Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies are a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. These cookies capture the essence of bakery-style indulgence with slightly crisp edges and a gooey, chocolatey center. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these cookies will satisfy any sweet craving while being entirely gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and toasted pecans creates a rich flavor profile that delights the taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies with confidence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
• Gooey Center: Achieve that irresistible bakery-style gooeyness by slightly underbaking them.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out chocolate types or add different nuts to customize your cookie experience.

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Tools and Preparation

Baking Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies requires some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen scale

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool ensures even mixing, resulting in light and fluffy cookie dough.
• Baking sheets: Durable baking sheets provide an even surface for cookie baking, promoting uniform cooking.
• Kitchen scale: Weighing ingredients helps achieve accuracy, crucial for perfect texture in gluten-free baking.

Ingredients

Gluten-free bakery-style chocolate pecan cookies with slightly crisp edges and a gooey and chocolatey center.

Dry Ingredients

• 300 grams Gluten Free Flour (I recommend Cup4Cup for this recipe)
• 30 grams cornstarch
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• 113 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 100 grams light brown sugar
• 115 grams granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature

Add-Ins

• 425 grams mixed chocolate
• 150 grams toasted pecans

How to Make Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mixture

Combine the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated white sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
2. Mix on low speed until combined; then increase to medium speed.
3. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 4-6 minutes).

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

With the mixer running on low:
1. Add the large egg followed by the egg yolk one at a time.
2. Allow each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn off your mixer:
1. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
2. With the mixer on low speed, add in your dry ingredient mixture gradually until just combined.
3. Fold in the mixed chocolate and toasted pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper:
1. Portion dough into 6oz cookies using your kitchen scale.
2. Wrap the sheet tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F:
1. Arrange four cookies on your parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle them with flaky sea salt.
2. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes; then rotate the tray while reducing heat to 350°F.
3. Bake for an additional 6-9 minutes until they have crispy edges but still look puffy in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from oven:
1. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet tray for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
2. Enjoy them warm for that fresh-baked experience! Repeat with remaining dough or freeze extras for later use.

How to Serve Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you enjoy them alone or with accompaniments, these cookies are sure to please everyone.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with cold milk enhances the chocolatey flavor and brings a comforting touch to your dessert experience.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for warm days.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavors.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce elevates these cookies. It adds an extra layer of indulgence, making them even more irresistible.

Warmed Up

• Enjoy your cookies slightly warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This enhances their gooey texture and brings out the chocolatey goodness.

How to Perfect Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

To make sure your Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for premium gluten-free flour and chocolate. The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 12 hours helps develop flavors and improves the cookie’s structure, resulting in better texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking process. For that gooey center, it’s essential to watch closely during the last few minutes of baking.

• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add different chocolates or nuts based on your taste preferences. This gives you room to customize each batch uniquely!

Best Side Dishes for Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

Complementing your Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies with delicious side dishes can enhance their appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a delightful taste sensation.

2. Espresso or Coffee
   The rich flavors of coffee balance nicely with sweet cookies, making it an ideal pairing for dessert lovers.

3. Chocolate Mousse
   A light chocolate mousse provides a decadent counterpoint to the chewy cookie texture while still embracing that chocolate theme.

4. Fruit Sorbet
   A refreshing fruit sorbet offers a fruity contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of rich cookie goodness.

5. Whipped Cream
   Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each cookie, adding creaminess that complements their richness perfectly.

6. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses provides savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet cookies, making for an interesting dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies, it’s easy to stumble over a few key details that can impact the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much or too little gluten-free flour can alter the cookie texture. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Skipping the Resting Period: Not allowing the dough to rest can lead to bland cookies. Refrigerating helps develop flavors and improves the texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long after adding the flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender bite.
• Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can prevent proper mixing, leading to uneven dough. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking will result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they still look slightly underdone.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, bake for 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies:

What makes these cookies gluten-free?

These cookies are made with gluten-free flour and cornstarch, making them safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I customize the mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can substitute chocolate with nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate for variety.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for crispy edges and a slightly puffy center. The center should still appear underbaked for that gooey texture.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze both unbaked and baked cookies, making them perfect for future cravings.

How long do these cookies last?

If stored properly, they will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to 4 days, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies offer a delightful combination of crispy edges and a gooey center that everyone will love. With endless customization options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Give them a try; you won’t be disappointed!