Name: Gooey Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Ingredients: 227 g Cold, Cubed Butter (Use cold for optimal texture, giving the cookies a crispy edge.); 200 g Light Brown Sugar (Adds moisture and depth of flavor.); 100 g Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the dough perfectly.); 2 large Eggs (Essential for binding ingredients together and providing rise.); 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract (Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.); 188 g All-Purpose Flour (Provides structure.); 179 g Cake Flour (Contributes tenderness.); 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (Lightens the flour blend.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (A key leavening agent for rise.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Balances the sweetness.); 340 g Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Adds rich chocolate flavor.); 160 g Shredded Sweetened Coconut (Introduces chewiness and tropical flavor.); 100 g Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels, halved (Melts into gooey pockets.)

As I walked past my kitchen window, the aroma of melting chocolate mixed with sweet coconut drew me in like a siren’s song. Today, I’m excited to share my Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies—a recipe inspired by that iconic NYC bakery style, these thick cookies are like a warm hug for your taste buds. With a perfect crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center, they promise a delightful blend of flavors. What I love most is that they come together in under half an hour, making them a perfect choice for spontaneous baking adventures. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting treat. Are you ready to learn the secrets behind these scrumptious cookies that are sure to impress?

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Texture: These Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies feature a delightful crispy exterior that gives way to an utterly gooey center, making every bite an exciting journey through textures.

Quick and Easy: With just under 30 minutes from idea to cookie, you can satisfy those last-minute cravings without a hassle.

Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of melting chocolate, sweet coconut, and warm caramel provides layers of rich flavors that both kids and adults will adore—perfect for a bake sale or family gathering!

Versatile Add-ins: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or seasonal ingredients like dried cranberries to customize these cookies to your taste.

Crowd Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress! Serve them warm with a side of coffee, or bring them along to sharing events for smiles all around. Want to try another treat? Check out my Cookies Cream Peanut recipe for a delightful twist!

Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Cold, Cubed Butter (227g) – Use cold for optimal texture, giving the cookies a crispy edge.
• Light Brown Sugar (200g) – Adds moisture and depth of flavor; dark brown sugar can be used for a more robust taste.
• Granulated Sugar (100g) – Sweetens the dough perfectly.
• Large Eggs (2) – Essential for binding ingredients together and providing rise.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

For the Flour Mixture
• All-Purpose Flour (188g) – Provides structure; mixing with cake flour can enhance texture.
• Cake Flour (179g) – Contributes tenderness and is crucial for achieving thick cookies.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon) – Lightens the flour blend, resulting in a softer cookie.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – A key leavening agent for rise.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness in the dough.

For the Chocolate and Mix-ins
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips (340g) – Adds rich chocolate flavor; swap for milk chocolate if you prefer more sweetness.
• Shredded Sweetened Coconut (160g) – Introduces chewiness and a delightful tropical flavor; unsweetened is a great alternative for less sweetness.
• Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels, halved (100g) – Melts into gooey pockets; chopping soft caramels into small pieces works in a pinch.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will set the stage for baking the perfect Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies with their signature crispy edges and gooey centers.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer, beat the cold, cubed butter together with both light brown and granulated sugars on medium speed for about 4 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated. This step is essential for achieving that rich flavor and delightful texture characteristic of Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugars are well combined, add in the large eggs and pure vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined, taking care not to overmix. You’ll notice the batter becoming smooth and creamy, enhancing the flavors in your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will start to come together, creating a sturdy base for your cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, shredded sweetened coconut, and halved caramel bits using a spatula. Take care not to over-mix; you want the chunks to remain intact and evenly distributed within the dough for those gooey pockets of caramel in your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out about 170g of cookie dough for each cookie. Place them generously spaced apart on your prepared baking sheets, allowing room for expansion during baking. The generous portions will ensure the thick, bakery-style cookies you crave.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked. This is the sweet spot for achieving that perfect gooey center that everyone loves.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set beautifully without falling apart. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely before indulging in your delectable Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container; this allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 2 months; this is a great time-saver for unexpected cravings. Just place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add an extra 2 minutes to the bake time when you’re ready to enjoy freshly baked cookies. By prepping ahead, you’ll ensure that the cookies remain just as delicious with gooey centers and crispy edges as if they were made fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature to maintain their delightful texture and gooey centers.

Fridge: You can store them in the fridge for up to 7 days; just note that this may slightly alter their texture, making them firmer.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for an hour before enjoying their gooey goodness.

