Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Review

By Lisa Maliga copyright 2022

The chewy center of a lovely Levain cookie

I’m a huge fan of Levain style chocolate chip walnut cookies. Yes, I refer to them as style, as I’ve never tasted the large six-ounce cookies from the New York City bakery. Even if I ordered them online, they’d still have to be heated up in the oven to get that bakery fresh goodness.

Instead, I make them myself. I’ve learned how by watching dozens of videos and reading baking blogs and cookbooks. I’ve not duplicated them in size as mine are slightly smaller, four ounces, and I add pure vanilla extract to make them even more flavorful. But when I learned that Levain sells their cookies in various supermarkets, I simply had to buy a box and give them a try.

Right out of the box

I bought this box at Whole Foods for only $7.99, as it was on sale. The cookies are sold in packages containing eight, two-ounce frozen cookies. They are also available in Two Chip Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

Since I had other errands to run, the cookies arrived back at my place thawed out. That’s okay, I was able to taste one as-is. In a way it reminded me of a packaged Chips Ahoy! Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie. I’m joking, because even at just-below-room temperature, that little cookie was thick and chewy and tasted so good I didn’t bother to heat it up.

After dinner, I put a piece of parchment paper on a small baking sheet, placed a cookie on it, and baked it in the toaster oven at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. Some of the chocolate chips melted and the color darkened up just like a freshly baked cookie. I weighed it and was pleased to see it was 2.3 ounces, so I got even more Levain goodness.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie ready to eat

For best results, don’t heat cookies [or any other food] on aluminum foil. Heated aluminum will get into your food and, of course, your body. Parchment paper or a silicone mat [Silpat] are your best options.

There are many pros to these cookies, especially if you don’t live in the New York or Washington DC area and can’t access the freshly baked ones. The smaller size is perfect if you’re watching your weight or aren’t very hungry. Three of these boxed beauties compare to one standard Levain cookie. Obviously, it’s much easier to warm these up than bake them from scratch.

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3B1cChw

Whole Foods link: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/levain-bakery-chocolate-chip-walnut-cookies-16-oz-b08j5mbvnd

Want to make your own? https://lisamaliga.wordpress.com/2022/01/12/jumbo-chocolate-chip-walnut-cookies-levain-style/

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Jumbo Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies [Levain style] Recipe

by Lisa Maliga, copyright 2022

If you like big cookies, have I got a recipe for you! These jumbo chocolate chip walnut cookies are similar to the famous Levain Bakery cookies. But they differ in two ways: the cookies are just over four ounces, [Levain’s are 6 ounces], and contain pure vanilla extract. They are still big, thick and chunky — yet soft on the inside due to the cake flour and corn starch. Another key is the short baking time on a higher temperature than conventional chocolate chip cookies.

With Valentine’s Day coming soon, these will be a sweet and thoughtful gift. Bake someone happy with these delightful jumbo chocolate chip walnut cookies!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut in cubes

1 cup organic raw brown sugar https://amzn.to/3zNFh99

1/2 cup granulated cane sugar https://amzn.to/2JLTRrX

2 large eggs, cold

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/3qls56e

1 cup all-purpose flour https://amzn.to/3mJ8TNu

1 cup cake flour https://amzn.to/34AzGrj

2 teaspoons corn starch https://amzn.to/3Fg2xOi

1 teaspoon baking powder https://amzn.to/3r2FTDP

3/4 teaspoon baking soda https://amzn.to/3tg5qfK

1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt https://amzn.to/2Vymifl

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips https://amzn.to/39KAVEL

1 cup chopped walnuts https://amzn.to/333p6bU

EQUIPMENT:

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Measuring cups/spoons
Whisk
Spatula
Cookie/ice cream scoop
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper/Silpat
Oven thermometer

A stack of freshly-baked chocolate chip walnut cookies

INSTRUCTIONS:

Oven temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit/205 degrees Celsius

Bake time: 11 minutes

* In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, corn starch, baking powder and salt. Whisk until combined.

