This is the perfect summer treat to make! If you’re looking for cookies with different ingredients to wow your friends, these Levain copycat lemon cookies are a must-try. I made these for my girls’ game night, and they were an absolute hit. My friend Ellen requested this recipe, and it sounded so amazing that I just had to make it for her. It was incredible, so I definitely recommend it. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want a delicious treat, these Levain lemon cookies are the ultimate summertime dessert!
Ingredients:
Cold Cubed Unsalted Butter: The cold butter is essential for creating a dense, chewy texture in the cookies. Unlike room temperature butter, cold butter takes longer to melt, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much. The butter also adds rich flavor and tenderness to the cookies.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the cookies. It also contributes to the chewy texture by attracting and retaining moisture during baking. The acidity of brown sugar also helps to activate the baking soda, aiding in leavening.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to create a crispier edge and a slightly tender interior. It balances the moisture from the brown sugar and butter, ensuring the cookies have the right texture. The sugar also helps with the overall sweetness and caramelization during baking.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cookies. The proteins in eggs help bind the ingredients together, while the fats in the yolk add richness and flavor. Eggs also contribute to the leavening process, helping the cookies rise and giving them a tender crumb.
Lemon Zest: Lemon zest adds a concentrated lemon flavor without adding extra liquid to the dough. The natural oils in the zest provide a fresh, vibrant citrus aroma and taste, enhancing the overall lemony flavor of the cookies.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a tart, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies. It also provides a bit of acidity, which helps to balance the flavors and can aid in the leavening process when combined with baking soda.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and bulk. The gluten in the flour gives the cookies their shape and texture. All-purpose flour is versatile and has the right protein content to create a chewy yet tender cookie.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to soften the cookies and gives them a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also helps to thicken the dough slightly, which can prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Baking Soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the acidity in the lemon juice and brown sugar to create carbon dioxide gas, which helps the cookies puff up in the oven.
Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the lemon flavor. It also helps to strengthen the dough’s structure by tightening the gluten network, which can improve the texture.
White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips add a creamy, sweet contrast to the tart lemon flavor. They provide pockets of melted chocolate in each bite, making the cookies more indulgent and delicious. The chips also add a bit of texture and visual appeal to the cookies.
What is Levain Bakery?
Levain Bakery is a renowned bakery in New York City, famous for its incredibly thick and indulgent cookies. Founded in 1995 by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, the bakery has gained a cult following for its unique cookie creations.
Levain Copycat Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold cubed unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups white chocolate chips or lemon chips if available
Instructions
- Prep the Butter and Sugars:
- Cube your cold unsalted butter. In a stand mixer, combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix for 3-4 minutes until fully combined, light, and fluffy.
- Cube your cold unsalted butter.
- In a stand mixer, combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix for 3-4 minutes until fully combined, light, and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture.
- Mix until everything is fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white chocolate chips (or lemon chips if you’re using them).
- Fold in the white chocolate chips (or lemon chips if you’re using them).
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Scoop: Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C). After chilling, scoop the dough into desired portions. Add more chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C).
- After chilling, scoop the dough into desired portions. Add more chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake: Place the scooped dough on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Place the scooped dough on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as the cookies need to set and firm up; moving them too early might cause them to fall apart.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as the cookies need to set and firm up; moving them too early might cause them to fall apart.
- Transfer and Enjoy: Once cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious, summery lemon white chocolate chip cookies!
- Once cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your delicious, summery lemon white chocolate chip cookies!
- These cookies are inspired by Levain Bakery in New York City, known for their high baking temperatures that yield perfectly baked goods. Enjoy a little taste of New York City right in your own kitchen!
Video
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration:
- If you want to extend their freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing:
- Unbaked Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Preventing Staleness:
- To keep cookies from becoming stale, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb excess air and moisture, helping to keep the cookies fresh longer.
Conclusion
These Levain Coffee Cat Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of summer. The refreshing lemon zest and juice, combined with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips, make for an irresistible cookie that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a summer gathering, or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are a must-try.
If you make these cookies, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how they turned out! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me @munchiesbymallory. I love seeing your baking adventures! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!
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