Reheating: To bring back their warm, gooey texture, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes.

Expert Tips for Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies

Chill Your Dough: After mixing, refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate and fresh coconut for the best taste. This dramatically improves the final flavor profile of your cookies.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes. They should be golden around the edges while the center remains soft and gooey.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to try different mix-ins like toasted nuts or dried fruit. They can elevate the flavor and texture of your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies.

Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies Variations

Elevate your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies with delightful twists that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch that perfectly complements the gooey centers. The contrast of textures will keep your taste buds dancing!
Festive Flair: Incorporate dried cranberries or white chocolate chips for a seasonal touch. This combo not only looks beautiful but also brings a blend of tartness and sweetness to your cookie experience.
Toasted Coconut: For a deeper coconut flavor, lightly toast the coconut before adding it to the dough. This will intensify the flavor and add a delightful nuttiness to your cookies.
Milk Chocolate Swap: Swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie option that the whole family will love. Who can resist extra sweetness?
Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for a warm, gentle heat that unexpectedly complements the rich caramel and coconut flavors. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised!
Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for a vegan version. You’ll still enjoy that irresistible gooey texture while catering to dietary choices.
Caramel Swirl: Instead of bits, try drizzling soft caramel on top of the cookies before baking. As they melt, they create delicious gooey trails that elevate the flavor profile.
Flavored Extracts: Experiment by adding different extracts like almond or coconut in addition to vanilla. This twist will bring unique layers of flavor to your cherished cookie recipe.

These simple variations allow you to personalize your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies, ensuring there’s always something new to look forward to. Looking for more inspiration? Check out my decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake for a rich dessert idea that your family will adore!

What to Serve with Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies

To elevate your baking experience, discover delightful pairings that beautifully complement your indulgent creations.

Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream adds a luscious creaminess that balances the cookies’ gooeyness, making each bite even more luxurious.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, adding a burst of tartness that brightens the palate. Perfect for summer gatherings!
Nutty Coffee: A warm cup of nutty coffee transforms your treat into a cozy café experience, enhancing the rich chocolate and caramel flavors while offering warmth in every sip.
Coconut Milkshake: With its creamy texture and coconut flavor, a milkshake creates a delightful indulgence. Blend coconut milk, ice cream, and a hint of vanilla for a tropical treat.
Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream draped over the cookies adds a fluffy, decadent element. Try flavored whipped creams, like coconut or vanilla, to enhance the experience.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies boosts chocolate intensity and adds an extra touch of elegance to your presentation.
Sweet Almond Biscotti: Pairing these cookies with crunchy almond biscotti creates a satisfying texture contrast while offering an additional sweet option for cookie lovers at dessert time.
Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso brilliantly offsets the sweetness of the cookies, providing a rich, satisfying end to your meal.
Milk: A classic pairing, the cool, creamy goodness of milk calms the cookie’s sweetness and brings back the childhood joy of dunking cookies for a nostalgic touch.

Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For this recipe, ensure your butter is cold and cubed to achieve the ideal texture. If you’re using coconut, choose shredded sweetened coconut for extra chewiness; however, if you prefer less sweetness, opt for unsweetened. For the sugars, light brown sugar provides moisture, but dark brown sugar can give a deeper flavor—both are great, but choose what fits your taste!

How should I store my cookies?
Store your Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For those days when you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days, though they might get a bit firmer. Just remember, the softer, the better!

Can I freeze Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies?
Certainly! You can freeze your cookie dough balls—just wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake them for about 2 extra minutes than your usual baking time. They’ll come out just as gooey and delicious!

What should I do if the cookies spread too much during baking?
If you find your cookies are spreading too much, there are a few tips to help! First, make sure your butter is cold and cubed; this is crucial. Second, consider chilling your dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies. If they still spread, try reducing the baking time slightly—watch for that golden edge!

Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
While these Levain Caramel Coconut Cookies are vegetarian, they do contain dairy and eggs, so they’re not suitable for vegans. For egg substitutions, you can use flax eggs or applesauce—these will change the texture slightly but still keep it delicious. Always be sure to check labels for any allergens in ingredients like chocolate chips or caramel bits!

What variations can I try with this recipe?
The more the merrier! You can mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch. Dried cranberries or white chocolate chips can make for a delightful festive twist. For a bolder coconut flavor, consider lightly toasting your coconut before mixing it in. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!