Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

Soft, chewy and packed with the warm flavors of autumn, the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie) is a delightful treat for any occasion. This cookie recipe features a blend of dark brown sugar, molasses, and spices like cinnamon and ginger, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet snack with your favorite beverage. Its rich chocolate chips add an irresistible touch that will make these cookies a favorite during the fall season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Enjoy a cookie that is soft on the inside while still having a slight crisp on the outside.
• Rich Autumn Flavors: The combination of spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg, delivers a warm taste reminiscent of fall’s best desserts.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers at all levels.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy nights in, or as gifts to friends and family.
• Decadent Chocolate Chips: Each bite is filled with gooey chocolate chunks that complement the spiced cookie base perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easy, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without spills; having multiple sizes allows for better organization.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 12 Tablespoons Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (may substitute light)
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 2 Tablespoons Molasses
• 2 cups Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (1/4 tsp if using salted butter)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (may reduce to 1 teaspoon)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (may reduce to 1/4 teaspoon)
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips or Chunks

How to Make Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat the cold butter cubes with dark brown sugar and regular sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
2. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture:
1. Add in the molasses and egg.
2. Mix for an additional minute until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold in the following ingredients gently:
– Flour
– Baking soda
– Cornstarch
– Salt
– Cinnamon
– Ground ginger
– Ground nutmeg
– Ground cloves (if using)
– Chocolate chips

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls weighing approximately:
* 4 ounces
* 5 ounces
* 6 ounces

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using light-colored baking sheets can help achieve even browning.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove them when they are slightly underdone; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy this delightful Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie as part of your autumn traditions!

How to Serve Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich flavors of the cookie.

Warmed with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Slightly warm the cookies and serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices perfectly.

On a Cozy Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with seasonal fruits like apples and pears. This presentation adds a touch of elegance to your dessert table.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warmed caramel sauce over the cookies. This adds sweetness and enhances their fall flavor profile.

Accompanied by Hot Apple Cider

• Serve these cookies alongside steaming hot apple cider for a delightful autumn snack. The warm spices will complement each other beautifully.

How to Perfect Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

To ensure your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps improve the texture and flavor of your cookies.
• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter creates a chewier cookie instead of one that spreads too much during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Remove the cookies from the oven while they are still slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Adding more ginger or cinnamon can enhance warmth.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

While these spiced cookies stand out on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience even more. Here are some great options:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warm, flavorful drink that harmonizes well with the cookie’s spices.
2. Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar to contrast with the sweetness of the cookie.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar provide a crunchy texture that complements soft cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pomegranates balances out the richness of the cookie.
5. Chai Tea: This spiced tea pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cozy flavors found in your dessert.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for extra decadence.
7. Caramel Corn: A sweet snack that offers a crunchy contrast to the chewy texture of your spiced cookie.
8. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit to create a light side dish that complements your rich cookie beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie, be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure perfect results every time.

• Skipping the Butter Softening: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a sheet can cause sticking or uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Baking Too Long: Overbaking will make cookies hard. Remove them when they are slightly underdone; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.

Freezing Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie special?

The unique blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves gives these cookies a warm, autumnal flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap out dark chocolate chips for milk or white chocolate depending on your preference.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even pumpkin puree for extra flavor and texture!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

The Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie) is not only delicious but also versatile. With its spiced flavors and chewy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting spices to suit your taste! Give this recipe a try this season and enjoy every bite.