Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s nothing quite like the feeling of wrapping my hands around a warm cookie fresh from the oven. With these Homemade Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, thick and chewy bliss awaits you! Crafted with semi-sweet chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a satisfying crunch from cashews, these indulgent treats are perfect for both cozy evenings at home and special gatherings. You’ll love how easy this recipe is to whip up, ensuring that you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss of complicated steps. Plus, with a few delightful variations, you can customize them to match your cravings. Ready to dive into a slice of cookie heaven? Let’s bake and make that kitchen smell divine! Why are these cookies irresistible? Thick, Chewy Perfection: These Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are the epitome of cookie indulgence. Their thick, chewy texture makes every bite a delight, ensuring you’ll savor each mouthful. Loaded with Goodies: Packed with semi-sweet chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy cashews, they provide a symphony of flavors and textures that will bring smiles all around. Easily Customizable: Not only a treat on their own, but you can also switch up the nuts or chocolate chips to create a version that’s uniquely yours. Try a twist with our variation ideas! Quick and Simple: Forget complicated recipes. This one is straightforward, allowing you to whip up a batch of cookies in no time, perfect for surprise guests or a last-minute dessert. Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Whether it’s a party or a cozy night in, these cookies are a hit. Everyone will be asking for seconds, making them a fantastic addition to any gathering! Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base Cold Butter – Keeps the dough rich and moist; make sure it’s straight from the fridge for perfect creaming. Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and chewy texture—it’s crucial for that indulgent bite. Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness; together with brown sugar, it creates a lovely texture. Large Eggs – Acts as a binder; using them at room temperature helps with even mixing. Vanilla Extract – Enriches the flavor; opt for pure vanilla for a truly aromatic experience. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Infuses a rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed can offer a deeper taste. Cake Flour – Helps create that soft texture; if needed, all-purpose flour can substitute without too much change. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies—accurate measuring here is key for the best results. Cornstarch – Increases softness and chewiness—just a little goes a long way in achieving that thick texture! Baking Soda – A vital leavening agent; always check if it’s fresh for the best rise. Salt – Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness of the chocolate. For the Mix-ins Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds decadent chocolate chunks throughout; feel free to swap for dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Mini Marshmallows – Imparts a delightful gooeyness; freezing them before mixing can help prevent them from melting too much. Cashews – Brings a crunchy nutty goodness; consider almonds or walnuts for a different nutty twist! Let the baking begin, and enjoy these delightful Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This preparation is key to achieving perfectly baked Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, combine cold butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed for about 4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale and has a smooth texture, creating a rich base for those chewy cookies. Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Crack in the large eggs and add the pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat everything together for 1 minute on medium speed until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy. This step binds the dough and infuses it with delicious flavor—a crucial part of your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies! Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients Gradually sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just barely combined. This keeps the dough from becoming tough and produces the thick, chewy texture inherent to the best Rocky Road Cookies. Step 5: Fold in the Goodies Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, frozen mini marshmallows, and chopped cashews using a spatula. Ensure that everything is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough without over-mixing. This step adds a delightful burst of texture and flavor to each bite of your indulgent Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies. Step 6: Shape the Cookies Using your hands, roll the dough into large balls, about 5-6 ounces each, for that bakery-style thickness. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading while baking. This shaping ensures that your cookies come out thick and chewy, just as they should! Step 7: Bake to Perfection Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should be puffy and barely set in the center when you pull them out. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect texture you expect from outstanding Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies. Step 8: Cool and Enjoy Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 15 minutes. This resting period is essential for achieving that chewy inside while the edges remain crisp. Once cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely—then it’s time to savor each delightful bite of your homemade treat! Make Ahead Options These Homemade Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are an excellent candidate for meal prep, making your baking experience even more convenient! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which helps maintain the freshness and flavor. For longer storage, roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen dough balls to a baking sheet and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This ensures they will be just as delicious, thick, and chewy as fresh-made cookies! Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of freshly baked treats with minimal last-minute effort. Expert Tips for Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Chill the Dough: Keep the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and helps achieve that thick, chewy texture. Measure Accurately: Weigh your flour for the most precise measurements. Too much flour can lead to dense cookies instead of light and chewy Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies. Rotate Batches: Bake only one tray at a time and rotate halfway through for even cooking. This ensures that all cookies bake to perfection. Avoid Overmixing: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies; you want that perfect chewy consistency. Check Freshness: Always check that your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. Stale baking soda can lead to flat cookies, so pick up a new container if needed. What to Serve with Homemade Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies There’s nothing better than freshly baked cookies paired with complementary flavors to create a delightful experience. Cold Milk: The classic accompaniment! A tall glass of cold milk enhances the rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow goodness in every bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast while melting into the warm cookies for a heavenly treat. Hot Chocolate: Enjoy a cozy evening by pairing these cookies with a rich cup of hot chocolate, creating a perfect indulgent duo. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream: This decadent ice cream blends the familiar flavors we love, offering an exciting twist to your cookie experience. Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries brings a pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances the cookie’s sweetness beautifully. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the chocolatey flavors while offering an inviting aroma, making it a perfect companion for cookie enjoyment. Peanut Butter Milkshake: For a peanut butter lover, this creamy shake provides an irresistible match, enhancing the cookie’s flavor profile with its nutty creaminess. Brownies: Layered desserts are a joy! Pair these cookies with fudgy brownies for an ultimate indulgent dessert spread, perfect for gatherings. Cheesecake Brownies: Combining both cheesecake and brownie flavors delivers a unique texture and taste that pairs splendidly with the cookies’ richness. Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Variations Feel free to let your imagination run wild with these scrumptious cookie options—the perfect way to make them your own! Nutty Alternatives: Substitute cashews with almonds or walnuts for a delightful nutty flavor twist. Almonds bring a gentle sweetness, while walnuts offer a deep, earthy taste to your cookies. Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate to enhance richness. This darker twist adds a sophisticated layer of flavor, ideal for serious chocolate lovers. Mocha Magic: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a hint of coffee flavor. The mocha taste complements the chocolate beautifully, adding depth to each bite. Tropical Vibes: Mix in sweetened shredded coconut for a burst of tropical sweetness. This addition not only adds flavor but also a delightful chewiness that surprises the palate. Spicy Warmth: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warming spice kick. These spices bring a cozy essence, perfect for gatherings and fall festivities. Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version. These adjustments retain that beloved thickness while making it vegan-friendly. Salted Caramel Touch: Drizzle melted caramel over the finished cookies or fold in caramel bits. The gooey caramel shines alongside chocolate and marshmallows, elevating indulgence. Add a Crunch: Toss in crushed pretzels for added texture and a salty contrast. The pretzel bits create a unique crunch that balances the sweet gooeyness beautifully. Now you’re ready to personalize these amazing Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies and create something truly special! Enjoy exploring the delightful variations, and don’t miss out on pairing them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot chocolate for an unforgettable treat! Storage Tips for Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture. Fridge: If you want to prolong freshness, keep cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for my cookies? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, ensure your cold butter is fresh and straight from the fridge for perfect creaming. For eggs, using room temperature eggs helps with even mixing and better incorporation into the dough. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies? I recommend storing baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, but make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent them from drying out. Can I freeze my Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies? Definitely! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking together. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Why are my cookies flat instead of thick and chewy? Very common! If your cookies flatten, it may be due to too much flour or not chilling the dough before baking. I recommend measuring flour accurately—using a scale is ideal. Also, chilling the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking can help those cookies maintain their delightful thickness. Are these cookies safe for those with specific allergies? Yes, please be mindful! Our Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies contain common allergens such as butter, eggs, and nuts (cashews), so be cautious if you’re baking for someone with allergies. You can adjust by using dairy-free butter and omitting nuts if needed. Just make sure to inform guests about modifications! Thick, Chewy Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies You’ll Love These Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are thick and chewy, loaded with chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts—an irresistible dessert treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Cold Butter Straight from the fridge for perfect creaming1 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and chewy texture0.5 cup Granulated Sugar Balances sweetness2 large Eggs Use at room temperature2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla for a richer flavor0.5 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed for deeper taste1 cup Cake Flour Soft texture; can substitute with all-purpose flour1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure0.5 teaspoon Cornstarch Increases softness and chewiness0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda Check freshness0.5 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetnessFor the Mix-ins1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Feel free to swap for dark chocolate1 cup Mini Marshmallows Freeze them before mixing to prevent melting1 cup Cashews Consider almonds or walnuts for a twist Equipment Electric MixerMixing BowlBaking sheetsParchment PaperSpatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Levain Bakery Rocky Road CookiesPreheat the oven to 410°F (210°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.Cream cold butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.Add in eggs and vanilla extract and beat together on medium speed for 1 minute until glossy.Sift in cocoa powder, cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt; gently mix on low speed.Fold in chocolate chips, marshmallows, and cashews until evenly distributed.Roll dough into large balls (5-6 ounces each) and place on baking sheets with enough space.Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy and barely set in the center.Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesChill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. Measure flour accurately for best results. Rotate baking sheets halfway for even cooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