* In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, and sugar until it’s well-combined, which will be a paste-like texure. You can also use a hand mixer or mix with a whisk or wooden spoon.

* Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Blend well.

* Stir in the dry ingredients until well blended. The dough will feel quite stiff.

* Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

* Form into balls approximately 4.2 to 4.5 ounces [119 to 127 grams]. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Refrigerate for one hour.

* Preheat oven.

* The cookies should be at least 3 inches apart. Bake on center rack for about 11 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTES:

This recipe made nine [9] 4.2 to 4.5-ounce cookies.

Store cookies in an airtight container.

If serving the next day, bake in oven/toaster oven for about 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees.

I’ve added links to some of the ingredients. They are only suggestions, of course.

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator before baking helps to keep the cookies higher so they won’t spread a lot. You want dry dough. Mix minimally but mix enough to ensure that everything’s well incorporated.

Adding nuts makes cookies healthier, more rustic looking, and helps hold the shape better. If you don’t like walnuts, substitute pecans, macadamia, cashews, etc. Or don’t use any at all.

I used callets [Callebaut brand chocolate chips] and some chunks of a chopped up 70% cacao chocolate bar.

Happy baking!

Freshly baked and split in half to show the inner goodness. Bake someone happy with these cookies!

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Dessert Cookbook Series: A Beginner’s Guide ~ New Boxed Set

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2020

 

Includes 3 full-length dessert cookbooks and more than 50 recipes.

Learn how to make many different desserts, no matter what your level of baking experience.

It’s easier than ever to bake decadent chocolate cupcakes and brownies. Get helpful tips about decorating and coloring cupcakes, recommended equipment, and loads of resources. Original and tested step-by-step recipes include Blueberry Brownies, Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes, Blue Velvet Cupcakes, Peppermint Swirl Cupcakes, and many more tantalizing treats.

The book was written by someone who went from baking box mix brownies and cupcakes to discovering the joy of baking from scratch. With a photograph of each finished treat, the reader will be inspired to try baking these delicious recipes.

Baking Chocolate Cupcakes and Brownies: A Beginner’s Guide contains 50+ color photos.

Bake beautiful and delicious French macarons in your own kitchen. This collection of tried-and-tested recipes allows bakers to create these tasty and colorful confections.

The author details what equipment and ingredients you need, offers numerous helpful tips, resources, and shares more than 30 recipes for you to whip up an array of elegant French delicacies.

Full of inspiring color photos, Baking French Macarons: A Beginner’s Guide, offers everything you need to bake stunning macarons that will impress anyone who tastes them.

Some of the flavors include Cinnamon Caramel, Tangy Orange, Key Lime, and Acai macarons.

Ruby Chocolate: A Beginner’s Guide includes ten original and tested recipes using authentic ruby chocolate. From healthy granola bars to tasty ruby chocolate chip cookies to decadent fudge, chocolate lovers will be inspired to create their own desserts. The reader also receives gift packaging ideas, and many resources.

Available exclusively at Amazon.

U.S. link: Dessert Cookbook Series: A Beginner’s Guide

U.K. link: Dessert Cookbook Series: A Beginner’s Guide

CA link: Dessert Cookbook Series: A Beginner’s Guide

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Einkorn Wheat Flour ~ Recipe & Video

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2018

There’s one similarity between macarons [which contain almond flour], and oatmeal raisin cookies made with einkorn flour – einkorn flour should be sifted twice. Other than that, these tasty and nutritious cookies are easy to make and can be eaten only a few minutes after they’re out of the oven.

In this recipe, I used both walnuts and pecans. Of course, you can opt for nut-free, use different nuts, or change the raisins to sultanas or even dried cherries/other types of fruit. The cookies shown here are very soft and chewy — and will remain that way for a few days. If they last that long! Einkorn flour is different from the usual all-purpose wheat flour found in grocery stores, because it’s an ancient grain that has NOT been hybridized. It comes from Italy and is high in the antioxidant lutein.

