Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma wafting through my kitchen brings me right back to my favorite bakery in New York City, where the thick, chewy chocolate chip cookies are simply unforgettable. This recipe for Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies captures that magic, allowing you to bake bakery-style treats right at home without sacrificing flavor or texture. Imagine biting into a warm cookie, rich with melted chocolate, while knowing it’s completely gluten-free! Not only are these cookies a fantastic indulgence for those with dietary restrictions, but they also come together quickly for a delightful weeknight treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of cookies that will impress family and friends alike. Ready to discover the secret to replicating that famous NYC taste in your own oven? Let’s get baking! Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try? Indulgent flavors await you with these thick, gooey cookies that rival any bakery. Gluten-Free doesn’t mean compromising on taste—these delightful treats are packed with rich chocolate and have a soft, chewy texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Quick and Easy to make, they come together in no time, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions. Crowd-Pleasing and appealing to all, your family and friends will never guess they’re gluten-free! With options for dairy-free or vegan adaptations, there’s something for everyone. Dive into a batch of Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies—they promise to bring a smile to your face! Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients • A delightful mix awaits you to create these bakery-style treats! For the Dough Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – Ensures sturdy structure; choose a trusted brand like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill for the best results. Cornstarch – Adds a light, fluffy texture; if allergies are a concern, arrowroot is a suitable alternative. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to give cookies that perfect rise. Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors. For the Creaming Mixture Unsalted Butter – Infuses richness and moisture; make sure to use cold butter to keep the cookies from spreading. Brown Sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness. Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness with a subtle crispness in texture. For Binding and Flavor Eggs – Binds the ingredients and assists in the rise; no need for them to be at room temperature. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and a comforting flavor note. For the Chocolate Goodness Chocolate Chips (Dark and Semi-Sweet) – Infuse each bite with rich chocolate flavor; opting for high-quality chips will elevate your cookies to new heights. Dive into these Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies and enjoy every delicious, gooey bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Ensure there are no lumps for even distribution of the leavening agent and salt. Set this dry mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, take 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks, and add ¾ cup brown sugar along with ¾ cup granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a rich base for your Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies. Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Next, crack in 2 large eggs directly into the creamed butter-sugar mixture, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix the components on low speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The eggs add protein that binds the cookie dough together while enhancing flavor. Step 4: Combine Mixtures Carefully add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, starting at a low speed to prevent any flour dust from escaping. Mix until just combined—avoid over-mixing to ensure your gluten-free cookies remain thick and airy. The dough will be slightly sticky, indicating you’re on the right track with the Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies. Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. Ensure all the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overworking it. This step will make your cookies indulgently chocolatey, satisfying your sweet cravings beautifully. Step 6: Shape Cookies Using a generous ⅔ cup measure, scoop out the dough and lightly shape it into a mound—be careful not to pack it too tightly. Place these cookie mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced about 3 inches apart. This shaping will aid in achieving that thick, bakery-style texture in your Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies. Step 7: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 11-14 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle. This slight underbaking ensures that wonderfully gooey texture you expect from a perfect cookie. Step 8: Cool Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to set on the baking sheet for 20-25 minutes. They will firm up slightly as they cool but should still be soft in the center. This cooling period is crucial for achieving the ultimate chewy finish in your Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies. What to Serve with Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Beyond their gooey allure, these cookies can play a delightful role in a cozy meal setting. Cold Milk: Nothing pairs better than a glass of cold milk, which perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor and balances sweetness. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside the warm cookies creates a luxurious dessert experience that’s hard to resist. Fruit Salad: A fresh, tangy fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the cookie’s sweetness, offering a burst of vibrant flavors and textures. Coffee or Espresso: The robust notes of coffee enhance the chocolatey goodness, making for an indulgent afternoon treat you’ll look forward to. Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little salted caramel over the top of each cookie for an extravagant touch, mixing sweet and salty beautifully. Peanut Butter Cups: Pair the cookies with mini peanut butter cups for an extra nutty flavor that harmonizes perfectly with chocolate. Whether enjoyed with a warm mug of coffee or set among a spread of sweet treats, these Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to please! Make Ahead Options These Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain their delightful texture, make sure your dough is shaped into mounds without being tightly packed. