As I stood in my kitchen, the sun streaming through the window, a sudden wave of nostalgia washed over me. It took me back to my last visit to NYC, where I stumbled upon the delightful Levain Bakery. Inspired by those heavenly treats, I couldn’t resist recreating their magic at home. With my Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies, you’ll experience a tropical twist on the classic—think thick, chewy, and irresistibly gooey centers cradled by crisp edges. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a quick indulgence on any day. Whether you’re gathering friends for coffee or simply treating yourself, these cookies promise comfort and joy with every bite. Curious how to whip up these bakery-style delights? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Thick, Chewy: Each cookie boasts a perfect thickness, achieving that signature Levain-style chewiness that’s hard to resist.
Gooey Centers: With melting pockets of caramel and chocolate, every bite offers a delightful burst of flavor.
Tropical Twist: The addition of shredded coconut elevates these cookies, transforming them into a vacation for your taste buds!
Quick Baking Time: Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re an easy treat for spontaneous cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a guaranteed hit at gatherings, perfect with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might also want to try making Coconut Shrimp Sweet as a delightful appetizer before diving into dessert!
Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Salted Butter – Ensures crisp edges and a tender center; use cold, cubed butter for the best results.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor; can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and a light texture.
• Eggs – Essential for binding and moisture; use large, room-temperature eggs for optimal results.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookies’ flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and chewiness.
• Cake Flour – Contributes to a softer texture; can be made by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch (1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch).
• Cornstarch – Helps to soften the cookie texture.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps cookies to rise slightly.
• Salt – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
For the Mix-ins
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Adds rich chocolate flavor; substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter option.
• Shredded Sweetened Coconut – Provides chewiness and a delightful tropical flavor.
• Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels – Melts into gooey pockets; if using soft caramels, cut them into small pieces for even distribution.
These Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies blend luscious tropical flavors and gooey textures that will certainly charm your taste buds!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies don’t stick. This step is crucial for easy removal later and will help you achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine cold, cubed salted butter with light brown and granulated sugars. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 4 minutes until it becomes light and creamy. This is key to ensuring your cookies puff up beautifully while baking.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add in two large, room-temperature eggs and pure vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugars. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix. This step helps bind the ingredients while keeping the texture tender, contributing to the gooey centers of your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until you see no visible flour streaks—be gentle to avoid overworking the dough, which ensures that your cookies stay light and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, shredded sweetened coconut, and caramel bits or small pieces of soft caramel. Use a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overmixing the dough. This will result in delightful pockets of gooey caramel and chocolate in each cookie.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop (about 170g each), portion the dough and place the scoops on the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between each one. This allows the Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies to spread properly while they bake, creating those thick, chewy delights.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. This is where the gooey magic happens!
Step 8: Cool and Set
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 15 minutes. This cooling period allows them to set perfectly before transferring to a wire rack, where they will continue to firm up and develop that irresistible texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply scoop the cookie portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and cover tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, pull the dough from the fridge, preheat your oven, and bake straight from the refrigerator, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. If you want to extend your prep, freeze unbaked dough balls for up to two months—allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime, just as delicious as when made fresh!
What to Serve with Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies?
These irresistible cookies can turn any ordinary day into a delightful celebration when paired with complementary treats and drinks.
- Rich Coffee: A warm, bold cup of coffee balances the sweet, gooey flavors of the cookies, enhancing your taste experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top your cookies with a scoop of creaminess for a delicious contrast that melts into the gooey centers of the cookies.
- Fresh Tropical Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add freshness and vibrancy to your dessert table, enhancing the tropical notes of the coconut.
- Chocolate Milkshake: A thick, indulgent milkshake mirrors the cookies’ rich flavors, making it a sure hit, especially with kids.
- Coconut Macaroons: Layering similar coconut flavors will elevate the tropical ambiance of your gathering, creating a cohesive and enjoyable dessert spread.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The zesty brightness of sparkling lemonade offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies, making them delightful.
- Peanut Butter Dip: For a twist, pair these cookies with a creamy peanut butter dip for an unexpected but delightful sweet and salty combo.
- Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies bring texture variety and enhance that decadent experience, ensuring a dessert table that’s bursting with flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side adds lightness and creaminess to balance the cookies’ dense richness.
Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies Variations
Feeling adventurous? Let your creativity shine with these delightful twists and substitutions for your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously chewy cookie everyone can enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, making them perfect for those avoiding dairy. The coconut essence will only enhance the tropical vibe!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts for a delightful crunch that complements the gooey centers beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of caramel.
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Tropical Fruit: Mix in dried pineapple or mango pieces for a burst of fruity flavor that takes these cookies to a tropical paradise.
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Chocolate Lovers: If you can’t get enough chocolate, incorporate dark chocolate chips or chunks instead for a richer, more decadent cookie experience.
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Seasonal Twist: Replace the coconut with festive seasonal treats—think pumpkin spice for fall or peppermint for the holidays.
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Mini Versions: For a bite-sized twist, make smaller cookies (around 85g each) and adjust the baking time to about 8-10 minutes for quick, poppable delights.
Embrace these ideas and feel free to experiment—each variation is a potential new family favorite! And if you love cookies as much as I do, check out my Chewy Pumpkin Cookies and Chocolate Oat Cookies for more baking inspiration!
How to Store and Freeze Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft, gooey centers.
Fridge: If you prefer a colder cookie, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week; however, they may lose some of their delightful chewiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the caramel to melt back into gooey pockets.
Expert Tips for Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and achieve thicker cookies.
- Monitor Baking Time: Watch closely as baking times can vary; underbaking slightly will ensure the centers remain gooey and delicious.
- Space Them Out: Ensure enough distance between scoops on the baking sheet; this prevents the cookies from merging while baking into thick, scrumptious treats.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the dough just until combined is crucial; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the soft, gooey Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies you crave.
- Toggle Add-ins: Feel free to swap in other chocolate types or add nuts for texture; just remember to keep the balance to maintain that signature thick cookie feel.
Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies?
For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Use cold, cubed salted butter for perfect texture. The light brown sugar should be moist and clump-free, while eggs should be at room temperature to mix well. When selecting semisweet chocolate chips, look for brands that contain pure chocolate without additives for a richer flavor.
What’s the best way to store Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies?
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help keep them soft and chewy. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though this might compromise their chewyness. I often store them in a cookie jar, tucked away from sunlight.
Can I freeze Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, start by placing baked cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer until they are frozen solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-7 minutes—this will bring back their gooey centers!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spreading too much, it may be due to warm dough or too little flour. To prevent this, ensure your butter is cold before mixing, and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their thickness and shape while baking.
Can I make these cookies without gluten or dairy?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions! Use dairy-free butter and substitue all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the chocolate chips and caramel bits are also gluten-free. Following these adjustments will still yield deliciously gooey cookies!
How do I know when my cookies are perfectly baked?
The magic happens when the edges are golden brown, and the centers remain soft. Take them out of the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to set while cooling. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for the ultimate gooey texture.
These Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies are sure to brighten your day; enjoy baking!
Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies: Irresistibly Gooey Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream cold, cubed salted butter with light brown and granulated sugars for about 4 minutes until light and creamy.
- Mix in two large eggs and pure vanilla extract just until combined.
- Sift in all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until no visible flour streaks.
- Fold in semisweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and caramel bits gently to avoid overmixing.
- Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 170g each), portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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