Description
This recipe delivers thick, chewy Levain-style cookies with crisp edges and soft centers, featuring cranberries, walnuts, and giant chocolate chips. It is an easy-to-make, satisfying treat perfect for families.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, (240g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, (226g) cold, cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar, (200g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, (220g) packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, (5ml)
- 1 cup dried cranberries, (150g)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, (100g)
- 1.5 cups giant chocolate chips, (270g)
Instructions
- Prepare Butter: Start with 1 cup (226g) cold, cubed unsalted butter.
- Cream Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the cold butter with 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar and 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl sides.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 0.5 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold In Mix-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup (150g) dried cranberries, 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts, and 1.5 cups (270g) giant chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Chill Dough: Form large, golf-ball sized dough mounds (about 6 oz / 170g each). Place on a baking sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10-14 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look slightly soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not skip the chilling step; it is essential for thick, chewy cookies that do not spread too thin. For variations, swap cranberries for raisins or dried cherries, and walnuts for pecans or almonds. Consider a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 giant cookie (approx. 170g)
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 84 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg