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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, but with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can sometimes feel out of reach. Enter my Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies—your solution to indulging in a bakery-style treat right at home without the stress! These cookies boast a perfect contrast of crispy edges and a gooey, chocolatey center, bringing a sense of joy with each bite.

Sourcing inspiration from the famed Levain Bakery, I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those overly ambitious grocery hauls, eager to create something memorable without having to be a master baker. Each cookie is a delightful explosion of melty chocolate chips, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy cashews, creating an irresistible combination that’s both easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a comforting afternoon treat, these cookies will surely elevate your home cooking and leave your taste buds dancing. Ready to whip up your very own batch? Let’s dive in!

Why are Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: With a rich blend of chocolate, marshmallow, and nutty crunch, each bite delivers an explosion of taste that you won’t want to miss.

Beginner-Friendly: These cookies are perfect for novice bakers; simple steps make following the recipe a breeze.

Decadent Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy exteriors and gooey centers, reminiscent of bakery-style treats.

Quick to Make: In under 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have fresh cookies ready to impress friends and family—ideal for unexpected guests!

Customizable Delight: Use the ingredients you have on hand for variations, like substituting cashews with almonds or trying dark chocolate chips.

Get ready to indulge and elevate your baking game with these delightful cookies!

Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create bakery-style magic at home!

For the Cookie Base

Butter – Adds richness and creates a soft, chewy center; use cold butter for thicker cookies.
Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and caramel notes for a deeper flavor.
White Sugar – Helps achieve a crisp edge while maintaining sweetness.
Eggs – Binds the dough together, adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor, giving warmth to the cookies.

For the Dry Ingredients

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Delivers that deep chocolate flavor; opt for high quality for the best results.
Cake Flour – Ensures a tender bite for our delicious cookies; substitute with all-purpose if needed.
All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure; can be used alone if cake flour is unavailable.
Cornstarch – Softens the texture, making the cookies even more delightful.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
Salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

For the Goodies

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Offers balanced sweetness; dark chocolate is a great alternative if you prefer a richer taste.
Mini Marshmallows – Create that signature gooey Rocky Road texture; chop regular marshmallows if needed.
Cashews (or Almonds) – Adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of saltiness; walnuts also make a great substitute.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to baking your very own Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies!

How to Make Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking.
Cream the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large mixing bowl using a sturdy spoon or mixer. Beat until fluffy, about 4 minutes, testing for a light texture.
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and delightful, ready for the dry ingredients.
Sift together the cocoa powder, cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Gently mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and cashews. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that perfect bite every time.
Scoop out large dough balls, approximately 5 to 6 ounces each, and place them onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for spreading.
Press a few extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top of each dough ball for a gourmet appearance—you know the look that says “delicious!”
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

Optional: Pair with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Busy home cooks will love the convenience of making Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies ahead of time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to step 5, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough directly onto the baking sheet—you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Enjoy freshly baked cookies just as delicious as if they were made from scratch on the spot!

Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delicious cookies—each twist makes them uniquely yours!

Nut Options: Substitute cashews with chopped almonds or walnuts for a deliciously different crunch.
Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for an extra rich chocolate experience.
Marshmallow Twist: Give a fruity twist by incorporating freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries instead of marshmallows for a tangy contrast.
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a surprising heat that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Flavor Boost: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty aroma that elevates the cookie’s flavor profile.
Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet contrast to the chocolate chips—each bite will burst with flavor!
Oatmeal Crunch: For added texture, fold in a cup of rolled oats, giving each cookie a heartier feel and flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute the cake and all-purpose flours; enjoy a gluten-free take on these treats!

What to Serve with Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies?

Savoring cookies fresh out of the oven is a delightful experience, but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your treat to new heights.

Cold Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk enhances the chocolatey goodness while perfectly balancing the rich sweetness of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines warm and cold textures beautifully.
Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm cup of hot cocoa; the richness of the chocolate will harmonize seamlessly with the cookies’ gooey marshmallows.
Fresh Berries: Bright and tangy berries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies, cleansing the palate with each bite.
Coffee: A robust cup of coffee complements the rich flavors, making each cookie taste even better, especially during afternoon breaks.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of decadence—it’s a chocolate lover’s dream!
Nuts or Trail Mix: A side of crunchy nuts or trail mix introduces additional textures and flavors, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft cookies.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies takes indulgence over the top, offering a delightful sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Dessert Wine: A chilled dessert wine can elevate your cookie experience during special occasions, pairing beautifully with the chocolatey, nutty flavors.
Cheesecake Dip: Serve these cookies alongside creamy cheesecake dip for a fun and interactive dessert experience that will please all your guests.

Storage Tips for Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft while maintaining their delicious flavors.
Fridge: If you need to extend freshness, cookies can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy that just-baked texture, microwave frozen cookies for about 15-20 seconds. Your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies will be warm and delightful once again!

Expert Tips for Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold to retain a thick, chewy center. Room temperature butter can make cookies too flat.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender, bakery-style Rocky Road Cookies.
Press Extra Toppings: For a gourmet look, press additional chocolate chips and marshmallows on top before baking. This enhances appeal and flavor.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies—baking times can vary by oven. Remove them when edges are set, but centers look slightly underbaked.
Cool Before Storing: Allow cookies to cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up. This helps maintain that perfect texture when stored.

Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness of my ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is cold and firm—it helps create that chewy texture. When it comes to eggs, use fresh ones for the richest flavor. The chocolate chips should be semi-sweet for balancing the sweetness of the cookies, while mini marshmallows should be fluffy and soft, without any hard parts or stickiness.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! Store your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container with parchment paper layered between each cookie to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll have that warm, gooey goodness back in no time!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies are spreading excessively during baking, there could be a couple of reasons. First, check to ensure you used cold butter and measured your flour accurately. Overmixing the dough can also lead to spreading. Gently mix your flour until just combined. If the dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.

Are there any dietary considerations for allergies or pets?
Very important! Since these cookies contain butter, eggs, and nuts, they are not safe for those with dairy, egg, or nut allergies. Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens. As for pets, chocolate, and cookies in general, are not suitable for dogs or cats, so keep them out of reach!

Can I modify the recipe for a healthier version?
Absolutely! You can make a few swaps to lighten things up: try using almond or coconut flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option. You could also reduce the sugar slightly or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup. Remember that altering the ingredients may affect the texture slightly, but you’ll still be on your way to a delicious cookie creation!