Name: Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Cold Butter (cut into cubes); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 1 cup Cake Flour; 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 3/4 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 2 cups Mini Marshmallows; 3/4 cup Cashews (roughly chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 75 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that is a perfect harmony of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, then the Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. This legendary cookie captures all the joy of classic rocky road flavors but with that signature Levain Bakery heft and decadence that makes every bite an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or showing off your baking skills to friends, this recipe promises soft, melty, and indulgent cookies that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three dark brown chocolate cookies with soft, slightly bumpy textures. Each cookie has melted white marshmallow patches and smooth chocolate chips spread across the surface. The cookies rest on a white marbled surface scattered with whole cashew nuts, white marshmallows, and chocolate chips around them. The overall look is rich and inviting with a mix of rough and smooth textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking these irresistible cookies. Each component is crucial, from the cold butter that creates a tender base to the mini marshmallows that bring in that signature gooeyness, all playing a role in the irresistible Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe.

Cold Butter (1 cup, cut into cubes): Keeps the dough firm and creates a beautifully soft, buttery texture.
Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness that balances the chocolate.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with crisp edges on the cookies.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough together and give the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm and aromatic notes.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup): Gives rich chocolate flavor and that classic dark color.
Cake Flour (1 cup): Yields a tender crumb, preventing the cookie from being too dense.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Adds structure so the cookies hold their shape.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Contributes to a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking Soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and develop a slight chewiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 3/4 cups): The star ingredient for pockets of melty chocolate bliss.
Mini Marshmallows (2 cups): Give signature gooeyness and that nostalgic rocky road touch.
Cashews (3/4 cup, roughly chopped): Add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.

How to Make Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 410 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter cubes, brown sugar, and sugar for at least four minutes. This step is essential to lighten up the dough, ensuring the cookies bake up soft but fluffy with a slightly crispy edge that’s oh so satisfying.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing for one more minute until everything is perfectly combined. The eggs bring moisture, and the vanilla adds that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and makes the whole baking process feel magical.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins

Time to fold in the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in cocoa powder, cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, then gently mix until fully blended. Now, the best part: add in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped cashews. These mix-ins define the Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe, bringing that ultimate combination of gooey, crunchy, and rich textures.

Step 4: Shape the Cookie Dough

Roll your dough into large balls weighing about 5 to 6 ounces each — yes, these cookies are meant to be big and hearty like the famous Levain style! Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.

Step 5: Garnish and Prepare for Baking

For that extra gourmet look, press a few chocolate chips and mini marshmallows into the tops of each cookie dough ball. This not only makes the cookies look incredibly inviting but also guarantees pockets of melted marshmallow and chocolate right at the surface once baked.

Step 6: Bake and Shape

Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, then here’s a little insider tip: marshmallows closest to the edges tend to melt and run. Quickly use a small spatula to gently press the edges of the cookie dough toward the center while the cookies are still warm. This shapes them beautifully and keeps all that rocky road goodness from melting away.

Step 7: Let Them Cool

Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes so they can set up perfectly before transferring to a cooling rack. This resting period is essential to achieve the perfect chewy exterior with molten centers every time.

How to Serve Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe

Three dark chocolate cookies lie on a white marbled surface, each thick with a rough texture and visible gooey white marshmallow patches and melted chocolate chips scattered throughout. Around the cookies, small white mini marshmallows, dark chocolate chips, and light brown curved cashew nuts are spread loosely, adding color contrast. The cookies have an uneven, homemade look with slightly cracked tops revealing the soft marshmallow centers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are beautiful on their own, sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top just before serving for a fresh, inviting look that brings brightness and contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of whimsy and sweet appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these decadent cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of strong black coffee. The cool or bitter elements complement the richness and sweetness, balancing each bite perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, stack the Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe in a clear glass jar or wrap them with colorful ribbons and parchment paper. You can even sandwich a bit of marshmallow fluff and chocolate ganache between two cookies for an irresistible rocky road cookie sandwich experience that will wow everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to five days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their fresh-baked perfection.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough balls and baked cookies. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months — bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze wonderfully when wrapped individually and stored in airtight containers, maintaining their moisture and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for about 5 minutes or until soft and melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming too gummy — warming gently in the oven preserves that perfect Levain Bakery texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cashews with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds make excellent alternatives if you want to switch things up or accommodate preferences. Just chop them roughly like the cashews to keep that satisfying crunch.

Why is the oven temperature so high at 410 degrees?

The higher temperature quickly caramelizes the outside of the cookies, giving you that irresistible crispy edge and soft interior. It’s a signature technique when recreating Levain Bakery’s thick, gooey cookies.

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

You can, though cake flour lends a lighter, more tender crumb. If you don’t have cake flour, measuring all-purpose flour and removing two tablespoons per cup before adding cornstarch can help mimic the effect.

How do I prevent marshmallows from melting too much during baking?

Gently pressing the cookie edges towards the center right after baking helps keep melted marshmallows from leaking off and maintains that lovely rocky road shape.

Are these cookies best fresh or can they be stored for later?

While fresh-baked is always best, these cookies actually maintain great flavor and texture for several days when stored properly, thanks to the balance of ingredients and that resting period after baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s more than just a cookie — it’s a delightful experience filled with melty chocolate, soft marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, all wrapped up in a cozy homemade treat. I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with its rich and comforting flavors as much as I have. Happy baking!