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Chocolate Chip and Walnut Cookies (Levain-ish) Recipe

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3.9 from 37 reviews

These Chocolate Chip and Walnut Cookies are a Levain Bakery-inspired recipe that delivers a perfect balance of a crisp exterior and gooey, melty chocolate inside. Made with a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a touch of baking powder and soda, they produce a tender crumb with a slight chew. Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet and savory notes. Ideal for cookie lovers looking for a rich, bakery-style treat.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 large cookies

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour (less 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (skip if using salted butter)

Wet Ingredients + Sugar

  • 10 tablespoons softened salted or unsalted butter (½ cup/1 stick + 2 tablespoons)
  • ¾ cups brown sugar (+ 2 more tablespoons)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (~6 ounces)
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
  • Optional garnish: sea salt to sprinkle on after baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Optionally, prepare a second smaller baking sheet if baking a full batch, as only about 12 large cookies fit on one pan to allow space for spreading.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour (minus 2 tablespoons), ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (omit salt if using salted butter). Set this mixture aside.
  3. Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ¾ cups brown sugar (plus 2 more tablespoons) for about 1 minute using an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste, then beat for another 1 minute until fully combined.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Then gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts by hand. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  5. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop and form the dough into large balls roughly the size of a small plum (about 2 inches/5 cm in diameter). Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to leave room for spreading during baking. Flatten the balls slightly but not completely flat. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to a day. Chilling helps develop flavor and reduce spreading during baking.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake the chilled dough balls in the preheated oven for 13 to 16 minutes. Baking time depends on your desired cookie texture: bake shorter for softer, chewier cookies and longer for crispier ones. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if desired to add a savory contrast.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a melty chocolate experience, enjoy them when still warm.

Notes

  • Note 1: The recipe calls for 1½ cups of flour minus 2 tablespoons to ensure a tender cookie texture.
  • Note 2: Use good-quality chocolate chips weighing about 6 ounces for the best flavor and melting consistency.
  • Note 3: Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, then chop roughly to add crunch and depth to the cookies.
  • Cookies can be frozen before baking to be enjoyed fresh later.
  • Butter can be salted or unsalted; adjust salt accordingly in the dough.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13-16 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/chocolate-chip-and-walnut-cookies-levain-ish-recipe/