As the sweet aroma of baking wafts through my kitchen, I find myself transported back to my last visit to New York, where I discovered the magic of Levain Bakery’s Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies. Thick, gooey, and indulgently delicious, these cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone longing to savor the comforts of homemade goodness. With layers of semi-sweet and milk chocolate, they create a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Not only are they incredibly simple to whip up, but they also bring a sense of homemade joy that leaves a lasting impression on friends and family alike. Whether you want to elevate your dessert game or simply enjoy a warm, melty cookie on a cozy evening, this recipe will not disappoint. Ready to discover how to create bakery-style perfection right at home? Let’s dive into making these delightful cookies!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Decadent, Mouthwatering Flavor: These cookies combine semi-sweet and milk chocolate, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat.
Thick and Gooey Texture: Achieving that perfect gooey center surrounded by a crispy edge is a delight for the senses.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a professional baker without the hassle.
Versatility for Everyone: Customize with add-ins like nuts or dried fruits, and make them your own!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it’s a family gathering or game night, these cookies will impress every guest around the table.
For an extra treat, pair them with a rich dessert like Mini Chocolate Lava or have a taste of fruity goodness with Caramel Chocolate Dipped. Enjoy the baking magic today!
Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
• The perfect blend for gooey cookies!
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For the Cookie Dough
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Unsalted Cold Butter (1 cup / 2 sticks) – Adds richness and moisture. Use cold butter for a thicker dough.
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Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor. Can substitute with light or dark brown sugar.
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Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and contributes to a crisp texture. No substitutions recommended.
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Cold Eggs (2 large) – Binds ingredients and adds moisture. Eggs should be cold for better integration.
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All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups) – Provides structure to the cookies. Can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
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Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Ensures cookies are soft and chewy. No direct substitutions.
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Baking Powder (¾ tsp) – Provides leavening for a thick cookie. Can substitute with baking soda (but will alter texture).
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Baking Soda (¾ tsp) – Assists in browning and gives cookies a tender texture. A direct substitute is not recommended.
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Salt (¾ tsp) – Enhances flavor balance. Sea salt can be used for a different flavor profile.
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For the Chocolate Chips
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Adds classic chocolate flavor. Can substitute with dark chocolate for a richer taste.
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Milk or White Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Provides sweetness and a creamy texture. Any chocolate variety can be swapped for personal preference.
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Optional Add-Ins
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Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1 cup) – Adds crunch and nuttiness. Can omit for a nut-free version.
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Espresso Powder (¼ tsp) – Deepens chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste. Not essential but enhances chocolate richness.
Whip up a batch of these heavenly Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies and treat yourself to a chewy masterpiece!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Dough Prep
Begin by creaming 1 cup of unsalted cold butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for about 4–5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in the cold eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each to ensure a smooth and well-combined dough.
Step 2: Dry Ingredient Mixing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing just until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, which can alter the final texture of your Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 3: Add Chocolate and Nuts
Gently fold in 1 cup each of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips into the cookie dough, along with any optional add-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans if desired. Use a spatula to ensure an even distribution of the chocolate chips throughout the dough, creating that irresistible gooeyness that you’ll love in each bite of your Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 4: Forming Cookies
Divide the dough into 8–10 large balls, each weighing about 6 oz, ensuring you don’t flatten them. For enhanced flavor and to control spread, consider chilling the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their iconic thick and rugged shape during baking.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place 3–4 chilled dough balls on the sheet, allowing enough space between them for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the tops are golden, and the edges are set while the centers still appear slightly underdone for that delightful gooeyness.
Step 6: Cooling
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cookies to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the heavenly aroma of freshly baked Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through your kitchen!
Storage Tips for Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their delightful gooeyness.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate the cookies to extend freshness for up to 10 days, just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies after cooling for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm and gooey.
What to Serve with Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
As you relish these thick, gooey cookies, consider complementing them with delightful treats that enhance their irresistible charm.
