Levain Bakery Cherry Crumble Cookie: A Sweet and Tart Delight

The Levain Bakery Cherry Crumble Cookie is a delightful twist on the famous Levain Bakery cookies. These cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with sweet cherries and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart flavors, this recipe is sure to impress. Below is a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to help you create the perfect Levain Bakery Cherry Crumble Cookie.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dried cherries (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

For the crumble topping:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat the cold, cubed butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the dried cherries and white chocolate chips (if using).

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each cookie.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Variations

Nutty Cherry Cookies: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Replace the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Cooking Notes

For a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
If using fresh cherries, pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Tips

Use a cookie scoop to easily portion the dough.
For a richer flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the dough.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings—these cookies disappear quickly!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Baking Time:

12-15 minutes

Cooling Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

About 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes 12):

Calories: 280
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can omit them or use another type of chocolate chip.

Conclusion

Levain Bakery Cherry Crumble Cookies are a sweet and tart delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With their thick, chewy texture, sweet cherries, and buttery crumble topping, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!