“A Good Gluten?: The gluten in einkorn lacks the high molecular weight proteins that many people can’t digest. If you are sensitive to modern wheat, einkorn can provide a delicious alternative. Please note that einkorn does contain gluten and is therefore not ok for those with Celiac Disease” from the jovial website.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup [1 stick] organic unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ cup raw cane sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR vanilla bean paste
1½ cups organic einkorn all-purpose, sifted twice 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice OR apple pie spice
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans [optional]

Oven temperature: 350 Fahrenheit

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°Fahrenheit.

Line 2 – 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In a large bowl or a stand mixer, cream together butter, coconut oil, and sugars.

Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.

Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well.

Using a spatula or a spoon, stir in oats, raisins and nuts.

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper or silicone mat-covered baking sheets.

Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. 

Cool on a wire rack, or enjoy some of them right away while they’re very soft, chewy and hot!

Learn more about einkorn flour here: https://jovialfoods.com/einkorn/learn-more-about-this-super-nutritious-grain/

VIDEO

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Orange Macarons Recipe & Video Tutorial

By Lisa Maliga copyright 2018

Orange curd, like lemon and lime curd, isn’t difficult to find in many grocery, health food or even discount stores. I was in TJ Maxx checking out the jams and jellies section, which is nicely stocked throughout the year, when I saw a jar of orange curd and thought it, might make a nice macaron filling. The taste wasn’t as tangy as I thought it would be so adding orange extract was necessary to get a brighter and tangier orange flavor. But it depends on your preference and the brand you buy—or if you make it yourself.

This was also the first time I used egg whites from a carton. I let them get to room temperature, but that’s not even necessary. I’d read that it takes longer to whip them up and it took me more than double the amount of time. Instead of separating the egg whites by hand, and not having to waste any eggs or remove any shells, the time saved was negligible.

While this recipe isn’t included in my book Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method, it follows the same formula as the other recipes and is detailed enough for most home bakers.

INGREDIENTS:

160 grams confectioners’ sugar, sift with almond flour
160 grams almond flour, sift with confectioners’ sugar
150 grams egg whites
180 grams confectioners’ sugar, sieved
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder
Orange food color gel

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar into a bowl. Stir in the arrowroot powder and set aside.
Put a template on a baking sheet and place a silicone mat or parchment paper over it. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Place bowl over steaming pot with just enough water, as you don’t want the water touching the bowl. Heat on medium heat until it steams. Test to make sure it’s hot enough by sticking your clean finger in the meringue near the center of the bowl. If using a candy thermometer the temperature should be about 130 F.
Remove from heat and place bowl back onto stand mixer. Add the cream of tartar.
Whisk on medium to high speed until firm peaks form. Egg whites should be glossy and if you flip the bowl upside down, nothing will come out.
Add food coloring and whisk until the color is incorporated.
Remove the whisk and add the paddle attachment [if using one].
Add the presifted almond flour and confectioners’ sugar mixture and food coloring.
Turn mixer to low or medium speed and mix for up to 10 seconds. If that doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly, mix for another 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and with your spatula, run it around the sides and bottom of bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Test for the ribbon stage. When you lift your spatula above the bowl, the batter should fall back to the bowl as one continuous stream and create a ribbon pattern.
Pour batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip.
Pipe onto the silicone or parchment covered baking sheets.
When finished with each sheet, bang baking sheet on counter to remove air bubbles. If you see any air bubbles, pop them with a toothpick.
Let shells rest on a flat surface in a cool, dry area for about 30 minutes. The surface will change from glossy to matte. To make sure they’re done, gently touch the edge of one with your finger. There should be no trace of batter on your finger.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will vary depending on your oven. Carefully monitor the baking process and check your oven thermometer. After 8 minutes, rotate the tray to ensure even baking.
Macarons are done when you peel back the mat or parchment paper and the shells don’t stick.
Remove from oven and slide the parchment or silicone mat onto a cooling rack.
Place macaron shells on a wax paper covered baking sheet or tray for filling.
Using an edible brown food color gel pen, carefully draw spirals on each shell.
When the shells are dry, match similar sized shells together. Pipe the filling on the flat side of one shell and gently place the second shell on top.

