Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Highlighted under: Cakes, Pies & More
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
These cookies are a tribute to the famous Levain Bakery, known for their massive, bakery-style cookies. Packed with chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, they are the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy walnuts
- Chewy texture with gooey marshmallows
- Perfect for sharing or as a special treat
The Origin of Rocky Road Cookies
Rocky Road Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic cookie ingredients brought together to create a unique and indulgent treat. Inspired by the famous Rocky Road ice cream, these cookies encapsulate the same flavor profile with a chewy texture and crunchy elements. The combination of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows creates a rich taste that appeals to chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
The origins of Rocky Road can be traced back to the 1920s, when it was first created as a flavor of ice cream. Bakers and chefs have since adapted this concept into various forms, including the beloved cookie version. Each bite delivers a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of childhood treats, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and celebrations.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are not just a delicious treat; they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to enjoy a cozy night in, these cookies are the perfect addition to any occasion. Their rich chocolate flavor and delightful texture make them a hit with both kids and adults.
These cookies can be packaged beautifully for gifts, making them an excellent choice for special occasions like Valentine's Day, Christmas, or housewarming parties. Sharing them with friends and family is sure to bring smiles and compliments, enhancing your gatherings and creating lasting memories.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie
For the best results when baking Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, consider using high-quality chocolate chips. Semi-sweet chocolate adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while using different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate, can create a unique twist. Additionally, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve that light and fluffy texture when creaming with the sugars.
Another important tip is not to overbake the cookies. The ideal baking time is crucial; you want the edges to be set while the centers remain soft and gooey. This will ensure that your cookies have the perfect chewy texture that makes them so irresistible. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to maintain their softness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious cookies:
Rocky Road Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add Chocolate, Marshmallows, and Nuts
Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop large balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked Rocky Road Cookies with a glass of milk!
Pro Tips
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, use dark chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked taste. This way, you can always have a delicious treat on hand whenever the craving hits!
Creative Variations
While the classic recipe for Rocky Road Cookies is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to get creative. Consider adding different mix-ins such as peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different nuts, like pecans or macadamia nuts, to enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.
For a more decadent option, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cooled cookies before serving. This extra touch will elevate your Rocky Road Cookies to gourmet status, making them an even more impressive treat for guests or special occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
→ What can I substitute for walnuts?
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them altogether if you prefer a nut-free cookie.
→ How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I add different mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like peanut butter chips or dried fruit.
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
Created by: Paige Sullivan
Recipe Type: Cakes, Pies & More
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
Rocky Road Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
Using a cookie scoop, drop large balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, use dark chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g