These Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With a rich chocolate base, gooey marshmallows, and the perfect crunch from cashews, these cookies are a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Each bite melts in your mouth, bringing the nostalgic joy of Rocky Road ice cream to cookie form. The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and elegance. Perfect for a special occasion or an everyday treat, their decadent appearance makes them a showstopper on any dessert table. The slight salty crunch from the cashews offsets the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Cold Butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Cake Flour
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 3/4 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 3/4 cup Cashews (roughly chopped)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and sugar for at least 4 minutes, until light and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing for an additional minute.
- Fold in the cocoa powder, cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and cashews.
- Form the dough into 5 to 6-ounce balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For a gourmet look, press additional chocolate chips and marshmallows on top of each cookie ball.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes. Upon removal from the oven, gently press the edges of the cookies inward with a spatula to maintain their shape.
- Allow the cookies to rest for 15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 26 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 345 kcal per cookie | Servings: 12 large cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Levain Bakery has long been synonymous with decadent, oversized cookies that leave a lasting impression. Among their lineup of beloved treats, the Rocky Road Cookies have earned their place as a fan favorite. These cookies are a nod to the classic rocky road dessert, with their signature blend of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. But what makes this recipe stand out among countless cookie recipes, and why should it be a staple in your baking repertoire? Let’s dive into the details.
The Magic of Rocky Road
The rocky road flavor profile has always been about contrast. The combination of smooth, sweet, and salty creates a balance that appeals to a wide range of palates. Traditionally, rocky road desserts feature chocolate, marshmallows, and almonds. Levain Bakery’s version swaps almonds for cashews, a change that brings a buttery, slightly sweet crunch to every bite. This subtle adjustment enhances the flavor and sets these cookies apart from the rest.
When adapted into cookie form, rocky road takes on new life. Instead of being confined to a bowl or cone, the flavors are infused into a dense, chewy cookie with a rich chocolate base. It’s the perfect vessel for this classic combination, providing the ideal balance of sweetness and texture.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Bake
There’s no shortage of chocolate cookie recipes available, but this one stands out for several reasons:
- Exceptional Texture:
Levain Bakery cookies are renowned for their thick, gooey centers and slightly crisp edges. This recipe replicates that iconic texture by using a mix of cake flour and all-purpose flour. Cake flour’s lower gluten content ensures a tender crumb, while the all-purpose flour provides structure to maintain the cookie’s shape. - Cold Butter Technique:
Unlike many cookie recipes that call for softened butter, this recipe uses cold butter cut into cubes. This method may seem counterintuitive, but it creates a cookie that holds its shape during baking while developing a smooth, creamy dough when creamed with sugar. - High-Temperature Baking:
Baking at 410°F is a game-changer. The high temperature ensures the cookies bake quickly, locking in their moisture while creating a golden-brown exterior. This approach keeps the cookies thick and prevents them from spreading too much. - Gourmet Appearance:
For that extra touch, adding a few chocolate chips and marshmallows to the top of the cookie dough before baking gives the cookies a bakery-quality look. This simple step ensures they look as good as they taste.
Tips for Perfect Rocky Road Cookies
Mastering this recipe requires attention to detail and a few key techniques:
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies.
- Mind the Marshmallows: Marshmallows can melt and spread if placed on the edges of the cookie dough. Position them in the center of the dough balls for the best results.
- Rest the Cookies: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes after baking is crucial. This resting period helps them set and enhances their chewy texture.
The Allure of Cashews in Cookies
Cashews are an unexpected but welcome addition to these cookies. Their subtle sweetness and creamy texture complement the chocolate base and marshmallows without overpowering them. Cashews also have a natural buttery flavor that enhances the cookie’s overall richness. While almonds are the traditional nut in rocky road, cashews elevate the recipe to gourmet status, offering a unique twist that feels indulgent and luxurious.
Customizing Your Rocky Road Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While it stays true to the Levain Bakery inspiration, there’s plenty of room for creativity:
- Nut Substitutions: Swap cashews for almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix of chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Add-ins: Consider incorporating caramel bits, toffee pieces, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra layer of complexity.
Why This Recipe Appeals to Home Bakers
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are not just another dessert; they’re an experience. The recipe’s attention to texture, flavor, and presentation makes it a rewarding project for home bakers of all skill levels. Despite its gourmet results, the recipe is straightforward enough to be accessible to beginners.
For seasoned bakers, it’s a chance to refine techniques like creaming butter and sugar, working with cold butter, and perfecting high-temperature baking. Each batch is a lesson in balancing flavors and achieving the ideal cookie consistency.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, ideally still slightly warm from the oven when the marshmallows are gooey, and the chocolate is melty. Pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the dough balls for later use, allowing you to bake fresh cookies on demand. Simply extend the baking time by a few minutes when baking from frozen.
Conclusion:
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are more than just cookies they’re a tribute to the joys of baking and the timeless appeal of chocolate and marshmallows. This recipe captures the magic of a classic dessert while adding its own unique twists, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking them for a special event, as a gift, or simply to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. With their rich flavor, chewy texture, and gourmet appearance, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these unforgettable cookies.