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven, place the chilled mounds on a baking sheet, and bake straight from the fridge without needing to wait for the dough to come to room temperature—this helps preserve their thick, gooey center! Enjoy the convenience of having fresh cookies on hand, ready to impress family and friends with minimal effort! Expert Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; this helps enhance flavor and prevents excessive spreading. Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring gluten-free flour; too much can lead to dry cookies. Key measurement is essential for that chewy texture! Don’t Skip the Rest: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet; they continue to cook and set slightly during this time, ensuring perfect gooeyness inside. Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose premium chocolate chips and quality gluten-free flour for rich taste and superb texture; it makes all the difference in your Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top; creative additions can elevate the cookies to new levels! Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by trying these fun and delicious twists on the cookies! Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the butter for high-quality dairy-free margarine for a seamless alternative. Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and added richness. The nuts will make every bite even more satisfying! Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and choose a dairy-free butter. This way, everyone can indulge! Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor profile! Different Chocolate Varieties: Mix in white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a unique flavor blend. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate will provide a delightful contrast to the dark chocolate. Sea Salt Sprinkle: Just before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast. It brings out the chocolate richness beautifully! Double Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder (1/4 cup) into the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey version. Imagine biting into soft, chocolatey goodness with every single bite! For more exciting flavors, consider experimenting with these ideas in your bake! Remember, nothing beats the joy of a freshly baked treat, especially when it’s tailored to your taste buds. And don’t forget to pair these bake delights with a soothing cup of tea or a glass of cold milk! How to Store and Freeze Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, perfect for snacking! Fridge: If you prefer your cookies chilled, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough scoops in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Reheating: For the best experience, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, bringing back that fresh-baked warmth! Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your eggs are fresh; check the expiration date to avoid any surprises. The butter should be from a recently opened package, as using cold unsalted butter contributes to keeping the cookie thick and chewy. Quality chocolate chips are essential too; opt for a brand with high cocoa content to truly elevate your cookies! What is the best way to store baked cookies, and how long will they last? You can store your Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft and chewy texture. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider placing them in the fridge for the same duration, just remember to keep the container sealed tightly! Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies? Absolutely! To freeze unbaked cookies, scoop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for the same freezing duration. What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry or crumbly? If your cookies are coming out dry, it usually stems from using too much gluten-free flour or overmixing the dough. To prevent this, use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour accurately. If you find yourself in this situation, you can try to salvage them by adding a teaspoon of milk or water to the batch. Otherwise, be mindful of mixing; combine just until incorporated for the ultimate chewy finish! Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Very! These Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities but keep in mind they still contain eggs and dairy. If you’re catering to someone with dairy allergies, you can substitute with high-quality dairy-free margarine. For a vegan version, consider using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as a binder instead of regular eggs. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much? To help your cookies maintain their shape, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping. Using cold butter also plays a role in achieving that thick, bakery-style cookie. Additionally, ensure you’re not overpacking the dough when forming the cookies; gently shape the mounds without compressing too much to preserve that airy texture! Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy Bliss Awaits This recipe for Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies captures magic, allowing you to bake thick, chewy treats without sacrificing flavor or texture. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 14 minutes minsCooling Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 9 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 240 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour Choose a trusted brand like Cup4Cup or Bob's Red Mill.1 tablespoon cornstarch Arrowroot is a suitable alternative.1 teaspoon baking soda Acts as a leavening agent.½ teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness.For the Creaming Mixture1 cup unsalted butter Use cold butter.¾ cup brown sugar Provides caramel-like sweetness.¾ cup granulated sugar Contributes sweetness.For Binding and Flavor2 large eggs No need for room temperature.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor.For the Chocolate Goodness1½ cups chocolate chips (dark and semi-sweet) Opt for high-quality chips. Equipment Mixing Bowlshand mixerBaking SheetParchment PaperSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.In a large bowl, mix cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until fully combined.Slowly add dry mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.Scoop out dough, shape into mounds, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 11-14 minutes, rotating halfway.Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 20-25 minutes before transferring. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesChill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for best results. Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring gluten-free flour for the best texture. 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