When the craving for something sweet hits, the kitchen transforms into a delightful sanctuary filled with the enticing aroma of baking goodness. Just the other day, a few of my friends dropped by, and as they entered, I could see their eyes widen with anticipation at the smell wafting in from the oven. That’s when I knew it was time to share my love for Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies—a dessert that perfectly balances rich, dark cocoa and the sweetness of white chocolate.
These cookies, famously plump and chewy, are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings joy to any gathering. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, they effortlessly elevate any simple afternoon into something extraordinary. Imagine biting into a soft, cake-like cookie, where each morsel is a delightful dance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re trying to impress your family or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dive into creating these beautiful bites that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies?
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delightful batch in no time.
Decadent Flavors: The rich combination of dark cocoa and sweet chocolate chips creates a perfect harmony that will tantalize your taste buds.
Impressive Size: These cookies are luxuriously plump and chewy, making them a showstopper for any gathering.
Childhood Nostalgia: Reminisce about bake sales and family gatherings—these cookies evoke warmth and happy memories for everyone.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, enjoy them with coffee in the morning or as a dessert at dinner.
Create memories in your kitchen and bring the joy of baking into your life! Don’t forget to check out other sweet indulgences to satisfy your cravings.
Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Cold Butter – Cut into small cubes for easy creaming, aiming for a light and fluffy texture.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a rich depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness.
• Sugar – Balances the deeper notes of the brown sugar for a well-rounded sweetness.
• Large Eggs – Provides moisture and structure; always use room temperature eggs for best results.
• Dark Unsweetened Cocoa – This key ingredient gives your Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies their rich, chocolatey flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of your cookies; can be replaced with a mix of cake and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
• Cornstarch – Helps create that soft, chewy center by providing tenderness.
• Baking Soda – Aids in leavening to help your cookies rise slightly.
• Salt – Essential for balancing sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
For the Chocolate Chips
• White Chocolate Chips – Adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the rich cocoa base.
• Milk Chocolate Chips – Offers a delightful, sugary burst in every bite.
Bake these delightful cookies for an unforgettable treat that’ll have everyone clamoring for more!
How to Make Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 400°F. This initial step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
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Cream together the cubed cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy; don’t forget to scrape the bowl’s sides halfway through!
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Add in the large eggs (and vanilla, if you’d like) into the creamed mix. Blend for an additional minute until everything is smooth and creamy, allowing those sweet scents to fill your kitchen.
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Fold in the rich dark cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Stir in the white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for those delightful bursts of sweetness.
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Roll the dough into 6-ounce balls. Place them on a light-colored baking sheet, giving them enough space to spread while baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Once they are set, let them cool for at least 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool further.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies?
Pairing these luscious cookies with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience into a memorable occasion.
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Fresh Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee perfectly contrast with the sweet, chocolatey goodness of the cookies, creating a delightful morning pick-me-up.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the chewy cookie texture, making every bite feel indulgent.
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Milkshake: A thick chocolate or vanilla milkshake brings a nostalgic twist; it’s like reliving your favorite childhood moments with a modern flavor pairing.
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Fruit Platter: The freshness of assorted seasonal fruits like strawberries and oranges lightens the meal, balancing out the richness of the cookies beautifully.
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Dark Chocolate Espresso: Add an extra layer of sweetness to your dessert table; the coffee enhances the cocoa flavor in your cookies while providing an elegant touch.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream drizzled over the cookies makes for a visually appealing and delectable treat—simply irresistible!
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Herbal Tea: Choose a chamomile or mint tea to provide a calming complement, allowing the cookie’s rich flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.
These pairing suggestions are not just about taste; they create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing delicious moments with friends and family!
Make Ahead Options
These Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of rolling the dough into balls, then cover and refrigerate them. This not only develops richer flavors but also helps maintain their moist, chewy texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge, place them on a baking sheet, and bake as directed for 9-11 minutes. You’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, just as delightful as if made on the spot!
Variations & Substitutions for Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this cookie recipe to suit your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use vegan butter for a plant-based delight.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet chocolate.
- Extra Chocolate: For deep chocolate lovers, substitute part of the flour with more dark cocoa powder for an even richer flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into the dough for a surprising heat that elevates every bite.
- Peppermint Delight: Mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract or fold in crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday twist.
- Lemon Zest: For a citrusy contrast, add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest into the dough—it’s a refreshing change that brightens the flavors.
- Dried Fruits: Enhance your cookies by adding 1 cup of dried cherries or cranberries for a chewy, fruity burst.
Mix and match these variations to create a batch of cookies that speaks to your heart and taste!
How to Store and Freeze Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy for snacking anytime.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To refresh cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture. Perfect for a late-night treat or surprise guests!
Expert Tips for Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, leading to a smoother and creamier batter.
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Creaming Technique: Don’t rush the creaming of butter and sugars; aim for 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy to achieve the perfect texture in your Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies.
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Gentle Mixing: When adding flour and cocoa, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. The goal is to keep that lovely soft texture that everyone loves!
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last minute of baking; every oven is different. Look for a slightly set center to avoid overbaking.
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Cooling Importance: Allow cookies to set for 10 minutes after baking. This ensures they hold their shape and remain chewy inside, with that perfect outer crunch.
Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for the cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing ingredients like butter, it’s best to go for cold butter that’s still firm, as it helps create the ideal texture. For eggs, opt for large, fresh ones, ideally at room temperature for better mixing. As for chocolate chips, look for good-quality brands to ensure maximum flavor in your cookies.
How should I store Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their delightful softness and chewiness. If you need them to last longer, storing them in the refrigerator can extend their freshness up to a week—just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies? If so, how?
Yes! Freezing these cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. First, allow them to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
Very good question! If your cookies spread too much while baking, it may be due to the butter being too warm or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is cold and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, you might want to double-check your measurements, as precise amounts are crucial for the perfect cookie texture.
I have a nut allergy; can I still enjoy these cookies?
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies! This recipe does not include nuts, but always ensure to double-check ingredients for chocolate, as some brands may be processed in facilities that handle nuts. Feel free to substitute any ingredients with your preferred alternatives, like dairy-free chocolate chips, to match your dietary needs.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from your furry friends. Ingredients like chocolate and sugar can be harmful to pets. Always opt for pet-safe treats as a better alternative for their snacking enjoyment.
Enjoy baking and sharing these wonderful treats, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions along the way!
Ultimate Levain Bakery Black and White Cookies to Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cream together the cubed cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the large eggs into the creamed mix and blend for an additional minute.
- Fold in the dark cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 6-ounce balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes.
- Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack.