How to Make Levain Bakery-Style Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the indulgence of Levain Bakery’s famous cookies without derailing your healthy eating goals, this recipe is here to make that dream come true! These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies bring the rich, gooey decadence of the original, but with a lighter, more points-friendly twist. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying on track, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (reduces fat while keeping the cookies moist)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or Truvia)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup peanut butter chips (use sugar-free or reduced-sugar chips for fewer points)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)

Instructions

Prep and Preheat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, applesauce, and sugar substitutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.
2. Fold in the peanut butter chips and dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Shape the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 12 dough balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.

Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

(Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~3-4 (varies with specific ingredients used)

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Rich and Indulgent: The combination of dark chocolate and peanut butter chips creates a decadent flavor profile.
2. Weight Watchers Friendly: A satisfying treat that won’t break your daily points budget.
3. Perfect Texture: Chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside—just like Levain Bakery’s signature cookies!
4. Healthier Ingredients: The addition of applesauce and sugar substitutes keeps the cookies moist and lower in calories.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain soft in the center for that gooey, bakery-style texture.
• Customize the Chips: Swap peanut butter chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a flavor twist.
• Freeze the Dough: Make the dough ahead of time and freeze individual portions for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
• Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially with flour and cocoa powder.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Glass of Milk: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of almond milk for the perfect treat.
• As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a small scoop of low-calorie vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
• For Gifting: Wrap them in decorative packaging as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

These Levain Bakery Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies prove that healthier baking doesn’t have to compromise on flavor. With their rich chocolatey taste and soft, gooey centers, they deliver all the indulgence you crave while keeping your goals in check. Whip up a batch today and enjoy a guilt-free taste of bakery-style perfection!