Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies are the perfect treat for those who crave bakery-style cookies without the gluten. These delicious chocolate pecan cookies boast slightly crisp edges and a gooey, chocolatey center. Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. With their rich flavors and delightful textures, they bring the joy of a bakery right into your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: Each cookie is packed with a blend of rich chocolate and toasted pecans, creating an indulgent taste experience.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common kitchen tools, making these cookies is straightforward, even for beginners.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these cookies fit perfectly in any setting.
- Satisfying Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges with a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Everyone can enjoy these cookies without worry, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen scale
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, ensuring perfect cookie texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup when baking your cookies on the sheet tray.
- Kitchen scale: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time you bake.
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
Mix-Ins
- 425 grams mixed chocolate
- 150 grams toasted pecans
How to Make Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside to allow the ingredients to blend well.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Add the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, granulated white sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
2. Mix at low speed until combined.
3. Increase speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy (about 4-6 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs
With the mixer running on low:
1. Add one egg first followed by the egg yolk.
2. Allow each to incorporate fully before adding the next egg.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Turn off your mixer:
1. Scrape down the sides of both the bowl and paddle attachment.
2. With the mixer still on low, gradually add in your dry mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate & Pecans
Add in mixed chocolate chips and toasted pecans:
1. Mix on low speed until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper:
1. Use a kitchen scale to portion out 6oz dough balls onto the sheet.
2. Wrap the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours to hydrate flour.
Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F:
1. Arrange four cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes:
1. Rotate tray; reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
2. Bake for an additional 6-9 minutes until cookies have crispy edges but remain underdone in center.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Remove from oven:
1. Allow cookies to cool on sheet tray for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Enjoy warm or store for later cravings!
How to Serve Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
These delicious gluten-free Levain Bakery cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, serving these cookies right can enhance the experience.
Pair with Milk
- A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies with the creaminess of milk. Choose whole or almond milk for a delightful contrast.
Serve Warm
- Enjoy these cookies warm right out of the oven for a gooey center. Simply let them cool slightly before serving to maintain their soft texture.
Add Ice Cream
- Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The melted ice cream will complement the chocolate and pecans beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of each cookie for an extra touch of richness. This adds a beautiful presentation and intensified chocolate flavor.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and flavor profile will enhance your cookie experience.
Gift Them
- Package these cookies in decorative boxes to give as gifts. They make a thoughtful treat for friends and family, especially those who appreciate gluten-free options.
How to Perfect Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
To achieve the best results with your gluten-free Levain Bakery cookies, consider these helpful tips:
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Use High-Quality Flour: Opt for Cup4Cup or another dedicated gluten-free flour blend for optimal texture and taste.
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating your dough allows flavors to develop and helps in achieving that perfect chewy center.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; underbaking slightly will ensure they stay gooey in the middle.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add different types of chocolate or nuts to customize your cookies according to your preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
Complement your gluten-free Levain Bakery cookies with these side dishes that enhance their flavors:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can provide a light contrast to the rich cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that balances sweetness.
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Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses, such as creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, which pairs beautifully with sweet treats.
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Nut Mix: A simple mix of different nuts adds crunch and healthy fats, making it an excellent companion to soft cookies.
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Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fun fondue station where guests can dip fruits or marshmallows into warm chocolate alongside their cookies.
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Herbal Tea: Brew some calming herbal tea to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing your cookie enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking gluten-free cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for perfect Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies.
- Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much or too little flour can affect the texture. Always weigh your flour for accuracy.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Not allowing the dough to rest can lead to dry cookies. Refrigerate the dough for at least 12 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour.
- Inaccurate Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to burnt or undercooked cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise baking conditions.
- Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a sheet pan can cause sticking. Always line your baking tray with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
- Place uncooked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Frozen dough can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft and warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about these delicious Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies, read on!
What makes these cookies gluten-free?
These cookies use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Brands like Cup4Cup provide excellent results without gluten.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies?
Yes! You can swap chocolate types or nuts based on your preferences while keeping the main structure intact.
How do I achieve gooey centers in my cookies?
To get that gooey center, slightly underbake the cookies by monitoring them closely during the last few minutes of baking.
Are there any tips for making these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies are not only enjoyable but also customizable. You can add different nuts or chocolate varieties based on your taste. Perfectly crisp edges with a gooey center make them irresistible! Try baking them today and delight yourself and your loved ones with this amazing treat.
Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking Gluten Free Levain Bakery Cookies, a treat that brings the essence of bakery-style goodness right into your home. These rich cookies are crafted with a perfect balance of chocolate and toasted pecans, featuring crispy edges and a gooey center that melts in your mouth. Ideal for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to special celebrations—these cookies will impress everyone, even those who aren’t gluten-sensitive. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 300 grams gluten-free flour (Cup4Cup recommended)
- 113 grams unsalted butter
- 100 grams light brown sugar
- 115 grams granulated sugar
- 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk
- 425 grams mixed chocolate (chocolate chips or chunks)
- 150 grams toasted pecans
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a stand mixer, beat unsalted butter with both sugars until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt.
- Add eggs: Mix in the egg and yolk one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate dry mix: Gradually add the dry mixture until just combined.
- Fold in mix-ins: Stir in chocolate and pecans evenly into the dough.
- Chill dough: Form dough balls (6 oz each) on a parchment-lined sheet, wrap, and refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F; place dough on sheets and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F, then reduce to 350°F for an additional 6-9 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg