, offering a delightful treat for cookie lovers everywhere. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients with Quantities

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
    • Adds richness and a tender, chewy texture to the cookies.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • Contributes sweetness and slight crispiness on the edges.
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    • Adds a deeper flavor and chewy texture due to its molasses content.
  • 2 large eggs
    • Acts as a binder and adds moisture, giving the cookies their soft texture.
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    • Provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving structure to the cookies.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
    • Adds lift and a soft texture, working in harmony with baking powder.
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    • Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 2 cups peanut butter chips
    • Adds bursts of creamy peanut butter flavor that complement the dark chocolate.

Directions and Preparation Method

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This process helps to aerate the dough and create a tender cookie texture.
  3. Incorporate the Eggs
    • Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure each egg is well-blended before adding the next. This ensures the dough has an even texture and that the eggs are fully incorporated, which helps bind the ingredients.
  4. Sift and Add the Dry Ingredients
    • In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps in the dry ingredients and creates a smoother, more consistent dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
  5. Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips
    • Gently fold in the peanut butter chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. This ensures that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overmixing.
  6. Shape the Dough
    • Use a large cookie scoop or measure out roughly 1/4 cup of dough for each cookie to achieve the signature Levain Bakery cookie size. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the lined baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
  7. Bake the Cookies
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked to maintain a gooey texture inside.
  8. Cool the Cookies
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the centers set while keeping them soft. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor. Typically, reduce the salt to about 1/4 teaspoon if using salted butter.

Q2: What makes these cookies similar to Levain Bakery’s cookies?
Levain Bakery cookies are known for their large size, thick texture, and gooey, chewy center. By using cold butter, a high baking temperature, and large portions of dough, this recipe replicates those signature characteristics.

Q3: Can I substitute peanut butter chips with chocolate chips or another type of chip?
Absolutely! While peanut butter chips add a unique flavor contrast with dark chocolate, you can experiment with other chips, such as chocolate, caramel, or white chocolate chips, based on your preference.

Q4: Why use cold butter instead of softened butter?
Cold butter helps create a dense, chewy texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This is key to achieving the thick, bakery-style cookies Levain is famous for.

Q5: How should I store these cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Q6: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, shape the cookies and bake them directly from the refrigerator, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Q7: How do I ensure my cookies stay gooey inside?
To achieve a gooey center, make sure not to overbake the cookies. The centers should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set on the baking sheet as they cool.

Conclusion

These Levain Bakery-inspired Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies bring the magic of New York’s favorite bakery to your home. With their thick, chewy texture and an indulgent combination of dark chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk, sharing them with friends, or savoring one fresh from the oven, these cookies promise to be a delightful treat.

So, the next time you’re craving a bakery-quality cookie, remember this recipe! Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, these cookies capture the best of Levain Bakery’s iconic flavors and textures right in your kitchen. Enjoy baking, sharing, and of course, eating every last crumb!

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