Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Inspired by the famous Levain Bakery cookies, these rocky road versions are loaded with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crunchy cashews, creating a perfect balance of chewy and crispy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to please!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 12 large cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: Approximately 300
Protein: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 38 grams
Fat: 16 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugar: 20 grams
Sodium: 150 mg

Why Make This Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

If you love cookies that are thick, soft, and brimming with mix-ins, then you’ll adore these Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies. They perfectly capture that bakery-style taste with an indulgent twist. The semi-sweet chocolate chips bring rich chocolate notes, while the mini marshmallows add a sweet chewiness, reminiscent of a classic rocky road dessert. The crushed cashews provide a satisfying crunch, taking these cookies to the next level. They’re fantastic for sharing at gatherings, or even just for your own afternoon treat!

How to Make Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Baking these cookies is straightforward and fun. You’ll mix together simple ingredients to create a cookie dough that’s full of flavor. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup cashews, chopped

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to make sure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes of mixing. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over mix. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped cashews until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Scooping Dough

Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, scoop generous portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Baking

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look a bit underbaked. This will ensure a chewy center.
Step 7: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

These cookies can be served warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. They’re delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. They also make great additions to a dessert platter or cookie box for gifting!

How to Store Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying!

Expert Tips for Perfect Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Ensure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
Don’t overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. A few flour streaks are perfectly fine.
For larger cookies, simply increase the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Experiment with different nuts or chocolate types; walnuts or hazelnuts can be fantastic substitutions for cashews.
If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips.

Delicious Variations

Nut-Free Version: Replace cashews with additional marshmallows or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
S’mores Cookies: Add graham cracker crumbs and swap out chocolate chips for chocolate chunks for a s’mores-inspired treat.
Double Chocolate Rocky Road: Use cocoa powder in place of some of the flour for a chocolate cookie base, keeping the chocolate chips and other ingredients the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, although it may slightly affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What can I use instead of cashews?
Feel free to use any nuts you like, such as pecans or almonds. Or, for a nut-free alternative, try using crunchy granola or crispy rice cereal.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This often works perfectly in recipes without any major adjustments.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps firm up the butter and makes it easier to handle.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze it for later baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Baking Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of baked goods. These cookies are a treat that combines a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you share them with friends or enjoy them all to yourself, their rich taste and satisfying texture will undoubtedly make them a favorite. Try out this recipe today and bring the taste of Levain Bakery right into your home!