There’s a certain joy that comes from baking cookies that bring a smile to your face. Picture this: you pull a tray of warm, gooey Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies from the oven, the rich aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen, instantly lifting your spirits. These indulgent treats are crafted for true chocolate lovers, featuring a decadent chewy chocolate base studded with heavenly mini marshmallows and crunchy cashews. They perfectly blend a variety of flavors and textures, making them not just a dessert but a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies add an elegant touch to any occasion. So grab your apron and get ready to create some delicious memories!
Why love Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies?
Indulgent Treat: These cookies are the ultimate chocolate delight, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Chewy Texture: With a soft center and crunchy edges, every bite is a textural adventure.
Versatility: Customize with different nuts or spices to create your own unique twist.
Impressive Presentation: Beautifully thick and loaded with flavors, they’re sure to wow your guests.
Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip these up with simple instructions and minimal equipment.
Bring joy to your gatherings with these cookies and consider serving them alongside a glass of milk for the ultimate experience!
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and bulk to create the perfect cookie base.
- Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor; opt for Dutch-processed for deeper taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve a chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for added depth.
- Unsalted Butter (softened) – Essential for creaminess, contributing to a tender cookie.
- Eggs – Adds moisture and binding; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
For the Mix-ins
- Chocolate Chips – Boost the chocolate richness; dark or milk chocolate can be substituted based on preference.
- Mini Marshmallows – Provide that gooey texture reminiscent of rocky road ice cream.
- Cashews (chopped) – Offer a delightful crunchy texture and buttery flavor; can swap with almonds for a classic touch.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor balance, ensuring sweetness shines through.
Embrace the joy of baking with these Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies that promise not just taste but an experience!
How to Make Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
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Prepare Dough: Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined — be careful not to over-mix!
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Fold in Additions: Gently fold in the chopped cashews, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for maximum deliciousness.
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Scoop and Chill: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes; this helps maintain their shape while baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft and slightly gooey.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — if you can resist, that is!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them chewy and enjoyable.
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Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place the cookies in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
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Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To revive the gooeyness, pop frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat. Enjoy the indulgent experience of your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies!
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can take your cookie-making adventure to the next level!
- Nut-Free: Swap cashews for sunflower seeds to eliminate allergens while still enjoying that delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat without sacrificing taste!
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
- Vegan: Exchange butter for coconut oil and eggs for flaxseed meal mixed with water to keep it plant-based.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough to warm up these cookies with a surprising twist.
- Tropical Touch: Replace mini marshmallows with shredded coconut for a vacation-inspired flavor in every bite.
- Fruity Addition: Toss in some dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast that beautifully balances the sweetness.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an indulgent touch that will leave everyone wanting more!
Each variation opens up a world of flavor possibilities, inviting creativity and deliciousness into your baking journey!
Expert Tips for Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Use softened butter to create an easy-to-mix dough; cold butter may result in tough cookies.
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Don’t Over-Mix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy, ensuring an indulgent experience.
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Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough before baking. This step helps maintain the shape and enhances the chewy texture of the Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies.
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Watch the Baking Time: Bake just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. This ensures a gooey middle that everyone loves.
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Substitutions Matter: Feel free to swap the cashews for different nuts. Each nut variation brings its unique flavor and texture, elevating your cookie experience!
What to Serve with Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies?
Elevate your cookie experience with delightful pairings that complement every indulgent bite.
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Cold Glass of Milk: Creamy and refreshing, a classic pairing that balances the richness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy treat served alongside the warm cookies creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries adds a fruity contrast that brightens the chocolatey flavors.
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Espresso or Strong Coffee: The boldness of coffee enhances the deep chocolate notes, creating a perfect awakening for your taste buds.
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Chocolate Drizzle: An extra drizzle of melted chocolate on top elevates the dessert experience, adding elegance and extra chocolatefulness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream balances out the dense cookies, making for a luscious bite.
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Red Wine: A glass of fruity red wine can enhance the flavors and create an indulgent end to a cozy evening.
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Homemade Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and a touch of luxury.
Each of these pairings enhances the enjoyment of the Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, making every moment delightful and memorable!
Make Ahead Options
These Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps of the recipe. Once you’ve scooped the dough onto a baking sheet, simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you need even more time, the dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months; just place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have delicious, warm cookies at a moment’s notice, just as delightful as when they are freshly made!
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, milk chocolate makes a great substitute. You can even mix both for a delightful balance!
What’s the best way to store Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for the best taste!
Can I freeze Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies?
Yes! To freeze, place your baked cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the freezer until fully frozen. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough turns out sticky, this could be due to warmer ingredients or a humid environment. To fix this, simply chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes – this helps firm it up! Additionally, flour your hands or the scooping tool to manage the stickiness better.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very! If you’re looking to make gluten-free Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. This way, you won’t sacrifice that beloved chewy texture.
Are Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies suitable for children or people with nut allergies?
When preparing cookies for children or those with nut allergies, I’d suggest using chocolate chips as the only mix-in or replacing the nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy twist. Just ensure all ingredients are free from cross-contamination. Enjoy the baking adventure!
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies: Your New Go-To Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Dough: Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined — be careful not to over-mix!
- Fold in Additions: Gently fold in the chopped cashews, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Chill: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes; this helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft and slightly gooey.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.