Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of Levain Bakery's Rocky Road Cookies, a delightful treat that combines chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts for an irresistible dessert experience.
These cookies are inspired by the famous Levain Bakery, known for their colossal and delicious cookies. The Rocky Road variation combines the flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, creating a chewy and rich treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Decadent chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth
- Chewy texture with a delightful crunch from nuts
- Loaded with gooey marshmallows for a sweet surprise
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a glass of milk
A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Levain Bakery's Rocky Road Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to impress. Their rich flavors and chewy textures make them a crowd favorite, and they pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
These cookies are not just delicious; they also bring a sense of nostalgia. The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts harkens back to classic Rocky Road treats, making them a delightful homage to childhood favorites. Each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying in solitude.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect Rocky Road Cookies, it’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour and cocoa powder. This will ensure that your cookies have the ideal texture, balancing chewiness with a slight crunch. Always use room temperature butter to help create that light and fluffy dough that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Another key tip is to avoid overmixing your dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to maintain the cookies' tender texture. Additionally, don’t skip the cooling step after baking; allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet ensures they set properly and maintain their thick, chewy profile.
Storing and Freezing Your Cookies
Once baked, you can store your Rocky Road Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
To enjoy frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This will bring back their delightful gooeyness, allowing you to savor that freshly baked experience even after they’ve been stored away.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.
Rocky Road Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Make sure to measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect cookies.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Form Cookies and Bake
Scoop large balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Rocky Road Cookies!
Nutritional Information
While Levain Bakery's Rocky Road Cookies are undeniably a treat, it's always good to be aware of what you're indulging in. Each cookie is packed with energy from butter and sugars, as well as the nutrients found in nuts. However, moderation is key. Enjoy these cookies as a special dessert rather than an everyday snack to maintain a balanced diet.
If you're looking to lighten the recipe, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with healthier nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, which provide beneficial fats and proteins without compromising too much on flavor.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your Rocky Road Cookies! Try adding different types of chocolate, such as white or dark chocolate chunks, to cater to your taste preferences. You can also swap out the marshmallows for other mix-ins like dried fruits or toffee bits for a unique twist.
If you want a bit of spice, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. These variations can elevate your cookie experience and keep things exciting each time you bake a batch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts or even omit them if you prefer.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough in balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs if you need a vegan option.
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of Levain Bakery's Rocky Road Cookies, a delightful treat that combines chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts for an irresistible dessert experience.
Created by: Hannah Lewis
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
Rocky Road Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing 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 until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Scoop large balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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