Are you ready to bake the most decadent, gooey, and utterly irresistible cookies you've ever tasted? Forget those thin, crispy disappointments. We're diving headfirst into the world of Levain Bakery-inspired cookies, but with a delicious chocolate peanut butter twist! This recipe delivers that signature oversized, incredibly soft, and intensely flavorful cookie experience, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Get ready to experience homemade cookie bliss. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers professional-quality results, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cookie connoisseurs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is key to achieving that wonderfully tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Adding Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Adding Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
- Stir in the chocolate chips and peanut butter until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scooping and Baking:
-
Scoop large spoonfuls of dough (about ¼ cup each) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each cookie. These cookies spread significantly, so give them plenty of room.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Resist the urge to overbake!
Cooling and Enjoying:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Levain Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Crucial: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances the chewiness.
Variations:
- Nut Butter Swap: Experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination for a customized chocolate experience.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins like chopped nuts, pretzels, or dried fruit.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 20-25g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 5-7g
This recipe delivers a truly exceptional cookie experience, perfect for sharing (or not!). These delicious and easy-to-make cookies are an ideal treat for any occasion, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!