Orange Curd Macaron Filling

INGREDIENTS:

125 grams [4 ounces] unsalted butter, room temperature
125 grams [4 ounces ]mascarpone cheese, room temperature
40 grams [1/3 heaping cup] confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR vanilla bean paste
2-3 Tablespoons orange curd
1/2 – 1 teaspoon orange extract [optional]
Orange food color gel

INSTRUCTIONS:

Beat the butter and mascarpone cheese until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, followed by the orange curd. Then, add the vanilla while continuing to beat. Mix for about 5-7 minutes. Add extract. Spoon into a piping bag. You can use a French piping tip if you prefer fancy edges. I used an Ateco #863 for this recipe.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
All other bookstores: https://lisamaliga.com/bakingmacaronsswiss.htm

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Cinnamon Roll Macarons Recipe & Video

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2018

This recipe is from the book Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method. 

CINNAMON ROLL MACARONS RECIPE

For cinnamon lovers. Whether you adore cinnamon during the Christmas season or any time of the year, these sweet and spicy macarons are sure to please.

INGREDIENTS:

160 grams powdered sugar, sift with almond flour
160 grams almond flour, sift with powdered sugar
150 grams egg whites
180 grams confectioners’ sugar, sieved
1 Tablespoon [8 grams] arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon [3 grams] cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon [3 grams] ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Brown edible food color pen

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 300.
Sift almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl. Stir in the arrowroot powder and cinnamon, and set aside.
Put a template on a baking sheet and place a silicone mat or parchment paper over it. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Place bowl over steaming pot with just enough water, as you don’t want the water touching the bowl. Heat on medium heat until it steams. Test to make sure it’s hot enough by sticking your clean finger in the meringue near the center of the bowl. If using a candy thermometer the temperature should be about 130 F.
Remove from heat and place bowl back onto stand mixer. Add the cream of tartar.
Whisk on medium to high speed until firm peaks form. Egg whites should be glossy and if you flip the bowl upside down, nothing will come out.
Add vanilla bean paste and whisk for a few seconds.
Remove the whisk and add the paddle attachment [if using one].
Add the presifted almond flour and confectioners’ sugar mixture.
Turn mixer to low or medium speed and mix for up to 10 seconds. If that doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly, mix for another 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and with your spatula, run it around the sides and bottom of bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Test for the ribbon stage. The batter should fall back to the bowl as one continuous stream and create a ribbon pattern.
Pour batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip.
Pipe onto the silicone or parchment covered baking sheets.
When finished with each sheet, bang baking sheet on counter to remove air bubbles.
Let shells rest in a cool, dry area for about 30 minutes. To make sure they’re done, gently touch the edge of one with your finger. There should be no trace of batter on your finger.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will vary depending on your oven. Carefully monitor the baking process and check your oven thermometer. After 8 minutes, rotate the tray to ensure even baking.
Macarons are done when you peel back the mat or parchment paper and the shells don’t stick.
Remove from oven and slide the parchment or silicone mat onto a cooling rack. 
Place macaron shells on a wax paper covered baking sheet or tray for filling.
Using an edible brown food color gel pen, carefully draw spirals on each shell.
When the shells are dry, match similar sized shells together. Pipe the filling on the flat side of one shell and gently place the second shell on top.

CINNAMON ROLL FILLING

INGREDIENTS:

125 grams [4 ounces] unsalted butter, room temperature
125 grams [4 ounces] cream cheese, room temperature
220 grams [2 cups] confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
30 ml [2 Tablespoons] heavy [double] cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

In the bowl of a mixer/stand mixer, mix butter and cream cheese until well blended. Add the vanilla, heavy cream, and cinnamon. Continue to blend until well incorporated. Add the sugar and mix on high speed for a few minutes. Spoon into a piping bag and fill your macarons.

Want to learn more about baking macarons? 

Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
PAPERBACK LINK:Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Amazon UK:Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
PAPERBACK LINK:Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
B&N/Nook:Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
iTunes:Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Kobo: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Smashwords: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method ~ Excerpt

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2018

From the INTRODUCTION

Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method covers the simple techniques you’ll need along with the best type of equipment you should have to bake lovely macarons. You’ll also learn how the weather makes a difference, why you should invest in a digital kitchen scale and oven thermometer. I’ve spent lots of time, money, and hard work to get these recipes right. They are all unique and some are more suited to those who like their macarons sweet and others who enjoy their macarons with a little less sugar and are more classically flavored.

The Swiss method is for any level of baker providing you carefully read each recipe thoroughly along with the helpful suggestions.

When you have the ingredients weighed and sifted, the egg whites separated, and the baking trays lined, it’s time to bake macarons, Swiss style.

Official Description:

Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

This unique cookbook is designed for bakers of all levels. Follow each carefully detailed recipe and bake stunning macarons that will impress any dessert lover.

Helpful information includes the best ingredients and equipment to stock your kitchen, resources, tips and troubleshooting, plus the easy macaronage technique that will save you time and energy.

With a photo of each recipe, Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method, offers everything you need to bake beautiful and delicious macarons. It features 20+ new tried-and-tested macaron recipes.

Some of the flavors include Minty Chocolate, Speculoos [Cookie Butter], Raspberry Cheesecake, and Apple Spice macarons.

Available at these fine bookstores.

Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
PAPERBACK LINK: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Amazon UK: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
PAPERBACK LINK: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
B&N/Nook: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
iTunes: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Kobo: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Smashwords: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

Speculoos [Cookie Butter} Swiss Macarons

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Book Trailer

French Macaron Baking Adventures, Part 16: Chocolate & Raspberry Macarons

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2017

I’m happy to post a new blog for another successful batch of macarons that taste as good as they look. It’s also the first time I’ve used the AmeriColor brand of gel food coloring, and to get the bright pink color I only used 3 drops of Super Red. So, color me a fan of this brand!

I decided to combine chocolate with a dollop of homemade raspberry jam in the center of each macaron. All I had to do in advance was make the jam and the chocolate ganache. Instead of taking pictures, I attempted to film all the steps to preparing French macarons. Even with a tripod, the results weren’t very good. Learning how to operate a camera and keep the lens from auto focusing every time I added a new ingredient was a challenge. Trying to keep my hands away from the lens wasn’t always successful. The first tripod I bought was so flimsy, the camera tipped over. I had to invest in an aluminum one. Then came the video editing which may look easy but when it comes to removing yawn-inducing stretches of watching the whisk attachment going round and round, or seeing someone pipe three trays’ worth of macarons – well that’s not highly entertaining.

Ingredients for making chocolate raspberry macarons

Anyway, this batch of macarons turned out fine. I used my new Silpat mat for the third and smallest batch of shells. I was so proud of it that I took extra photos of the bright pink shells.

Bright pink raspberry macaron shells baked on the new Silpat mat

This was the first time I made ganache with Scharffen Berger 62% cacao semisweet chocolate. I REALLY recommend this for a delicious ganache. Yes, I adore Valrhona, but I found this to be just as good. The ganache was so smooth. Even the video I took of it didn’t seem to be too difficult to film. Once it’s edited, I’ll post it on my YouTube channel and link back to this blog post. Below is a screenshot of filling the macarons.

As I made my own raspberry jam and didn’t strain the seeds, the result is natural and changes the texture. If you prefer to make this with a fruit spread, you can choose a seedless raspberry.

Adding raspberry filling to the macarons

Chocolate ganache filling surrounding homemade raspberry jam in the center.

Chocolate raspberry French macarons

I’m going to be making another batch of macarons next week. They’re the perfect summer flavor. And if you’re looking to make a special Valentine’s Day gift for someone, this recipe will work just fine. Watch for the blog and maybe even a video!

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Want to bake macarons? Read my book Baking French Macarons: A Beginner’s Guide. Available in eBook [free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription] and paperback formats.