Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Name: Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 cup mini marshmallows

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich, chewy goodness of Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows.

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:42:30.424Z

These Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies are a decadent blend of rich chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and fluffy marshmallows, inspired by the famous bakery in New York City. Perfect for chocolate lovers, these cookies are an irresistible treat that brings joy with every bite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy walnuts and soft marshmallows
Chewy texture that offers a delightful bite
Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself

      

The History of Rocky Road Cookies

Rocky Road Cookies have a charming history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally, the term 'Rocky Road' referred to a type of ice cream created in California during the Great Depression, featuring chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts to evoke a sense of comfort. This combination eventually inspired bakers to create cookies that embodied the same delightful flavors and textures. Today, Levain Bakery has perfected this recipe, making it a beloved treat for cookie lovers everywhere.

The fusion of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows creates a cookie that not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also pays homage to its rich history. Each bite of these Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies is a journey through time, reminding us of the simple pleasures that can be found in a well-crafted dessert.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the ultimate chewy texture in your Rocky Road Cookies, it's essential to properly cream your butter and sugars. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for maximum effectiveness; if you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

When mixing in the dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough cookies rather than the soft, chewy ones you desire. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, walnuts, and marshmallows until just combined to keep your cookies tender.

Lastly, remember that every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake and adjust the time if necessary. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors.

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

Once your Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings, parties, or simply indulging at home. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful treat any time of the day.

If you find that you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, retaining their chewy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be enjoyed for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, walnuts, and marshmallows.

Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into large balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips

For an extra chocolatey kick, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.

Nutritional Information

These Rocky Road Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also provide a decent amount of energy. Each cookie is packed with ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor, such as walnuts, which are a good source of healthy fats and protein. However, it's important to enjoy them in moderation, as they also contain sugars and fats that can add up quickly.

For those looking to make healthier choices while still enjoying dessert, consider substituting some ingredients. For instance, you can use whole wheat flour for added fiber or opt for dark chocolate chips for an antioxidant boost. These small adjustments can help make your indulgence a bit more guilt-free.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about Rocky Road Cookies is their versatility. Feel free to customize your batch by adding different mix-ins. Try substituting the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or milk chocolate, to create your own signature flavor.

If you're a fan of coconut, adding shredded coconut can enhance the tropical flavor profile of these cookies. For an extra crunch, consider incorporating pretzel pieces for a salty-sweet contrast. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the walnuts?

Yes, you can use any nuts of your choice or even omit them entirely.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?

Regular marshmallows can be cut into smaller pieces and used instead.