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Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess perfectly balances the warm, melty chocolate chips, creating a heavenly contrast.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries and blueberries offers a burst of tartness, cutting through the cookie’s sweetness beautifully.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a rich cup; the velvety drink enhances the chocolatey goodness, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the cookies for a sweet-salty treat that introduces a new layer of flavor to your dessert experience.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a fluffy, rich texture that complements the cookies without overpowering their deliciousness.
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Milkshake Delight: Blend your favorite ice cream with milk for a decadent shake that pairs well with the cookies’ gooey centers.
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Fruity Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a refreshing twist that balances richness with a light crunch.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, fruity white wine can elevate your cookie experience, making a surprisingly delightful pairing.
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Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors bring out the chocolate notes in the cookies, creating a cozy dessert moment.
These pairings will turn your cookie experience into a feast of flavors and textures!
Make Ahead Options
These Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps retain the dough’s ideal texture (thanks to the cold ingredients). When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough into balls and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before baking at 400°F (205°C) for 9-11 minutes. You’ll still enjoy thick, gooey cookies that taste just as fresh as when they were first made!
Expert Tips for Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes helps control spreading, keeping your cookies nice and thick while baking.
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Don’t Overmix: To maintain a tender texture, mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Avoiding overmixing is key!
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Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are cold. This helps create that perfect thick cookie with a gooey center that melts in your mouth.
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Proper Baking Time: Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. This ensures that dreamy gooeyness everyone loves in their Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add nuts, dried fruits, or even espresso powder for an extra layer of flavor in your cookies.
Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor these cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast. The nuts lend a delightful nuttiness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Fruity Twist: Incorporate 1 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart surprise. This unexpected flavor boosts the cookie’s character and makes each bite more thrilling.
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Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. Dark chocolate lovers rejoice in this decadent change.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. This ensures that even gluten-sensitive friends can enjoy a chewy cookie.
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Espresso Infusion: Mix in ¼ teaspoon of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate flavor without any coffee taste. Your taste buds will thank you for this deep, rich boost.
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Coconut Bliss: Add ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical touch. The coconut adds a delightful chewiness that transforms the texture.
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Spicy Kick: For a unique take, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon. This subtle heat brings warmth and complements the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly.
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Custom Chocolate Combo: Feel free to mix different chocolate varieties, like white chocolate or butterscotch chips. Each combination leads to a unique cookie experience.
After experimenting with these variations, you won’t want to miss trying them alongside some delicious Chocolate Oat Cookies or perhaps a festive batch of Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. Enjoy baking and savoring every delightful bite!
Levain-Style Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for the cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unsalted cold butter, as this will add richness and moisture while helping to maintain a thicker dough. Ensure the butter is cold, as room temperature butter can lead to overly soft dough and flatten cookies during baking.
How should I store my cookies after baking?
Very! To keep your Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you choose to refrigerate them, they can last for up to 10 days, but be sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later baking?
Of course! You can easily freeze the cookie dough balls for future enjoyment. After forming the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to your baking time if baking from frozen.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
It’s a common concern! To prevent this from happening, make sure to chill the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking. Also, ensure that your oven is preheated properly and avoid overmixing the dough after adding dry ingredients, as this can create a thinner consistency.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, you can simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans from the recipe. These cookies are still incredibly delicious without nuts, and you could add an extra cup of chocolate chips or even some dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if my cookies are too dry?
If you find that your cookies have turned out drier than expected, it’s important to check a few things. First, ensure that you are measuring your flour correctly – spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off is key! Another tip is not to bake them too long; they should be slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. If you’d like to experiment further, consider adding an extra egg yolk next time for added moisture.
Thick and Gooey Two-Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add cold eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing just until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and any optional add-ins into the cookie dough.
- Divide the dough into 8–10 balls, each weighing about 6 oz.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 3–4 chilled dough balls on the sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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